Dispersed camping near Buchanan, Tennessee centers primarily around Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley within the 170,000-acre Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. The region features rolling hills with elevations ranging between 400-500 feet and a moderate southern climate allowing camping nearly year-round. Water levels fluctuate seasonally, with winter pool typically 5-6 feet lower than summer levels, creating different shoreline camping conditions throughout the year.
What to do
Fishing along shorelines: At Demumber's Bay, the paved forest road leads to multiple fishing spots with easy lake access. One visitor noted, "The views of the lake are amazing, and this is a quiet area that allows for easy kayaking or other small water craft."
Wildlife viewing: Look for deer, turkey, and smaller mammals throughout the area. At LBL FS154 - Dispersed, campers can explore the small peninsula. A camper mentioned, "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."
Paddling and swimming: The numerous bays and inlets create protected areas for water activities. A camper at Forest Service Rd 343 shared, "This is one of the best spots I've found on this app... Beautiful view with a nice fire pit, I was able to swim and had a great night to myself!"
What campers like
Secluded waterfront sites: Many dispersed areas offer direct lake access and privacy. A visitor to Forest Service Rd 343 reported, "Stayed here 4/17-18. The site is right on the lake and doesn't get any curious cars just driving by."
Multiple site options: The region offers various camping spots with different terrain features. At Land between The Lakes Bards Lake Tharp Road, a camper stated, "Not free, but worthwhile for a small fee. My family and I loved spending time at this spot!"
Flat terrain near water: Some areas offer level ground ideal for tent setup. A camper at Neville Bay observed, "Nice little area to camp at. Well suited for tents. Most of the area isn't very level. The road going back there is gravel."
What you should know
Permit requirements: Most dispersed sites require permits purchased before arrival. A reviewer at LBL FS154 advised, "Be sure to have your dispersed camping permit before coming out! They are available online, and at any of the Visitor's centers."
Road conditions vary: Access roads range from paved to challenging rough gravel. A Forest Service Rd 343 visitor warned, "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 challenges: Weather and insects can impact camping experience. At Demumber's Bay, one camper reported, "Pulled in around dusk and there was a deserted camper there, about 4 pull in sites for rooftop campers. The bugs were insane and 40 must've flown into my car when I opened the door for a split second."
Tips for camping with families
Pack all essentials: Most dispersed sites have minimal or no amenities. A reviewer at LBL FS154 advised, "This campsite is very popular, even though there are ZERO AMENITIES, which means you need to know and understand sanitation as there are no port-a-johns or vault toilets, there is also NO POTABLE water."
Consider noise levels: Some areas remain quieter than others. A camper at LBL FS-326 shared, "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."
Check for flat areas: Look for level ground when traveling with tents and children. At Neville Bay, a visitor commented, "Mostly flat near the water and lots of sites to camp. We really enjoyed our spot in the shade on a hot summer weekend."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller RVs rather than large rigs. A camper at Demumber's Bay noted, "The road going back into the campground is paved, and the roads in the campground are compacted gravel. This is a well maintained campground whose only amenity is a vault toilet, and trash dumpster."
Generator policies: Check rules about generator usage as they vary by location. At Neville Bay, one RVer mentioned, "Nice little are to camp at. Well suited for tents. Most of the area isn't very level. The road going back there is gravel. We went with our 30 ft travel trailer. There is no hook ups. Can run generator until 11pm."
Limited turnaround space: Some forest roads have tight turning areas for larger vehicles. A visitor to Forest Service Rd 343 observed, "There's a ring for a fire, but basically this is a turnaround circle in the forest. Wet and rainy today, but I'll come back."
