Dispersed camping near Oak Grove, Kentucky centers on the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, with multiple primitive sites throughout the 170,000-acre peninsula between Kentucky and Barkley Lakes. The area features rolling hills with elevations between 350-450 feet and mixed hardwood forests of oak, hickory and maple. Camping sites range from accessible lakefront locations to more remote forest settings requiring careful navigation of unpaved roads.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: LBL FS-326 offers excellent fishing access where the road dead-ends at Energy Lake. One visitor noted that "it was quiet most of the time" with "occasional obnoxious people across the lake where I believe a campground is located," making this a good spot for a peaceful fishing experience.
Wildlife viewing: Barge Island Public Use Area provides a "small gravel beach area, good for fishing" at the end of a gravel road extension. The surrounding area offers opportunities to spot diverse wildlife including deer, turkey, and various bird species.
Kayaking and water activities: Demumber's Bay features "a boat ramp, and zero entry areas into the water for launching" according to a camper who described it as "a well maintained campground" that "allows for easy kayaking or other small water craft."
What campers like
Privacy and seclusion: Forest Service Rd 343 offers isolation with minimal disruption. As one camper described: "Stayed here 4/17-18. The first day I was visited by an older man on a dirt bike who was just out riding. The next morning an older man on a horse stopped to talk and a couple in a Cherokee stopped to chat. Seems it's a popular road for other people looking for an off-the-beaten-path place."
Peninsula camping: Campers appreciate the small peninsula sites at LBL FS154 where one visitor described: "The campsite itself is on a small peninsula, just big enough for a large two room tent, a makeshift fire ring, and a vehicle."
Multiple site options: Several primitive camping areas feature multiple potential sites allowing options if first choices are taken. At Demumber's Bay, one camper observed "multiple dispersed camping spots available along the way (closer to the bay mostly). There are a couple on the water and some in the woods close by."
What you should know
Permit requirements: Basic Camping permits must be purchased in advance for most primitive camping. As one LBL FS154 visitor advised: "Be sure to have your dispersed camping permit before coming out! They are available online, and at any of the Visitor's centers."
Vehicle requirements: Many primitive sites require appropriate vehicles. At Forest Service Rd 343, one camper cautioned about road conditions: "The road coming in is a little washed out but not too pitted. I'd recommend AWD/4WD and 8+ inches of clearance, especially if it has rained because it's pretty steep in sections."
Seasonal considerations: Land between The Lakes Bards Lake Tharp Road requires a fee but visitors find it worthwhile. One camper noted "Not free, but worthwhile for a small fee. My family and I loved spending time at this spot!" The area experiences lower visitation during winter months when water levels drop significantly.
Tips for camping with families
Safety precautions: Primitive camping requires additional safety planning. At LBL FS-326, a camper reported: "Also heard a sound during the night, possibly coyotes. Otherwise, I felt safe and had a great time here!!"
Insect preparation: Summer months bring increased insect activity. At Demumber's Bay in August, one visitor experienced "Extreme bug activity" and reported "The bugs were insane and 40 must've flown into my car when I opened the door for a split second."
Amenity planning: Neville Bay offers basic facilities described as "Very clean, well maintained primitive campground on the south end of LBL." Another visitor confirmed it's a "Great little camp ground. Well suited for tents. Most of the area isn't very level."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller rigs only. At Neville Bay, one RVer shared: "We went with our 30 ft travel trailer. There is no hook ups. Can run generator until 11pm."
Road conditions: Primitive sites often have challenging access roads. One camper at LBL FS154 warned: "some of the roads are still blocked by trees felled (probably during December 2021 tornados), so you won't want to be dragging a trailer behind you when you turn a curve to see a fallen oak."
Site selection: Finding level ground is essential for RVs. A visitor to Neville Bay observed: "Most of the area isn't very level. The road going back there is gravel," suggesting careful site selection is necessary for larger vehicles.
