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Best Dispersed Camping near Paducah, KY

50 Reviews

Dispersed camping near Paducah, Kentucky primarily centers around Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area and Shawnee National Forest, both within 45-60 minutes of the city. These public lands permit free camping in designated backcountry areas, with several primitive sites located near water features. Jackson Falls in Illinois offers free dispersed camping with established fire rings but minimal facilities. Forest Service Road 343 and LBL Forest Roads 154 and 326 in Kentucky provide additional primitive camping opportunities where permits may be required for overnight stays.

Access roads to most dispersed sites range from paved to rough gravel with potential for challenging conditions after rainfall. The Jackson Falls area requires navigating a bumpy gravel road that can become problematic in wet weather, with one visitor noting the "hill down to trail head could get slick if wet." Most areas have no amenities beyond basic vault toilets at some locations. Fires are permitted at many sites but not all, with established stone rings available at Jackson Falls. While Demumber's Bay features compacted gravel roads suitable for most vehicles, many other areas may require higher clearance for comfortable access.

These dispersed camping areas attract visitors seeking quiet, natural settings away from developed campgrounds. Wildlife encounters are common throughout the region, particularly in the more remote sections of Land Between the Lakes. Waterfront sites at Demumber's Bay provide "beautiful views of the lake" according to one camper, making it popular for kayaking and small watercraft. Another visitor at Jackson Falls described it as "a spectacular place if you are looking for private and semi-private dispersed campgrounds that you can drive up to." Cell service varies considerably, with some areas maintaining connectivity while more remote locations have limited or no signal. Seasonal considerations include heightened insect activity, with one camper at Demumber's Bay reporting "extreme bug activity" during late August.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Paducah, Kentucky (11)

    1. Lake Glendale Recreation Area

    13 Reviews
    Grantsburg, IL
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 949-3807

    $12 - $44 / night

    "This campground is an absolute gem and is by far our favorite in Illinois.Tucked into the tall pines of the Shawnee national forest, this park offers a handful of gorgeous sites for campers to enjoy, many"

    "There is a longer wine trail further west in Shawnee National Forest.

    When I entered Lake Glendale, Cardinal Bay boat launch was the first area I visited."

    2. Jackson Falls

    22 Reviews
    Shawnee National Forest, IL
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 658-2111

    "We are a Jeep family so I may have more experience than others in off-roading.

    We opted to turn around and stay at the main parking lot which is VERY accessible."

    "There are primative campsites on both sides of Glen Street Falls Road near the trailhead. You can drive right up and park next to your campsite."

    3. Dispersed Campsite Shawnee National Forest

    1 Review
    Grantsburg, IL
    23 miles

    "It's easily accessible by all rig types. Backs up to the open forest and you pull right back onto the highway."

    4. Demumber's Bay

    5 Reviews
    Grand Rivers, KY
    28 miles

    "Denumbers is considered a back country campground in Land Between the Lakes. The road going back into the campground is paved, and the roads in the campground are compacted gravel."

    "There are 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."

    5. Dutchman Lake Camp

    3 Reviews
    Buncombe, IL
    33 miles

    "Beautiful spot with easy access and not far off the highway"

    6. Forest Service Rd 343

    8 Reviews
    Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, KY
    38 miles

    "A secluded lakeside spot with a fire pit. We saw three other spots on the way in which looked nice as well. The road coming in is a little washed out but not too pitted."

    "There is dispersed and standard. The standard has a fee but the dispersed is free"

    7. Barge Island Public Use Area at Birmingham Point

    1 Review
    Grand Rivers, KY
    27 miles
    Website

    8. LBL FS154 - Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, KY
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 525-7077

    "This site is quite remote feeling, but for a dispersed site, it is absolutely the BEST, which is why it is sometimes difficult to secure it, being it is first come first served."

    "You might need 4wd; it had rained all day before I got here and there were some rough/sloppy patches in the road. The pit toilt at the entrance is about a 10-12 minute drive away."

    9. LBL FS-326

    1 Review
    Cadiz, KY
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 525-7077

    "This was a fantastic dispersed camping spot! A few cars went by looking for whatever, but the road dead ends at Energy Lake. It was quiet most of the time."

    10. Trail of Tears State Forest

    2 Reviews
    Jonesboro, IL
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 833-4910

    "Excellent for tent camping when you want relatively easy access and still feel a bit of solitude."

    "Surprised to find nice porta potty at our site that was remote from others."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Paducah, KY

24 Photos of 11 Paducah Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Paducah, KY

50 Reviews of 11 Paducah Campgrounds

  • Stacia R.
    Apr. 27, 2019

    Jackson Falls

    Popular dispersed camping area

    This is dispersed camping within the Shawnee National Forest. The area can be tricky to find if you are unfamiliar with the area. It can also get very crowded on nice days due to its proximity to the college campus. It is also very popular with rock climbers and people on horseback. I found the trails to be somewhat confusing and not well marked. I was here Easter weekend and the weather was great, so there were a lot of tents set up right near the parking area. If you don’t mind hiking in a bit, peace and quiet can be found.

  • tom L.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 5, 2025

    Jackson Falls

    Jackson Falls Dispersed

    We run a 28ft RV and we’re able to cross the first water wash without problem. We are a Jeep family so I may have more experience than others in off-roading.

    We opted to turn around and stay at the main parking lot which is VERY accessible. The further sights will require crossing several wash outs. The terrain is hard rock and any capable 4x4 should be able to navigate to the furthest sight’s. .

  • J K.
    Sep. 3, 2019

    Lake Glendale Recreation Area

    Our IL #1

    This campground is an absolute gem and is by far our favorite in Illinois.Tucked into the tall pines of the Shawnee national forest, this park offers a handful of gorgeous sites for campers to enjoy, many that back right up to Lake Glendale. The sites are mostly private and have water hookups as well as electric. A nearby beach is available to enjoy during the summer as well as hiking trails. While this campground is certainly off the beaten path it is perfect for those that want to get away and enjoy some quiet time. No reservations though so you’ll want to get there ahead of time to ensure yourself a spot If you enjoy a very

  • Marta S.
    Jun. 13, 2021

    Jackson Falls

    Unimpressive and crowded

    The campsite is considered to be primitive, which is fine, but it is right along the trail without any cover. All the campsites are one on top of the other without any cover in between or from the trail. They were all taken and incredibly packed during the Memorial Day weekend and honestly seemed very messy and unpleasant. I would not feel comfortable leaving my equipment and gear here unattended at all. I'm not sure if it's any better the further along the trail you go, but the areas we hiked it didn't appear there were additional primitive/dispersed camping spots available other than the ones near the trail head. Also, important to note that there are lots of ticks and poison ivy everywhere.

    I have camped in backcountry locations and have done dispersed/primitive camping and enjoy it quite a bit, but I would have been miserable at this location.

  • GoWhereYouAreDraw N.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 16, 2020

    Jackson Falls

    Waterfalls, hiking, climbing, and FREE camping

    Jackson offers some of the best rock climbing in southern Illinois. There are about 60 climbing areas along the sandstone bluffs and freestanding boulders, with multiple routes. Most of the routes here are sport routes, though there are a number of trad routes.

    There are primative campsites on both sides of Glen Street Falls Road near the trailhead. You can drive right up and park next to your campsite. If those campsites are full, there are additional campsites further down the road.

    Most campsites have fire rings. There are no picnic tables or campfire grills there. There are also no garbage cans. You must pack out all of your garbage. You also need to bring your own drinking water as there is no fresh water there.

    There's a single outhouse at the trailhead that is well maintained and pretty clean.

  • Matt V.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 8, 2024

    Jackson Falls

    Love this place!

    This is a spectacular place if you are looking for private and semi-private dispersed campgrounds that you can drive up to. Great hiking around the area. 

    The road to get into the primitive camp area is long, and just a little bumpy but we had no problem in a 4x4, also saw volvos and subarus do just fine.  Sprinter vans would be fine. Was pretty dry when we visited, could see the road getting a little sketch after big rain.  Definitely not gonna be fun for even small RV's. Tough turnarounds for large trailers or 5th wheels.

  • R
    Sep. 4, 2022

    Jackson Falls

    Great campground

    Off the beaten path and wasn’t sure what to expect but once there it was nice…just a parking lot with a vault lock toilet and a few campsites you see right away… also a few down the path if you want a little remote. The bathroom was stocked with tp but you will want to bring hand sanatizer or water. None available there. Cool views of the Bluffs 1/4 mile down the path and a bridge that would go over a waterfall if it wasn’t so dried up…would probably real pretty to see in the spring. Drove my Hyundai Elantra thru just fine, but it is a rough road and your car will get dirty.

  • Shawn M.
    Sep. 21, 2018

    Jackson Falls

    Gorgeous Winter hiking

    Jackson Falls is popular with climbers and has many marked routes. You are able to camp right along the water near the parking pull out and if you don't mind hikers passing by, it is a beautiful location. We were out in spring after a mid-march snow fall and melt which meant good water. I would love to come back in warmer weather to get wet. I would imagine warmer weather brings crowds.

  • Matthew Z.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 30, 2024

    Dutchman Lake Camp

    Road trip break

    Beautiful spot with easy access and not far off the highway

Guide to Paducah

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Paducah, Kentucky, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and outdoor adventures without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a variety of spots perfect for those looking to escape into the wild.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Paducah

  • Enjoy hiking and exploring the scenic trails at Jackson Falls, where you can find private and semi-private sites that lead to beautiful views and great hiking opportunities.
  • Experience the thrill of rock climbing and hiking at Panther Den Wilderness, Shawnee National Forest, surrounded by stunning sandstone formations and diverse wildlife.
  • Take advantage of the nearby water activities at Demumber's Bay, which features easy access for kayaking and fishing, making it a great spot for water lovers.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Jackson Falls

  • Jackson Falls is known for its rugged beauty and offers a variety of sites that are perfect for those seeking solitude and a connection with nature.
  • The road leading to the dispersed camping area is accessible for most vehicles, but be prepared for some rough patches, especially after rain.
  • Campers can enjoy the peaceful surroundings and the sounds of nature, making it an ideal spot for those looking to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Paducah, Kentucky

  • Always pack out what you pack in, especially at places like LBL FS-326, where there are no trash facilities available.
  • Be aware that some sites, such as Forest Service Rd 343, may require a bit of a hike to reach, so wear appropriate footwear and bring enough supplies.
  • Prepare for a lack of amenities at locations like Dutchman Lake Camp, where you’ll need to bring your own water and sanitation supplies, ensuring a true back-to-nature experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free dispersed camping around Paducah, KY?

Several free dispersed camping options exist near Paducah. Forest Service Rd 343 offers secluded lakeside spots with fire pits, though the access road is somewhat washed out and steep in sections, requiring AWD/4WD vehicles with decent clearance. LBL FS-326 is another excellent dispersed option in the Land Between the Lakes area. Most dispersed sites in the region are primitive with no facilities, so pack accordingly with water and waste disposal solutions. Remember to follow Leave No Trace principles and check with the Forest Service for current conditions and restrictions.

Are there free RV camping sites around Paducah?

Free RV camping options near Paducah are limited but available. Lake Glendale Recreation Area in Shawnee National Forest has some sites suitable for smaller RVs, with beautiful lakeside locations. Some dispersed areas in Land Between The Lakes can accommodate RVs, though road conditions vary significantly. Most free sites have no hookups, so come prepared for boondocking with sufficient water and power. RVs over 25 feet may find access challenging at many dispersed sites. Always scout ahead or call ranger districts before attempting remote sites with larger rigs, especially after rain when forest roads can become impassable.

What primitive camping options are available near Paducah?

Jackson Falls in Shawnee National Forest offers primitive camping popular with rock climbers and hikers. The area features multiple campsites along the trail and near the parking area, with some more remote spots further in. While it can get crowded on weekends, especially during climbing season, it provides beautiful scenery. Dutchman Lake Camp is another primitive option with easy access not far from the highway. These sites typically have minimal or no facilities, so bring your own water, pack out trash, and prepare for a true wilderness experience.

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