Best Tent Camping near Bumpus Mills, TN

The Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area dominates tent camping options near Bumpus Mills, Tennessee, with multiple primitive tent areas scattered around the shoreline of Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. Forest Service Rd 343 offers dispersed tent sites requiring permits, while Ginger Bay provides basic tent camping areas directly on the water. Stewart State Forest, located within driving distance, offers additional primitive tent camping with minimal facilities. Gatlin Point Self-Service Campground provides more established tent sites with basic amenities including picnic tables and pit toilets.

Tent campsites throughout the region typically feature gravel pads or natural ground surfaces with limited development. Most areas require campers to bring their own drinking water or filter from nearby lakes, as potable water sources are scarce. Fire rings are common at established sites, but dispersed camping areas may only have informal fire circles or require campers to practice leave-no-trace methods. Vault toilets are available at some locations like Gatlin Point, but many primitive tent camping areas have no sanitation facilities. A backpacking permit or dispersed camping permit is required for many sites, available at visitor centers or online before arrival.

The shoreline tent sites provide exceptional water access for swimming and kayaking, with many campers specifically seeking these spots for their proximity to the lakes. Sites under forest canopy offer good shade during summer months when temperatures can be quite hot. Many tent campsites remain relatively uncrowded during weekdays, though holiday weekends can fill quickly. According to one visitor at Forest Service Rd 343, "There is a handful of dispersed camp sites on this road. 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, etc." Tent campers at Old Boy Scout Campground particularly appreciate the seclusion, with one reviewer noting it has "space for several tents and you could find spots for hammocks in the nearby tree line."

Best Tent Sites Near Bumpus Mills, Tennessee (28)

    1. Ginger Bay Basic Camping Area

    8 Reviews
    Barkley Lake, TN
    11 miles
    Website

    "This is a car camping site however you will need a four-wheel drive vehicle to get down the steep gravel road to the dispersed camping area. Highly recommend."

    "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."

    2. Gatlin Point Self-Service Campground

    3 Reviews
    Bumpus Mills, TN
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 924-2000

    $10 / night

    "Beautiful,quiet, fishing close by, bathroom, fire pit, picnic table"

    "Beautiful campsite, fishing close by"

    3. Linton

    3 Reviews
    Bumpus Mills, KY
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 362-4236

    $35 / night

    "My family and I came here in the summer and enjoyed the warm weather, great hikes and family time. This campground was really nice, clean, and loved that it was easy to find and in a great location."

    "The restroom was a little scary, there were wasps all over the front wall.

    There is shoreline to walk and the beach is sanded. A nice area to have a get together."

    4. Forest Service Rd 343

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

    "Unfortunately the best one on the water was taken when we showed up but we set up in a different site and had a wonderful night."

    "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."

    5. Dyers Creek

    1 Review
    Dover, TN
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (931) 232-7724

    $35 / night

    "There are reservable pavilions, a playground and volleyball court and plenty of lake front to fish on. There are also several single table picnic sites.

    Quiet, secluded and peaceful."

    6. Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area Redd Hollow Campground

    4 Reviews
    Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, KY
    16 miles
    +1 (270) 924-2000

    "Redd Hollow is a Self-service campground in Land Between the Lakes (LBL) with improved camp sites, fire rings, picnic tables, vault toilet and trash dumpsters."

    "Approx 1-1/2 miles off the highway down a one lane gravel road. Approx 30 sites. Sites are gravel and pretty level. At least half of the sites have a view of the lake."

    7. Jones Creek

    2 Reviews
    Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, KY
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 924-2000

    "Doesn’t get much better for dispersed/primitive camping. I stayed just south of boat ramp at a spot just off the road. Clean camping area with a fire pit."

    8. Old Boy Scout Campground

    5 Reviews
    Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, KY
    19 miles

    "It is within a half mile (or less) of Dispersed LB-154, and mimics it, except there still exists the old road coming in and circling around."

    "This is a primitive site, and is considered back country camping, meaning you will have to obtain a back country pass from the Golden Pond Visitor Center."

    9. Bacon Creek

    1 Review
    Barkley Lake, KY
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 858-1549

    10. Stewart State Forest

    2 Reviews
    Tennessee Ridge, TN
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (931) 552-3909

    "There is no water, so bring plenty. There is a spring, however you have to know where it is.  Plenty of firewood available.

    The closest store is about 5 miles away near Tennessee Ridge."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 28 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Bumpus Mills, TN

614 Reviews of 28 Bumpus Mills Campgrounds



Guide to Bumpus Mills

Tent camping near Bumpus Mills, Tennessee, offers a variety of scenic locations perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature.

Tent campers should check out local fishing spots

  • The Ginger Bay Basic Camping Area provides a peaceful setting right on the water, ideal for fishing and enjoying the serene views.
  • At Redd Hollow Campground, campers can enjoy fishing while surrounded by beautiful landscapes, with many sites offering direct lake access.
  • Dyers Creek is a quiet spot where you can fish from the lakefront, making it a great choice for those seeking a tranquil experience.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Forest Service Rd 343 is perfect for those who enjoy hiking and exploring remote areas, with opportunities for wildlife viewing along the way.
  • Old Boy Scout Campground offers a nostalgic experience with plenty of space for hiking and enjoying the great outdoors, all while being close to the water.
  • Sugar Bay Campground is a fantastic location for swimming and picnicking, providing a great balance of relaxation and outdoor fun.

Unique features of local campgrounds

  • The Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area Redd Hollow Campground features well-maintained sites with fire rings and picnic tables, enhancing the camping experience.
  • Jones Creek is known for its clean camping areas and beautiful lake views, making it a favorite among those who appreciate nature's beauty.
  • Gatlin Point Self-Service Campground offers a stunning lakeside setting with amenities like picnic tables and fire pits, perfect for a cozy camping trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Bumpus Mills, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Bumpus Mills, TN is Ginger Bay Basic Camping Area with a 4.5-star rating from 8 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Bumpus Mills, TN?

TheDyrt.com has all 28 tent camping locations near Bumpus Mills, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.