149 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Buchanan, Tennessee serves as a gateway to the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, with multiple campgrounds offering access to Kentucky Lake and the Tennessee River. Paris Landing State Park Campground provides developed sites with electric and water hookups, while Eagles Nest RV Park and Little Eagle RV Park cater primarily to recreational vehicles. The area features a mix of accommodation types including tent camping, RV sites, cabins, and glamping options, with many campgrounds situated along the shoreline for direct water access.
Seasonal considerations affect camping availability throughout the region, with several campgrounds like Paris Landing-Kentucky Lake KOA operating from March through October. Summer months bring higher temperatures and increased visitor traffic, particularly at waterfront locations. Most developed campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak season and holiday weekends. Primitive camping areas like Ginger Bay offer more secluded options but have limited amenities and sometimes challenging access. As noted in one review, "Watch those ruts... If you are not in a 4 wheel drive you might want to investigate the road before using it, there were several deep ruts."
Waterfront camping represents the primary draw for visitors to the Buchanan area, with Kentucky Lake and the Tennessee River providing opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming. Piney Campground receives consistently high ratings for its lake access and family-friendly amenities. "Beautiful views of Kentucky Lake/Tennessee River, nice campground store," wrote one camper about Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area. Campgrounds vary significantly in their amenity offerings, from basic sites with just fire rings and picnic tables to fully developed facilities with showers, camp stores, and recreation areas. Many campers appreciate the region's relative quiet compared to more heavily trafficked recreation areas, though some note that holiday weekends can bring increased activity, especially at the more developed campgrounds near the water.
"Great easy drive from middle Tennessee with tons of great amenities and staff."
"One great thing about here is the beautiful lake nearby! My family and I spent our entire day here and had an absolute blast. The lake front views are incredible."
"Close to marina. You can rent boats there. Has separate access to swimming area, you don't have to try to cross the boa busy highway. Nice restaurants just up road."
"Close to the marina it's a hard walk uphill both ways to the bathroom but they are very nice and well kept. Big open areas for children to play overall very good state park campground"
"Boswell Landing is a quiet spot of the park with gorgeous views of Kentucky Lake where you can pull up a chair (or tent!) and relax."
"Well maintained road to get here and pretty close to a modern campground with a small store. We'll be coming back here again!"
from $5 - $12 / night
Check Availability"Piney Campground is part of the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. It is wildly popular among locals and travelers alike."
"While quiet hours were observed, there was a lot of music, celebrating a Tennessee win with a golf cart parade and victorious choral singing of Rocky Top right up until 11pm."
"Close to fishing."
"A spectacular secluded location with great pull thru sites. Shaded. Lots of activities and possibilities for the whole family. Great patio sites as well."
from $50 - $75 / night
Check Availability"Eagle’s Nest RV Park is a hidden gem right next to Kentucky Lake and Paris Landing. It has all concrete pads with full service utility kiosks."
"Eagle’s Nest RV Park is a little slice of heaven located just 1500 feet from Kentucky Lake and 10 minutes from Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area."
from $12 - $50 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"Buchanan Resort is a well maintained resort with access to many amenities like a restaurant, pool, playground, pavilion, and store. The docks are easily accessible being close to the lots."
"Mansard has many positives but the big drawback is the scenery. At the time of visiting the area, the grounds were not well maintained."
GuideGPS was wrong and we had to loop back to exit 137. Then it dies at the stop sign so take a left up to the big sign and make a right. Then you are at the right spot. Verizon phone signal is 1-2 bars max. Does have a place to ride bikes, grill, picnic tables and coded bathrooms. Small compared to some of the others but it’s quiet and off the highway which is what we wanted
GuideYou’re tucked away by this pond connected to the lake system. The campsite is up in the woods a little bit and is on a slight slope, but nothing major. 0 Service for Verizon and T-mobile, but at&t had a little service. Apple maps said there would be a hike to the campsite, but that’s not true, it is a road that just hasn’t been recognized yet.
GuideSite 44 sits under a beautiful tree with shade most of the day. The bathrooms are clean as are the insides of the washers and dryers. There is only 1 other camper here yet cars and golf carts are often driving through the campground. A bit unsettling.
ScoutThere are only a few open sites here. The majority are year round campers. You can’t see the lake from most of the campground. Staff was very nice and helpful
TravelerCute little spot hidden about 5 min off of i40. Just need to call ahead and they’ll ask what time you plan on arriving. Seems to be a husband and wife that uses their land as a little campground. Mostly gravel, lots of trees for shade. Does seem to be one or two long term campers but very quiet and quaint. Water and power hook ups. I didn’t hook up as I just camp in my van(:
GuidePristine campsites with steamy hot showers! What more could you want?! One bar with mint mobile but starlink works no problem! No sewer hook up at all sites but no matter! There’s a dump site! The lake is beautiful and quiet with a swimming area! Definitely a must stay!
TravelerStayed at Taylor Bay on a trip up to see the Elk & Bison Prairie (very close, perfect for going during their peak activity time). I usually prefer to camp at a site with a water spigot, so it was a change not having one. Pack in plenty of water for drinking and rinsing plates. Can't bring in any wood from outside Land Between Lakes, but you're able to use anything dead or downed around the area. I drove through a couple nearby campsites and picked up some dead wood off the side of the road and we were plenty set. Standard racoon business, they're there and they want your stuff. Drive-in sites were helpful for storing food in the car overnight, but I'd recommend a bear bag contraption of sorts to avoid racoons getting in your trash. Ticks were a bit present, but that's mostly the season and this particular year's high. One bathroom situated in the center of the site, no light inside so bring a flashlight! Lots of TP inside which was appreciated. For tent campers, I recommend staying back in the shadier campsites away from the lake. Most of the sunnier, lake-front sites were already claimed by RVs, but the back sites were more private for chatting/changing in a tent or staying up late without the sound insulation of RV walls. Great lake with a soft silt bottom (and lots of rocks to stand on if you hate that), friendly fellow campers. My friends had never camped before and had a fantastic time. I'd stay again-- just bring more water!
GuideGot down here. If you’re on a Harley, don’t do that. Besides that it’s super secluded and right on the water. Not too many bugs.
ScoutDuncan Lake is a small inland Lake located in the Kentucky portion of LBL. The campsite area is located at the end then up around the corner of the first of two access roads to the lake. There is a small boat ramp not far from the site. It is close enough to carry kayaks back and forth. The lake is small and shallow except near the outlet. Great for paddling around and doing some fishing. We have seen bald eagles both times we camped. There is also a beaver community on the lake, they might give you a tail slap on the water if you get to close.
There are enough level spots to accommodate 3 or 4 tents. There is a stone fire ring and that is abut it.
It is a popular bird watching area and both times we camped there were people that used the lake each time. The boat ramp is just far enough away from the camp site that it really didn't affect us at all. If there is a breeze it sounds really nice as it blows through the tall pines.
We generally bring our bikes and do a loop from the camp to the Nature centre and back.
The Lake is closed from Nov. 1 through March 15 to protect wintering waterfowl. no camping or access at all.
There is no cell service but there is a clear view for a starlink setup.
Camping near Buchanan, Tennessee centers around Kentucky Lake with over 2,300 miles of shoreline and depths reaching 70 feet in the main channel. The area receives approximately 53 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush surroundings for campers throughout the spring and summer months. Winter camping offers fewer crowds but temperatures can drop below freezing between December and February.
Boating and fishing access: At Boswell Landing Campground, visitors can launch directly from the campground. "This site is amazing! We were able to spread out our tents for a group site and we had the perfect set up! We were 100ft. From the lake and had so many trees to use for our hammocks," notes Brooklyn L.
Historical sites exploration: Fort Donelson National Historic Site sits 15 miles from Buchanan camping areas. "Boswell Landing is a quiet spot of the park with gorgeous views of Kentucky Lake where you can pull up a chair (or tent!) and relax... within walking distance of the campground, down the paved road are a few notable things: Buchanan Cemetery, which is a civil war cemetery, and the site of Fort Henry," explains Jessica L.
Basketball and recreation: Piney Campground offers multiple sport facilities. "A pavilion and basketball court plus several playgrounds throughout. Well maintained, friendly staff," says Shelly S. The campground provides organized activities during peak season weekends.
Secluded waterfront sites: Ginger Bay Basic Camping Area offers primitive camping directly on the water. "Incredible back country campsite, for use with dispersed camping permit. Right on the water, no other people for 2 days!" reports Juli G. The area requires a dispersed camping permit available at LBL offices.
Shaded campsites: Mature hardwoods provide coverage at most established campgrounds. "All spots have lots of shade which is always a plus for summer camping! They have a very nice pool and pool area, huge laundromat, a fun gemmine for the kiddos!" writes Tanya A. about Paris Landing-Kentucky Lake KOA.
Wildlife viewing: Despite developed areas, wildlife remains abundant. "Nice campground. Clean, pet friendly. A lot of sites! Access to lakes. Saw a lot of wildlife for such a big campground with lots of people traffic," notes Shy-Anne W. about her stay at Piney Campground.
Road conditions: Some primitive areas have challenging access. "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," warns Shelly S.
Site reservation timing: Popular waterfront sites fill quickly, especially during summer. "The best spots book up quickly, especially for long weekends so reserve EARLY if you want a specific date," advises Jody A.
Campsite leveling challenges: Bring leveling blocks for some areas. "Paris Landing State Park has about 70 campsites, most with water and electric hookups, but it is not easy to fine a level site," notes Joel R. about Paris Landing State Park Campground.
Varying water levels: Kentucky Lake water levels fluctuate seasonally affecting shoreline access. "Piney cove is pretty shallow and we could walk out into the water a good 30-40ft before getting too deep. Bottom is soft mud," describes Chris R.
Multiple playgrounds: Family-focused campgrounds offer play structures. "Big campground, with nice bathhouses, and boat ramp. Sites are a little close together but nice. A pavilion and basketball court plus several playgrounds throughout," shares Shelly S.
Swimming areas: Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area Piney Campground provides designated swimming zones. "Nice outpost store with most of the essentials including propane and firewood," adds Rob T. The swimming areas feature gradual entry points suitable for children.
Kid-friendly hiking: Short trails suitable for young hikers exist throughout the area. "Hikes nearby- this is something we always look forward to doing when we camp. We do our research ahead of time to find the best hikes for us. The hikes were great, and so much greenery and flowers!" Isabella H. reports.
Road safety awareness: "We took two different weekends at Piney Campground and both times were able to get waterside spots and drop the kayaks right in at the campsite. There are a LOT of kids around riding bikes (so be careful driving)," warns Jody A.
Site accessibility: Some campgrounds have limitations for larger vehicles. "Our back in site was to the left on a one way road that I had to turn around and go opposite way so we could get in," explains Todd M. about Paris Landing State Park.
Concrete pads advantage: Eagles Nest RV Park offers solid parking surfaces. "Eagle's Nest RV Park is a hidden gem right next to Kentucky Lake and Paris Landing. It has all concrete pads with full service utility kiosks. Each campsite has plenty of room and comes with its own patio and cable TV connection," describes Andy S.
Road noise considerations: Some sites experience traffic sounds. "The spot was nice, the park was lovely, but the road noise was bothersome. We were in a spot pretty far from the road but it was very noticeable," shares Sara C.
Power management: Check electrical connections before settling in. "Had water and electrical hook up but the 30 amp was fried. Luckily it also had 20 amp so power management was key," advises Todd M.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Buchanan, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, Buchanan, TN offers a wide range of camping options, with 149 campgrounds and RV parks near Buchanan, TN and 9 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Buchanan, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Buchanan, TN is Piney Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 26 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Buchanan, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 free dispersed camping spots near Buchanan, TN.
What parks are near Buchanan, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 parks near Buchanan, TN that allow camping, notably Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area and Barkley Lake.
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