Gatlin Point, near Golden Pond, Kentucky, is a unique campground that offers a rustic experience for those looking to escape into nature. With 18 designated sites nestled into a wooded hillside, it’s perfect for tent camping and provides a cozy, shaded atmosphere.

The campground features gravel pads that are reasonably level, each equipped with a concrete picnic table and a large fire ring for evening gatherings. Visitors have noted the natural boat launch into Bards Lake, making it a great spot for fishing or just enjoying the water. As one camper put it, “Great area to hike, the weird history of the area can be seen everywhere,” highlighting the intriguing old cemeteries and homestead ruins scattered throughout the landscape.

While amenities are limited—there's no electricity or running water—there's a welcome center nearby that offers potable water and a blackwater dump. Campers appreciate the peaceful vibe and the chance to truly disconnect, with some mentioning the fun of driving along the well-kept gravel roads that connect the sites. If you’re looking for a place to unwind and enjoy the great outdoors, Gatlin Point is worth checking out.

Gatlin Point

Searching for the best camping near Dover, TN? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Discover great camping spots near Dover, reviewed by campers like you.

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This is the place. You do get to drive in though and a boat ramp for your toys. Bring your batteries and bug spray , beautiful area!

If you like primitive......

You can drive all your stuff in and set up base camp then go play on the lake. Well kept roads, gravel. I would get a map that shows all the gravel roads that connect from the visitors center.

Primitive camping with your toys in tow

Located at Land Between the Lakes at the south end. This campground has about 18 sites. You can can camp near the water or back in the woods. The sites have concrete picnic tables, fire rings and gravel for parking and to set up your site. As m motioned, no electricity or running water. Nearest water point is about five miles away at the South welcome center. Vault toilet (one seat). Sites are close but not crowded. There is a small no wake lake next to the site and lake Barkley is 50 yards away. There is also a boat ramp into Lake Barkley a quarter mile away. This is a great site for relaxing and fishing.

Five miles off paved roads and no electricity or running water. 

About four miles of winding hills off the paved road. Cleared and not too rough.
The site has 18 designed spots, all tiered into the wooded hillside. There is a natural boat launch into Bards Lake. A single Vault toilet and Dumpster as well.
The gravel camping pads are reasonably level, each with a concrete picnic table and large fire ring with grate.The hillside spots were designed for tent camping and are tight. No campers larger than 20' will fit on the hillside, however the bottom four spaces will accommodate a class A rig. A fork at the top of the hill provides a space for small campers to turn around if needed. Space number 16 has poor drainage. The area is very shady, a nice deep woods feeling. Firewood must be deadfall or bring your own "bug free" wood. The welcome center at the entrance has fresh and "potable" water, and a blackwater dump. The center also has maps, sodas, candy, etc. Great area to hike, the weird history of the area can be seen everywhere.  Hundreds of very old cemeteries and homestead ruins... Att signal was two bars at all times. Overall, a big thumbs up!!!

Photos of Gatlin Point

Real photos from real campers