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Best Dispersed Camping near Buchanan, TN

15 Reviews

Dispersed camping near Buchanan, Tennessee is concentrated in the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. Several basic sites require permits purchased at visitor centers before arrival, with most locations featuring minimal amenities. Neville Bay offers primitive lakeside camping with vault toilets, trash service and picnic tables, making it suitable for tent camping though most areas aren't level. A recent review noted it as a "beautiful view, well kept" site with "mostly flat areas near the water."

Forest Service roads in the region provide additional dispersed opportunities. FS-343 features secluded lakeside spots with fire pits, though road conditions can be challenging. As one visitor commented, "The road is gravel and bumpy so you might not want to take a smaller car on it but just fine for any AWD, truck, van." LBL FS-154 and FS-326 offer primitive sites with no amenities, requiring campers to pack in water and practice proper sanitation. Demumber's Bay provides dispersed camping with vault toilets and a boat ramp on paved and compacted gravel roads. The 14-day camping limit is regularly enforced by forest service personnel who check permits.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Buchanan, Tennessee (7)

    1. Forest Service Rd 343

    8 Reviews
    Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, KY
    22 miles

    "A secluded lakeside spot with a fire pit. We saw three other spots on the way in which looked nice as well. The road coming in is a little washed out but not too pitted."

    "Seems it's a popular road for other people looking for an off-the-beaten-path place. The site is right on the lake an doesn't get any curious cars just driving by."

    2. Neville Bay

    5 Reviews
    Bumpus Mills, TN
    20 miles
    Website

    "There is no hook ups . Can run generator until 11pm"

    "Mostly flat near the water and lots of sites to camp. We really enjoyed our spot in the shade on a hot summer weekend."

    3. Land between The Lakes Bards Lake Tharp Road

    1 Review
    Bumpus Mills, TN
    18 miles
    Website

    4. LBL FS154 - Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, KY
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 525-7077

    "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, being it is first come first served."

    "You might need 4wd; it had rained all day before I got here and there were some rough/sloppy patches in the road. The pit toilt at the entrance is about a 10-12 minute drive away."

    5. LBL FS-326

    1 Review
    Cadiz, KY
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 525-7077

    "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."

    6. Demumber's Bay

    5 Reviews
    Grand Rivers, KY
    37 miles

    "Denumbers is considered a back country campground in Land Between the Lakes. The road going back into the campground is paved, and the roads in the campground are compacted gravel."

    "There are multiple dispersed camping spots available along the way (closer to the bay mostly). There are a couple on the water and some in the woods close by."

    7. Barge Island Public Use Area at Birmingham Point

    1 Review
    Grand Rivers, KY
    32 miles
    Website
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Buchanan, TN

20 Photos of 7 Buchanan Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Buchanan, TN

15 Reviews of 7 Buchanan Campgrounds

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 7, 2024

    LBL FS-326

    Lovely, quiet spot!

    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. Occasionally heard some obnoxious people across the lake where I believe a campground is located. Also heard a sound during the night, possibly coyotes. Otherwise, I felt safe and had a great time here!! The ground was flat and there was a lot of room. We were just passing through and needed somewhere quiet to sleep after two days of driving. There is a lot to do in this area! I hope I got the location right… it wouldn’t let me add the exact coordinates I saved when I was there.

  • Staci R.
    Sep. 19, 2022

    LBL FS154 - Dispersed

    5 Star Dispersed? Planning ahead will make the difference

    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, being it is first come first served. Be sure to have your dispersed camping permit before coming out! They are available online, and at any of the Visitor's centers. The roads coming out to this site are graded graveled roads, and do not require 4WD, however some of the roads are still blocked by trees felled (probably during December 2021 tornados), so you won't want to be dragging a trailer behind you when you turn a curve to see a fallen oak.  I traveled in on FS-154 and turned left onto the road that runs next to the site. When leaving, I attempted to continue traveling down the unnumbered road toward FS-134, but both directions in the fork were blocked by trees. This campsite is very popular, even though there are ZERO AMENITIES, which means you need to know and understand sanitation ("cat holes") as there are no port-a-johns or vault toilets, there is also NO POTABLE water, so you either pack it in or bring your filter and drink lake water. 

    The campsite itself is on a small peninsula, just big enough for a large two room tent, a makeshift fire ring, and a vehicle. I was there during the lake's winter pool, so the water was very low, leaving a lot of easy walkable entry areas into the bay or inlet area.  Forrest service checks in with dispersed campers often, so staying longer than the time allowed is usually not an option, but there are also other really nice dispersed areas near by to move to,

  • Ai-Ai T.
    Aug. 26, 2024

    Demumber's Bay

    Extreme bug activity - late August

    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. Other than that, good stop for dispersed campers. Bathrooms were vault.

  • M
    Jan. 11, 2021

    Neville Bay

    Great little camp ground

    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

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2017

    Barge Island Public Use Area at Birmingham Point

    Functionality

    Barge Island is boat-ramp and that is all. At the end of Barge Island Rd, to the left, next to Birmingham Point Campground (privately owned) it is functional, has a porta pot, parking and a small dock.

    The sign on the way in has a tent camping symbol but I saw no evidence that anyone has ever camped in the thin strip of grass on each side of the road. It is feasible that you could though.

    If you continue straight on Barge Island Rd it turns to gravel and you end up on a small gravel beach area, good for fishing.

  • Staci R.
    Sep. 2, 2022

    Demumber's Bay

    Basic Campground - Pack in all you need (except toilet!)

    Denumbers is considered a back country campground in Land Between the Lakes. 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. The views of the lake are amazing, and this is a quiet area that allows for easy kayaking or other small water craft. There is a boat ramp, and zero entry areas into the water for launching. 

    A Dispersed Camping (Basic Camping) permit is required to camp here and you must purchase these at any of the three Visitor's Centers PRIOR to coming out! I've been told (by LBL LEO) that if you arrive after the centers are closed, but go get the permit first thing in the morning when they open, you will be good...

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 30, 2021

    Neville Bay

    Nice quite primitive camping

    Mostly flat near the water and lots of sites to camp. We really enjoyed our spot in the shade on a hot summer weekend.

  • sThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 28, 2024

    LBL FS154 - Dispersed

    Several Nice Spots

    I stayed at two difderent spots in March 2024. You might need 4wd; it had rained all day before I got here and there were some rough/sloppy patches in the road. The pit toilt at the entrance is about a 10-12 minute drive away. Both spots had fire pits

  • Kari M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2023

    Demumber's Bay

    Multiple Great Spots!

    This road is a paved Forest road that leads to a boat ramp. There are multiple dispersed camping spots available along the way (closer to the bay mostly). There are a couple on the water and some in the woods close by. They have fire rings made by stones from previous campers. Just make sure you get a permit for the few that have the requirement. They have a sign once you get to that area by the boat ramp.

Guide to Buchanan

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Buchanan, Tennessee, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.

Dispersed campers should check out Forest Service Rd 343

  • This location offers a secluded experience right by the lake, making it ideal for those who enjoy fishing or simply relaxing by the water. You can find more details about this spot at Forest Service Rd 343.
  • The road leading to this area can be rough, but a 2WD truck can navigate it in dry weather, allowing for easy access to a peaceful retreat.
  • While amenities are limited, the site allows for campfires, making it a great place to unwind under the stars.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Buchanan, Tennessee

  • Many dispersed camping spots, like LBL FS154 - Dispersed, require a permit, so be sure to secure one before your trip to avoid any issues.
  • Expect to pack in all your supplies, as these areas typically lack amenities such as drinking water and toilets, ensuring a true backcountry experience.
  • Keep an eye out for wildlife and enjoy the natural surroundings, as these spots often provide a chance to see local fauna in their natural habitat.

Neville Bay for dispersed campers

  • The Neville Bay area features beautiful views and well-maintained facilities, including vault toilets, making it a comfortable choice for those looking to enjoy nature without sacrificing too much convenience.
  • This location is known for its flat terrain near the water, which is perfect for setting up tents and enjoying a peaceful night under the stars.
  • With several sites available, you can find a spot that suits your needs, whether you prefer being close to the water or nestled in the shade of trees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Buchanan, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Buchanan, TN is Forest Service Rd 343 with a 3.9-star rating from 8 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Buchanan, TN?

TheDyrt.com has all 7 dispersed camping locations near Buchanan, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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