Best Dispersed Camping near Paducah, KY

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Paducah. Paducah is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Paducah, Kentucky (11)

    1. Lake Glendale Recreation Area

    12 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

    21 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"

    7. Forest Service Rd 343

    7 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"

    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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Showing results 1-10 of 11 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Paducah, KY

48 Reviews of 11 Paducah Campgrounds



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

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Paducah, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Paducah, KY is Lake Glendale Recreation Area with a 4.7-star rating from 12 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Paducah, KY?

TheDyrt.com has all 11 dispersed camping locations near Paducah, KY, with real photos and reviews from campers.