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Best Tent Camping near Paducah, KY

743 Reviews

Tent campgrounds near Paducah, Kentucky primarily cluster around the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, offering primitive experiences with varying amenities. Key locations include Twin Lakes Campground with tent-only walk-in sites, Smith Bay Campground along the shoreline, and the more remote Sugar Bay Campground—all within 40-60 miles of Paducah.

Most tent campsites in the region require self-sufficiency, with limited facilities and typically no potable water. Sites generally include fire rings and picnic tables, though campers should bring all water and supplies. Many locations such as Smith Bay require a back country camping pass or payment of a daily $10 fee. Vault toilets are available at most established areas, but showers are rarely provided. The campgrounds maintain a 14-day maximum stay policy, though enforcement varies by location. Several sites feature grassy terrain with minimal leveling, making them better suited for tents than RVs.

The primitive tent camping experience in Land Between the Lakes provides direct water access, with several campgrounds situated on lake shores. Sites range from well-shaded forest settings to open areas with lake views, offering flexibility based on weather conditions. Smith Bay features pebbly beaches and shoreline access ideal for kayakers, while Twin Lakes has well-canopied sites tucked away from others. According to one visitor, "Twin Lakes has almost all shade and canopy, with campsites tucked away from others and sits right on the North-South trail." The campgrounds remain relatively uncrowded during weekdays but fill quickly on weekends, particularly in summer. Seasonal campers note that Sugar Bay Campground provides "beautiful and secluded" tent sites with swimming access in the bay, where water remains warm through September.

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Best Tent Sites Near Paducah, Kentucky (30)

    1. Fishing Pier

    3 Reviews
    Metropolis, IL
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 858-1549

    "Lots to do nearby if you don't like fishing! Ranger came through and was very friendly & helpful."

    "Good primitive"

    2. Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park

    16 Reviews
    Goreville, IL
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 995-2411

    $18 / night

    "There are a lot of hiking trails and we really enjoyed them all! The tent camping accommodations were less than stellar, simply because of the “outhouses “."

    "It was easy to find firewood with out having to go very far, becareful there is a good amount of poison ivy. The only trail I hiked was Happy Hollow."

    3. Twin Lakes Campground

    2 Reviews
    Grand Rivers, KY
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 924-2000

    "Twin lakes actually has two campgrounds associated with one name, and they are right next to one another."

    4. Cravens Bay - LBL Lake Access

    7 Reviews
    Kuttawa, KY
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 924-2000

    "This gem in the Land Between the Lakes Rec area is a great spot to set up camp if you don’t mind the lack of showers."

    "Great spot for kayaking and tent camping. We were the only ones there so it was perfect! Highly recommend for tent camping."

    5. Smith Bay Campground

    4 Reviews
    Grand Rivers, KY
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 924-2000

    "Kentucky has a Dollar General!)"

    "It's a bit off the beaten path, on a gravel off-shoot from the Birmingham Ferry Campground drive. (Usually, we will check for a spot at BF 1st, and then head to SB if all the prime spots are taken."

    6. Sugar Bay Campground

    4 Reviews
    Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, KY
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 924-2000

    "Right on the water with access to several other things close by. Spots are in the grass and nothing fancy but perfect for us that love to Tent camp and enjoy natural comforts over amenities."

    "No showers or bathrooms, but each camp spot has a table and fire pit. Service was pretty much none existent, but that doesn’t bother me. No body was camping anywhere near us either"

    7. Dutchman Lake Camp

    4 Reviews
    Buncombe, IL
    33 miles

    "We pulled in around midnight and left at 8 am."

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

    8. Forest Service Rd 343

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

    "Unfortunately the best one on the water was taken when we showed up but we set up in a different site and had a wonderful night."

    "Seems it's a popular road for other people looking for an off-the-beaten-path place. The site is right on the lake an doesn't get any curious cars just driving by."

    9. Tower Rock Campground

    6 Reviews
    Cave-In-Rock, IL
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 658-2111

    "Campground is smaller but the sites are spread out well, most have fire ring with grill stand and table, firewood available to gather onsite when I was there, vault toilets, right on the river so may be"

    "There is a pit toilet, but no water. "

    10. Sportsman's Anchor Resort and Marina

    1 Review
    Hardin, KY
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 354-8493

    "Everyone is friendly and being so close to the water was an added bonus! The docks were within walking distance to us and honestly the view was spectacular!"

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Paducah, KY

13 Photos of 30 Paducah Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Paducah, KY

743 Reviews of 30 Paducah Campgrounds

  • C
    Aug. 27, 2022

    Taylor Bay Campground

    Amazing!

    There are about 25 sites. No reservations, all sites are first come first serve. There are about 8-10 lake front. There is also about 8-10 in the woods. There is a block bathroom. There are fire rings and picnic tables at each site. There is a boat dock. There are no shower houses, no water, and no electricity.

  • S
    Oct. 7, 2020

    Giant City State Park Campground

    No privacy at tent camp, hike amazing!

    So first of all- I think it’s fair to state before I leave a review that my husband and I prefer primitive and private camping. The fewer people we see while we’re out, the better. We live in a city so when we camp, we want the opposite. If you enjoy RV camping or don’t mind not so Private spots, this is a decent spot to spend the night. If you like primitive/private camping- il fill you in below!

    We do tent camping and Saw there were walk-in sites and hike in sites at this campground. Usually walk-in sites are pretty private and dispersed well - atleast where we’ve been before. The 14 “primitive” camping sites were right next to eachothwr with little to no privacy at all. Good tree cover for shade but otherwise you’re basically setting up your tent and area in an open field. That was a little disappointing to us because it wasn’t what we thought we would find. The RV spots also seem super close together but again- we like things spread out so maybe it would be an OK place for some.

    The vault toilets near the tent sites were...as clean as vault toilets get! And we did not use tje shower facilities so can’t speak on that.

    If we had been just the 2 of us, we would’ve hiked in to do our camping along one of the hiking paths but we were meeting two other friends and were unsure if they would want to hike miles to a spot so we opted for the tent spots just after the RV campground. If you want more privacy for an evening of camping, you’ll need to come with your gear packed up decently enough to hike it out atleast a mile onto the trails. There is camping allowed along the trails as long as you are 100 ft from the trail so that was an option, but in certain spots along the trail it’s challenging to find a clearing (hammocks would be great along the trail). There is also an official primitive camping site halfway through the 12 mile loop of the Red Ceder Trail. We day hiked almost the whole loop but made a Weird little detour so we didn’t get to check these spots out.

    We were hoping to find a campsite that- as get as difficulty of accessibility level- was in between a 6 mile hike and the tent spots in the field but there isn’t any official spot like that even tho there’s tons of space and potential for it. Rant over about the campground. Let’s talk about the hiking! The hiking was truly awesome and felt like it balanced out my disappointment with the campground. Doing the whole 12 mile loop of tje Red Cedar Trail was a challenge for us! We really enjoyed it. In some spots, the trail markers are a little confusing, but overall it’s decently marked and the map is somewhat helpful just to kindve know vaguely where you are. The 2nd day, we went back and did about half rhe loop and also checked out the more popular section of the trails back there that include Giant City Nature Trail, Devils Stand Table, and a few others. Very cool rock formations. Pretty busy in the weekend over there but the test of the trails away from that area with those big landmarks was completely deserted and there are some super cool rock formations not on the map at all.

    Over all, this was a fun 4 days. We would return and plan on hiking out into the trails to camp for our evenings. If you like privacy around your campfire at night, I can’t recommend the campground.

  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2016

    Pharoah - Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground

    Garden of the Gods

    Primative camping at its best. This is heavily used in the summer and early fall. Picnic tables and fire rings, vault toilets. Go in the off season and you will have plenty of privacy. Fairly level tent sites , some with nice trees for hammocks. Close to Little Grand Canyon, a really neat natural bridge, and Illinois wineries.

  • GoWhereYouAreDraw N.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 13, 2020

    Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs

    Fun swimming holes and good hiking

    21 campsites with a fire ring/barrel, lantern post and picnic table. A couple of the campsites had damaged fire rings. Most sites should be able to fit medium size trailers, other sites have trees in the way. Vault toilets and a water station. Very quiet, clean and peaceful. Trail system is about 8 miles and has great views. Don’t forget to bring your swimming suit!

  • Staci R.
    Aug. 16, 2022

    Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area Redd Hollow Campground

    Redd Hollow is prime for being primitive!

    Redd Hollow is a Self-service campground in Land Between the Lakes (LBL) with improved camp sites, fire rings, picnic tables, vault toilet and trash dumpsters. Some sites are directly on the water, some are higher up, with great views of the lake.  The campsites are pea gravel based, and while some are smaller and closer together (ideal for tents or car camping) there are a few that are large enough for dry docking a small RV.  I didn't pay attention to whether there was potable water, (I haul mine in) but the Dump Station just south of Golden Pond Visitor Center has potable water.  

    The road going back to Redd Hollow is an improved gravel road that is in good condition. Easily traveled in a car, 4WD is not needed.  All sites are first come- first served, so you will want to come early.  At Self Service areas, I drive through, find my site, then walk back to the entrance and complete the registration card, place payment in the envelope and drop it in the "Iron Ranger".   A Dispersed Camping permit does not allow you to camp in a self-service campground.

    Further details for LBL's camp grounds:  https://landbetweenthelakes.us/seendo/camping/rules/

  • D
    Sep. 7, 2018

    Redd Hollow

    Tent and Small Camper Camping, Basic Sites

    Well kept campground offering a more basic camping experience as compared to the larger campgrounds at LBL. Gravel pads with concrete picnic tables and fire rings. Be mindful when picking a site that some of the fire rings are damaged, some are the older short (12" tall tops) style and still others are brand new and have the adjustable cooking grate.

    The actual gravel pads that we saw were for the most part in good shape. One or two sites suffered a bit from heavy wash running across them and rutting or washing gravel off the pads.

    About half the sites are on the left hand side when you drive in and you can pick from sites tucked back in the woods a bit or sites nearer the water. Farther into the campground the road passes the vault toilet and boat ramp and goes uphill to higher up sites still. Sites in the woods with a longer walk to the lake but potentially better views and breezes.

    We found that campers here did not limit themselves to staying on the defined tent pads. They would park on the pads and set up tents around the true camp site. Not a super big deal but it made getting down to the water a little awkward because you had to walk a little too close to someone else's tent for my liking.

    The Forest Service could stand to go in and add some of the timber framing or bigger rip-rap bordering around the sites and maybe a splash of the smaller sized gravel to help level out the pads. You do need watch to make sure you get a level site.

    If there are say 30 sites here, only about 15 were occupied over Labor Day weekend. Way less than what we expected for a holiday but it was exactly what we were hoping for, avoid the crowds at the larger, more amenity-filled campgrounds.

    Last thing regarding the lake. The back end of Redd Hollow is shallow. Nice place to wade for kids. However, when they start pulling the lake down what were water access sites become gravel and mud bar access sites. In the dead middle of the summer the back end of the cove is probably full of water. Early spring and late summer early fall it is not. I suspect you can use the boat ramp year round though.

  • Staci R.
    Jul. 29, 2017

    Smith Bay Campground

    Back Country hideaway primarily for lake access

    Land Between the Lakes tends to be very back country, there is very often not any cell service, and you have to travel at least 20 miles to a small town if you need anything (but every small town in western Kentucky has a Dollar General!) so you need to pack in everything you need, to include drinking, cooking and cleaning water. Smith Bay is very primitive, with a vault ("pit") toilet and a boat ramp readily available. Smith Bay is popular for tent camping and often used for launching small water craft like kayaks. It is accessable by paved road with the camp ground roads being gravel and compacted rock, making it available to small RVs and campers too. The campground slots run the perimeter of the area, and are spaced far enough apart to give privacy without being too far from the water front. Some areas are wooded and well shaded, others are in direct sun without shade. All sites have a picnic table and fire ring, are first come first serve, and require a back country camping pass (available at either LBL Welcome Station or Corps of Engineers campground) or you may pay a daily fee.

  • Abby M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 29, 2020

    Cravens Bay Campground

    Secluded and beautiful

    Arrived on a late Saturday afternoon expecting other campers, and not a single one! Stayed two nights right on the water. All spots have fire rings and concrete picnic tables. No host, I assume, during winter hours. All spots are clean looking and $12/night. You pay at the pay station and no permit required for this camping site. Be sure to pay, had a ranger swing by Sunday morning to confirm our stub #. Did have some hunters driving by daily, heading further back along the lake but no other campers. Lots of down wood to use for fires. Be sure to pack everything you need for this trip, no close towns for restock. Has very clean vault toilets and a water pump, but unknown if potable or not. Cell service varies between 2-3 LTE for AT&T. Cold winter nights but boy, that sunset is beautiful. Would definitely stay here again!

  • Joel H.
    Sep. 25, 2020

    Nickell Branch Campground

    Great time

    Nickell is the northernmost campground in LBL. It is a self-service campground with 11 designated sites. The access road FR-102 is gravel and in pretty good shape aside from some large potholes. There is a large loop with a big open grassy area once you get to the pay station. From there, 3 short offshoots A, B & C - A is the boat ramp area and site #1; B is where the single vault toilet is located and sites #2 & #3; C loop has the remaining sites #4 - #8 which are for small to medium RVs, and sites #9 - #11 are grass tent sites. There are picnic tables and very nice fire rings at each site. Besides the toilet, boat ramp, and a new dumpster, those are the only amenities.

    The 11-mile Canal Loop Trail crosses the road just before the pay station for hiking and biking (it connects to the North-South Trail). The campground is near the Barkley Canal that connects the two lakes making for lots of boating and paddling options. The North Welcome Center has fresh water and a dump station just a few miles away.

    The cell reception is great - I got download speeds of 18-34 Mbps. Also, several OTA TV channels. These sites are all situated in the woods near the water so none are particularly good for solar. But otherwise, for the price this is pretty sweet dry camping.

Guide to Paducah

Tent camping near Paducah, Kentucky offers access to Kentucky Lake's 2,300 miles of shoreline and Land Between the Lakes' 170,000 acres of public lands. The region experiences mild spring and fall seasons with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F, particularly from June through August. Winter camping is available year-round at several locations with temperatures typically ranging from 30-50°F.

What to Do

Kayaking access points: At Smith Bay Campground, campers find "a short paddle away are some sandy beaches" that provide swimming opportunities beyond the campground's "rocky beach." The campground serves as a popular launching spot for small watercraft.

Wildlife viewing: West Kentucky Wildlife Management Area features basic facilities but rich wildlife opportunities. According to Dan N., the area offers "lots to do nearby if you don't like fishing! Ranger came through and was very friendly & helpful."

Hiking trails: Ferne Clyffe State Park in nearby Illinois (about 45 miles from Paducah) provides extensive hiking networks. "There are lots of well maintained trails to hike... hikes that include bluffs, caves, creeks, etc. Our favorite is Hawk's Cave Trail. It's an easy hike and the kids explored the caves for hours!" notes Dani B.

What Campers Like

Secluded swimming spots: Sugar Bay Campground offers "swimming allowed in Sugar Bay (no lifeguard) and in late September the water was warm." Laura H. mentions the campground has "no showers or bathrooms, but each camp spot has a table and fire pit."

Waterfront camping: Cravens Bay provides direct water access with spacious campsites. According to Benjamin C., "It was perfect for our girls to launch their kayaks and swim. Great spot for kayaking and tent camping." Wesley B. adds, "There is enough room to spread out from other campers. A far drive from any services or attractions."

Stargazing opportunities: The rural setting of many campgrounds enables exceptional night sky viewing. Scott B. reports from Sugar Bay: "Nice and quiet, beautiful stars at night and good cell service if you needed it."

What You Should Know

Permit requirements: Forest Service Road 343 camping requires permits or fee payment. "Dispersed camping is a $10 fee. If you have the National Park pass you can go to a self check in campground for $5," notes Darryl H.

Road conditions: Access to several tent camping areas requires careful driving. For Forest Service Rd 343, Tobias R. advises, "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 fluctuations: Tower Rock Campground experiences closures during high water seasons. One camper reports, "We drove down to camp here and found this campground closed. We walked in past the locked gate to scout it out and there was a line of debris left behind from when the river was higher."

Tips for Camping with Families

Cave exploration: Turkey Ridge Campground at Ferne Clyffe State Park offers family-friendly cave activities. "It's an easy hike and the kids explored the caves for hours! Also in this park is a little lake and a gorgeous waterfall," according to one family camper.

Playground access: Sportsman's Anchor Resort and Marina provides developed amenities for children. "There's also a playground and pool for members! Everyone is friendly and being so close to the water was an added bonus!" reports Abigaile J.

Wildlife education: West Kentucky Wildlife Management Area offers educational opportunities despite minimal facilities. One visitor noted the ranger was "very friendly & helpful" when providing information about local wildlife and activities.

Tips from RVers

Site selection: When camping at Cravens Bay with larger vehicles, strategic site choice is essential. One RVer advises, "We stayed at site 20 with a 36' travel trailer we had to actually drive all the way to the end of the campground to turn around so we could back into the site."

Generator restrictions: Several campgrounds have noise policies. Michael W. notes a challenge at Smith Bay: "Our visit last week was cut short by a rude RVer who fired up his extremely loud generator at 11 pm and left it sputtering away until 8 am. Generators are only allowed during the day."

Terrain considerations: Twin Lakes Campground has specific terrain limitations. "I wouldn't bring an RV back here to boon dock, unless you knew you were going to end up on site 5 or 6... and then it would still be a maybe," advises Staci R., describing the campground's narrow access roads.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best tent camping sites near Paducah, KY?

For exceptional tent camping near Paducah, head to Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area Redd Hollow Campground, offering improved campsites with fire rings and picnic tables. Many sites feature stunning lake views with gravel bases for comfortable tent setup. Another excellent option is Ginger Bay Basic Camping Area, an incredible backcountry spot right on the water that provides solitude and scenic beauty. This dispersed camping area requires a permit and four-wheel drive access. Land Between the Lakes region offers numerous camping opportunities within an hour's drive of Paducah, making it the premier destination for tent campers seeking natural beauty and lakeside experiences.

How much does tent camping cost at campgrounds near Paducah, Kentucky?

Tent camping costs near Paducah are quite affordable, especially at public campgrounds. Smith Bay Campground in Land Between the Lakes operates as a self-serve facility charging $10 per night. Similarly, Tower Rock Campground offers budget-friendly tent camping with basic amenities like fire rings with grill stands and picnic tables. For dispersed camping in LBL, you'll need to purchase a dispersed camping permit, which is available online or at visitor centers. Most public campgrounds in the region maintain rates between $10-20 per night, while private campgrounds may charge $20-30 for tent sites with additional amenities like showers and electrical access.

What hiking trails are accessible from tent camping areas near Paducah?

Several tent camping areas near Paducah offer excellent hiking opportunities. When staying at Linton campground, you'll have access to great hiking trails in a clean, family-friendly environment with easy-to-navigate paths. For more adventurous hiking, Camp Cadiz Campground is situated at the edge of Shawnee National Forest, providing access to numerous forest trails. The Land Between the Lakes area features an extensive trail system connecting many of its campgrounds, though it's worth noting the back-country nature of the region means you should come prepared with supplies. Some trails offer scenic lake views, wildlife spotting opportunities, and varying difficulty levels to suit different hiking abilities.

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