Dispersed camping near Bumpus Mills, Tennessee centers around the Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley areas, with most sites situated within Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. The region consists of rolling hills with elevations ranging from 359 to 480 feet and receives approximately 52 inches of rainfall annually. Weather patterns vary significantly by season, with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and winter bringing occasional freezing conditions.
What to do
Kayaking and fishing access points: Demumber's Bay offers multiple spots with easy water entry. According to Kari M., "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."
Swimming in coves: The quiet coves throughout the region provide ideal swimming locations during warmer months. One visitor at Forest Service Rd 343 shared, "I had one other person show up to cook, but they left shortly after. Beautiful view with a nice fire pit, I was able to swim and had a great night to myself!"
Wildlife observation: The Land Between the Lakes area hosts diverse wildlife including deer, turkey, and various bird species. A camper at LBL FS154 - Dispersed mentioned, "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."
What campers like
Accessibility with privacy: Despite being somewhat remote, most sites balance accessibility with seclusion. Andrea L. noted about LBL FS-326, "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."
Waterfront locations: Many dispersed sites offer direct water access, a feature consistently highlighted in reviews. A visitor at Neville Bay mentioned, "We really enjoyed our spot in the shade on a hot summer weekend," while another camper described it as a "Nice little are to camp at. Well suited for tents."
Cost-effective options: Permits for rustic camping near Bumpus Mills are reasonably priced. As one camper at Forest Service Rd 343 explained, "Dispersed camping is a $10 fee. If you have the National Park pass you can go to a self check in campground for $5."
What you should know
Permit requirements: Most dispersed sites require permits obtained beforehand. A camper at Demumber's Bay advised, "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 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."
Seasonal considerations: Bug activity increases substantially during summer months. One August visitor to Demumber's Bay 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."
Unpredictable visitor traffic: Even remote sites may experience occasional visitors. At Forest Service Rd 343, one camper noted, "Stayed here 4/17-18. The first day I was visited by an older man on a dirt bike who was just out riding. The next morning an older man on a horse stopped to talk and a couple in a Cherokee stopped to chat. Seems it's a popular road for other people looking for an off-the-beaten-path place."
Tips for camping with families
Accessible shorelines: Sites with gradual water entry points work well for families with children. At Neville Bay, one camper noted it as "Very clean, well maintained primitive campground on the south end of LBL. Four stars, for what it is. If there was electric and water it would be a solid 5. Secluded but still accessible."
Space considerations: Look for sites with adequate flat ground. One camper at Neville Bay observed the area is "Mostly flat near the water and lots of sites to camp," making it suitable for family setups with multiple tents.
Water safety planning: No lifeguards are present at any of the primitive camping locations. Bring life jackets and establish clear water boundaries for children, especially at sites like LBL FS154 where a camper noted the water levels can change seasonally.
Tips from RVers
Road condition awareness: Access roads vary significantly in quality throughout the region. At Land between The Lakes Bards Lake Tharp Road, a visitor mentioned, "Not free, but worthwhile for a small fee. My family and I loved spending time at this spot!"
Generator guidelines: While generators are allowed at some locations, they typically have time restrictions. At Neville Bay, one RVer advised, "We went with our 30 ft travel trailer. There is no hook ups. Can run generator until 11pm."
Leveling challenges: Many primitive sites require additional leveling equipment. As one camper at Neville Bay observed, "Most of the area isn't very level," which can be particularly important for RVs requiring more stable positioning.