Ginger Bay Basic Camping Area, near Dover, Tennessee, is a fantastic spot for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy some time by the water. This location offers a unique blend of backcountry charm and accessibility, making it a favorite for campers who appreciate a bit of adventure.

The area is right on the water, providing stunning views and opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and hiking. Visitors have noted the peacefulness of the site, with one camper mentioning, “We all enjoyed the peaceful exclusivity this site offers.” Just keep in mind that the gravel road leading in can be a bit rough, so a four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended for a smoother ride.

Ginger Bay is perfect for tent camping, with sites nestled among the trees and right by the lake. Reviewers have praised the spaciousness of the sites, with one group managing to set up four tents comfortably. While there are no amenities like toilets or showers, the natural beauty and tranquility make it worth the trip. As one camper put it, “Remote is totally worth it.” 

If you're looking for a secluded getaway where you can truly unwind and connect with nature, Ginger Bay is definitely worth checking out. Just remember to pack in what you need and enjoy the stunning sunsets and wildlife that surround you.

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.

Ginger Bay Basic Camping Area

Barkley Lake, KY is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Barkley Lake, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Barkley Lake

The Best Camping Near Barkley Lake, Kentucky

This is an excellent campground to get away at. I didn't spend much time in the actual camping area but off in the woods a little ways.

Its a pretty good ways down a gravel rd and definitely worth scouting out a good campsite off to it's self. There are some awesome rocky areas right next to the water to camp at.

Check out what's left of the old foundations while your there. This is on the TN end of Land between the lakes so check in at one of the welcome stations to get a backwoods camping pass.

Secluded off the beaten path

Ranger Review: **Matador Droplet** at _Ginger Bay Land Between the Lakes, Ky._

Campground Review:We visited _Ginger Bay_ boat ramp and dispersed camping area while at Land Between the Lakes(LBL) , Ky. Ginger Bay is actually in Tennessee. The road you take off The Trace, which runs down the middle of LBL, has several signs and other turn offs. So pay attention to the signs. You will end up on a dirt/gravel road with some interesting ruts and steps hills. Once you make it to the Ginger Bay area there are several side "roads" that lead to camping spots. If you are not in a 4 wheel drive you might want to investigate the road before using it, there were several deep ruts. You have the pick of spots if you have a dispersed pass which can be purchased at any of the offices. Direct put in is an option or if you have a bigger watercraft the boat ramp is right there. No toilet facility, no fire rings, no tables. This is a all what you bring with you. Generators are allowed but definitely spoil the quiet. When we visited the ramp was somewhat busy with day-use visitors. Realize when you dispersed camp at LBL though there are no large predators there are coyotes so if you have dogs keep an eye out. Every time I disperse camp I hear coyotes throughout the night, sometimes very close by. A single coyote would probably not bother a dog but a pack will.

Product Review: As a Dyrt Ranger I get to review some awesome outdoor products. This trip I took along my **Matador Droplet**. This is a little blue water drop shaped silicon shell with a seam-sealed polyester bag folded inside. The 3 liter capacity actually holds a lot. After my kayak trip I put my wet shorts, shirt, under garments and water shoes into the bag. There is a draw string on the bag to close it up. The bag then went into my clothes bag in the back of the truck. The wet stayed in the bag.

Pro's: compact, nice size dry bag, very convenient, cute

Con's: a bugger to get back in the silicon container, takes practice, a little expensive but good quality that will last

I plan on getting a few Droplets as Christmas presents and will probably get a Droplet XL to add to my pack gear.

Watch those ruts

Very peaceful and gorgeous view with boat ramp. The drive in is pretty rough even with us being in a jeep though.  

Beautiful! 

Incredible back country campsite, for use with dispersed camping permit. Right on the water, no other people for 2 days! This is a car camping site however you will need a four-wheel drive vehicle to get down the steep gravel road to the dispersed camping area. Highly recommend. No hookups available, primitive tent only.

AMAZING Site on the water

Ginger Bay is very remote but as always, remote is totally worth it. I don’t recommend a pull behind trailer as the road is so rough you wont get a camper up it. The sites are just a clearing in the trees so there is no place to park a rig. Campsites are right on the lake and no cell access. The free camping nearby is totally worth checking into if you’re in the area for a couple days.


Remote camping

Great place for backcountry though you can drive right to the spot. The gravel road back can be rough especially right after a big rain but you can avoid most of the holes. The site is right on the water with a gravel opening beside it. We were able to setup 4 tents with lots of room to spare. We fished, we hiked, we kayaked!! We all enjoyed the peaceful exclusivity this site offers and we plan to return soon!! 

Best place I’ve been on the water

A few sites at a boat launch area. 

One large site before the main turnaround point and a couple by the water. 

Not a ton of space.

4x4 or awd may come in handy leaving the sites (going back up the gravel hill) 

Photos of Ginger Bay Basic Camping Area

Real photos from real campers