Glamping opportunities abound near Bumpus Mills, Tennessee, in the western region where Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley form part of the 170,000-acre Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. The area sits at approximately 400 feet elevation with a humid subtropical climate featuring hot summers and mild winters. Water levels fluctuate seasonally, with lake drawdowns affecting shoreline camping access during late summer and early fall.
What to do
Boating and paddling: Several campgrounds offer direct lake access with boat ramps. At Boswell Landing Campground, you'll find "good size lots, most within feet of the water. Lots of trees so there's plenty of shade. Well maintained road to get here and pretty close to a modern campground with a small store," according to camper Jordan.
Wildlife viewing: The Land Between the Lakes area supports diverse wildlife populations. "We were able to get far enough from the actual ramp that the traffic didn't bother us. We had two dogs out there with us and they had so much space to roam," notes Brooklyn L. about Boswell Landing. At Ginger Bay Basic Camping Area, campers can observe aquatic wildlife up close as Michelle T. describes: "We watched turtles, popping their head up in the lake and really enjoyed ourselves."
Historical sites: Explore nearby Civil War history. "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. about Boswell Landing. Fort Donelson National Historic Site is also accessible from several area campgrounds.
What campers like
Lakeside camping: Many campers value direct water access. At Piney Campground, "We were able to get waterside spots and drop the kayaks right in at the campsite," says Jody A. Piney Campground features "lakeside, gravel spots with good views and nice clean facilities," according to Hannah S.
Privacy options: Campsites with good separation are available. At Redd Hollow, "We prefer areas that feel more secluded and provide enough space between sites so our dogs don't lose their minds at every sound/person. This place surprisingly has some beautiful sites and most of them are pretty far apart!" explains Kirstin A.
Varied terrain: The topography creates unique camping opportunities. "If you drive all the way to the back of Redd Hollow campground, there's a little bluff overlooking the lake where you can camp," notes Kaitlyn C. Similarly, Daniel N. describes Redd Hollow's layout: "About half the sites are on the left hand side when you drive in and you can pick from sites tucked back in the woods a bit or sites nearer the water."
What you should know
Road conditions: Some access roads require careful navigation. At Ginger Bay, "You will need a four-wheel drive vehicle to get down the steep gravel road to the dispersed camping area," advises Juli G. Similarly, at Energy Lake Campground, campers note terrain challenges: "I was pretty nervous when we first saw the site, it was literally on a hillside."
Site levelness: Many campsites require leveling equipment. At Lake Barkley State Resort Park, Barry B. reports: "Pads are not level. Saw a class A that had front wheels 10" off the ground and a TT with the hitch on the ground." At Energy Lake Campground, Nichole M. warns: "We stayed at site D3 over Memorial Day weekend. I was pretty nervous when we first saw the site, it was literally on a hillside."
Seasonal water levels: Lake drawdowns affect water access. At Redd Hollow, Daniel N. explains: "When they start pulling the lake down what were water access sites become gravel and mud bar access sites. In the dead middle of the summer the back end of the cove is probably full of water. Early spring and late summer early fall it is not."
Tips for camping with families
Playground considerations: Evaluate recreation options for children. Energy Lake Campground has limited play equipment as Erin R. notes: "Downfall is the beach is muddy and rocky and the playground is old with just a metal slide and swings." In contrast, Wranglers Campground offers unique experiences: "Fun experience staying with all the horses! I didn't really know it was a thing to bring horses to camp and ride them on the trails!"
Swimming areas: Beaches vary in quality across campgrounds. Nichole M. describes Energy Lake: "The beach was far from impressive with basically gravel as half of the beach. I wasn't expecting Florida beaches in Kentucky, but in Indiana we have nice sandy beaches at lakes so I was disappointed."
Wildlife encounters: Prepare for local wildlife activity. Shelly S. cautions about Ginger Bay: "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."
Tips from RVers
Utility hookup positioning: Bring extension cords and hoses. At Paris Landing State Park Campground, Holly S. notes: "Well kept, no sewer hookup on sites, bath house clean, electric far from pads - bring extension cord." Similarly, Ann D. advises: "Make sure you have extension cords and hoses as the utilities are positioned in between two sites."
Dump station access: Plan waste management accordingly. Chris R. describes Piney Campground's facilities: "Bathrooms and showers were reasonably clean. Centrally located in several spots and cleaned daily. Staff was friendly, helpful, and did a good job. General store on site for forgotten items, but as usual you pay a premium."
Site selection strategy: Research specific site numbers before booking. For Paris Landing, Todd M. advises: "It's a tight fit and our rig is only 22.5' TT. 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."
