The dirt and gravel road leading down to Ginger Bay Basic Camping Area sets the tone immediately. Multiple reviewers flag deep ruts and steep grades, with four-wheel drive strongly recommended, especially after rain. The area sits on the Tennessee side of Land Between the Lakes, where a dispersed camping pass, available at any LBL welcome station, is required before setting up.
Sites are minimal by design. No fire rings, no tables, no toilet facilities. What campers do get is direct waterfront access, with spots set along the lake's edge on open gravel clearings large enough to accommodate several tents. The boat ramp draws day-use visitors, so the area is not isolated during peak hours, though overnight crowds tend to thin out considerably. "Generators are allowed but definitely spoil the quiet," notes Shelly S., a useful heads-up for campers who prioritize low-noise nights. Coyotes are active in the area and have been heard close to camp after dark, worth knowing for anyone bringing dogs.
Cell service is inconsistent at best. Several reviewers report no signal at the waterside sites. Fishing, kayaking, and exploring the old stone foundations scattered through the surrounding woods give campers enough to do without connectivity. Ginger Bay Camping Area, located just to the northwest, is a related option worth comparing before arrival. Campers wanting developed facilities nearby can look at Rushing Creek a few miles to the north.
Description
A permit is required to camp here.
A Basic Camping Area is an open field area without defined campsites. Amenities might include a vault toilet, trash removal, mowed areas, and a boat ramp. However, they may or may not have picnic tables and fire rings and/or grills. You may camp anywhere within the camping area with a Basic Camping Permit. Basic Camping Areas include:
Demumbers Bay
Pisgah Point
Ginger Bay
Neville Bay
You may camp almost anywhere in Land Between the Lakes (LBL). A Basic Camping Permit is required for each person 18 and over when camping in Basic Camping Facilities. A Dispersed Camping Permit is required when camping in non-designated areas of the recreation area. Both permits currently cost $50 for annual permit and $10 for a three-day permit and can be purchased https://www.landbetweenthelakes.us/reservations/ or any LBL facility. Please note that these permits do not apply when camping at Self-Service Campgrounds.
Fee Info
Basic and Dispersed Camping Permits (use reservation link to purchase)
Annual Permit $50 per person over 18 years 3-Night Permit $10 per person over 18 years 17 years and younger free when accompanied by adult over 18 years of age
Purchase Permits Online
The Basic/Dispersed Camping Permit is not applicable at Self-Service Camping Areas.
Reservation Info
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsGinger Bay Basic Camping Area is located in Tennessee near Barkley Lake
Coordinates
36.623894100737516 N
88.03853554244256 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/2/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 8/1/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/2/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 8/1/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Dispersed
- Group
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
FREE established camping
Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 6 min from Clarksville, TN
- 1 hr 14 min from Paducah, KY
- 1 hr 46 min from Nashville, TN
- 1 hr 59 min from Jackson, TN
