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, KY
    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, TN
    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."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Bumpus Mills, TN

618 Reviews of 28 Bumpus Mills Campgrounds


  • Vince B.
    Mar. 31, 2021

    Gatlin Point

    A Good Boondocking Spot!

    About four miles of winding hills off the paved road. Cleared and not too rough. The site has 18 designed spots, all tiered into the wooded hillside. There is a natural boat launch into Bards Lake. A single Vault toilet and Dumpster as well. The gravel camping pads are reasonably level, each with a concrete picnic table and large fire ring with grate.The hillside spots were designed for tent camping and are tight. No campers larger than 20' will fit on the hillside, however the bottom four spaces will accommodate a class A rig. A fork at the top of the hill provides a space for small campers to turn around if needed. Space number 16 has poor drainage. The area is very shady, a nice deep woods feeling. Firewood must be deadfall or bring your own "bug free" wood. The welcome center at the entrance has fresh and "potable" water, and a blackwater dump. The center also has maps, sodas, candy, etc. Great area to hike, the weird history of the area can be seen everywhere. Hundreds of very old cemeteries and homestead ruins... Att signal was two bars at all times. Overall, a big thumbs up!!!

  • C
    Aug. 27, 2022

    Taylor Bay Campground

    Amazing!

    There are about 25 sites. No reservations, all sites are first come first serve. There are about 8-10 lake front. There is also about 8-10 in the woods. There is a block bathroom. There are fire rings and picnic tables at each site. There is a boat dock. There are no shower houses, no water, and no electricity.

  • David B.
    Oct. 8, 2018

    Gatlin Point

    Five miles off paved roads and no electricity or running water.

    Located at Land Between the Lakes at the south end. This campground has about 18 sites. You can can camp near the water or back in the woods. The sites have concrete picnic tables, fire rings and gravel for parking and to set up your site. As m motioned, no electricity or running water. Nearest water point is about five miles away at the South welcome center. Vault toilet (one seat). Sites are close but not crowded. There is a small no wake lake next to the site and lake Barkley is 50 yards away. There is also a boat ramp into Lake Barkley a quarter mile away. This is a great site for relaxing and fishing.

  • B
    Jun. 8, 2020

    Lakefront Campground — Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park

    Well kept

    The tent sites were well kept. They are gravel pads with a grill and fire ring. They are right on the water with easy access to put in a kayak. And close to a boat ramp if bringing a boat. It’s shaded. The bath house is a bit of a walk and they have restrooms only, no showers.

  • Staci R.
    Aug. 16, 2022

    Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area Redd Hollow Campground

    Redd Hollow is prime for being primitive!

    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. Some sites are directly on the water, some are higher up, with great views of the lake.  The campsites are pea gravel based, and while some are smaller and closer together (ideal for tents or car camping) there are a few that are large enough for dry docking a small RV.  I didn't pay attention to whether there was potable water, (I haul mine in) but the Dump Station just south of Golden Pond Visitor Center has potable water.  

    The road going back to Redd Hollow is an improved gravel road that is in good condition. Easily traveled in a car, 4WD is not needed.  All sites are first come- first served, so you will want to come early.  At Self Service areas, I drive through, find my site, then walk back to the entrance and complete the registration card, place payment in the envelope and drop it in the "Iron Ranger".   A Dispersed Camping permit does not allow you to camp in a self-service campground.

    Further details for LBL's camp grounds:  https://landbetweenthelakes.us/seendo/camping/rules/

  • D
    Sep. 7, 2018

    Redd Hollow

    Tent and Small Camper Camping, Basic Sites

    Well kept campground offering a more basic camping experience as compared to the larger campgrounds at LBL. Gravel pads with concrete picnic tables and fire rings. Be mindful when picking a site that some of the fire rings are damaged, some are the older short (12" tall tops) style and still others are brand new and have the adjustable cooking grate.

    The actual gravel pads that we saw were for the most part in good shape. One or two sites suffered a bit from heavy wash running across them and rutting or washing gravel off the pads.

    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. Farther into the campground the road passes the vault toilet and boat ramp and goes uphill to higher up sites still. Sites in the woods with a longer walk to the lake but potentially better views and breezes.

    We found that campers here did not limit themselves to staying on the defined tent pads. They would park on the pads and set up tents around the true camp site. Not a super big deal but it made getting down to the water a little awkward because you had to walk a little too close to someone else's tent for my liking.

    The Forest Service could stand to go in and add some of the timber framing or bigger rip-rap bordering around the sites and maybe a splash of the smaller sized gravel to help level out the pads. You do need watch to make sure you get a level site.

    If there are say 30 sites here, only about 15 were occupied over Labor Day weekend. Way less than what we expected for a holiday but it was exactly what we were hoping for, avoid the crowds at the larger, more amenity-filled campgrounds.

    Last thing regarding the lake. The back end of Redd Hollow is shallow. Nice place to wade for kids. However, 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. I suspect you can use the boat ramp year round though.

  • D
    Oct. 18, 2022

    Lock A

    Great place to camp for $

    While the facilities are limited, we enjoyed being here. We were in site 25 with the river right behind us. 50A power and water, dump on the way out. Concrete pad, level, picnic table, fire ring and a trash can at every site. The road in is small and winding, nighttime driving is difficult. Senior pass got us in for just $12 a night. Boat ramp close by. Would certainly stay here again.

  • Abby M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 29, 2020

    Cravens Bay Campground

    Secluded and beautiful

    Arrived on a late Saturday afternoon expecting other campers, and not a single one! Stayed two nights right on the water. All spots have fire rings and concrete picnic tables. No host, I assume, during winter hours. All spots are clean looking and $12/night. You pay at the pay station and no permit required for this camping site. Be sure to pay, had a ranger swing by Sunday morning to confirm our stub #. Did have some hunters driving by daily, heading further back along the lake but no other campers. Lots of down wood to use for fires. Be sure to pack everything you need for this trip, no close towns for restock. Has very clean vault toilets and a water pump, but unknown if potable or not. Cell service varies between 2-3 LTE for AT&T. Cold winter nights but boy, that sunset is beautiful. Would definitely stay here again!

  • Joel H.
    Sep. 25, 2020

    Nickell Branch Campground

    Great time

    Nickell is the northernmost campground in LBL. It is a self-service campground with 11 designated sites. The access road FR-102 is gravel and in pretty good shape aside from some large potholes. There is a large loop with a big open grassy area once you get to the pay station. From there, 3 short offshoots A, B & C - A is the boat ramp area and site #1; B is where the single vault toilet is located and sites #2 & #3; C loop has the remaining sites #4 - #8 which are for small to medium RVs, and sites #9 - #11 are grass tent sites. There are picnic tables and very nice fire rings at each site. Besides the toilet, boat ramp, and a new dumpster, those are the only amenities.

    The 11-mile Canal Loop Trail crosses the road just before the pay station for hiking and biking (it connects to the North-South Trail). The campground is near the Barkley Canal that connects the two lakes making for lots of boating and paddling options. The North Welcome Center has fresh water and a dump station just a few miles away.

    The cell reception is great - I got download speeds of 18-34 Mbps. Also, several OTA TV channels. These sites are all situated in the woods near the water so none are particularly good for solar. But otherwise, for the price this is pretty sweet dry camping.


Guide to Bumpus Mills

The Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area spans 170,000 acres between Kentucky and Tennessee, creating numerous waterfront tent campsites near Bumpus Mills, Tennessee. The region sits at elevations between 360 and 480 feet above sea level, with summer high temperatures typically reaching the mid-90s. Campsites range from designated sites with minimal amenities to fully primitive areas requiring backpacking permits for overnight stays.

What to do

Kayaking near camp: Ginger Bay Basic Camping Area offers direct water access perfect for paddlers. "We fished, we hiked, we kayaked!! We all enjoyed the peaceful exclusivity this site offers and we plan to return soon!!" writes Brittni F. The boat ramp access makes it easy to launch from your campsite.

Wildlife viewing: The Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area Redd Hollow Campground has trails where you can spot local wildlife. Chris O. notes, "Bring your atv, dirt bike or sidexside and cruise the trails right along Lake Barkley. They have over 100 miles of trails." The area allows fishing year-round and swimming during summer months.

Trail hiking: Stewart State Forest offers marked hiking trails throughout the property. "There are marked trails throughout the area," shares Douglas K. Remember that hunting is permitted here, so wearing orange during hunting seasons is recommended for safety.

What campers like

Privacy and seclusion: Many tent campers near Bumpus Mills value the remote settings. At Old Boy Scout Campground, "There is space for several tents and you could find spots for hammocks in the nearby tree line," notes Brad H. The primitive nature of this site appeals to those seeking quiet.

Waterfront sites: The shoreline camping opportunities are highly rated. According to Juli G. at Ginger Bay Basic Camping Area, "Incredible back country campsite, for use with dispersed camping permit. Right on the water, no other people for 2 days!" Most waterfront sites require a dispersed camping permit.

Stone fire rings: Many dispersed sites come with established fire rings. At Jones Creek, Steve M. notes, "Clean camping area with a fire pit. The lake is beautiful, clean, and very fish friendly." However, he recommends bringing wood as "everything there seemed permanently damp."

What you should know

Vehicle requirements: Many access roads are rough gravel with challenging conditions. "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.," katie writes about Forest Service Rd 343. Some sites require higher clearance vehicles.

Permit system: A backcountry permit is needed for most dispersed camping. "This is on the TN end of Land between the lakes so check in at one of the welcome stations to get a backwoods camping pass," advises Tim D. about Ginger Bay. Permits can be purchased at visitor centers.

Limited facilities: Most tent campsites near Bumpus Mills have no amenities. Staci R. emphasizes about Old Boy Scout Campground: "There are NO AMENITIES at this collection of dispersed camp sites... There is no drinking water, no toilets, no port-a-john, nothing here but quiet." Prepare accordingly with all necessary supplies.

Tips for camping with families

Consider established sites: Gatlin Point Self-Service Campground provides more structure for families with basic amenities. Marcella notes it has "bathroom, fire pit, picnic table" and describes it as "Beautiful, right by a little lake, super quiet and clean."

Scout playgrounds: Linton recreation area includes family-friendly features. "A beach, a boat ramp, a playground and pavilion," according to Shelly S., making it suitable for children though facilities may be basic.

Plan for water activities: Swimming opportunities keep children entertained. "We spent hours in the evening around the campfire enjoying each other and making lots of s'mores. During the morning and day we ventured outside of the campground and did some hiking," shares Evelyn R. about her family's experience at Linton.

Tips from RVers

Limited RV access: Few tent campgrounds near Bumpus Mills accommodate larger vehicles. Michelle T. from Ginger Bay advises, "You will need a four-wheel drive to traverse the actual campground point," noting they used a van to camp successfully.

Site selection considerations: At Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area Redd Hollow Campground, Randy S. reports: "Sites are gravel and pretty level. At least half of the sites have a view of the lake. All sites have fire rings and picnic tables... Were there with a 26 foot towable." Select carefully based on vehicle size.

Self-sufficiency required: RV campers must be prepared for minimal hookups. "Redd Hollow is a Self-service campground in Land Between the Lakes (LBL) with improved camp sites... I didn't pay attention to whether there was potable water, (I haul mine in) but the Dump Station just south of Golden Pond Visitor Center has potable water," notes Staci R.

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.