Best Dispersed Camping near Dover, TN
Searching for the perfect place to dispersed camp near Dover? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. Find dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots from other campers.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Dover, TN (7)
1. Neville Bay
Bumpus Mills, Tennessee5 Reviews•3 Photos•56 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Dispersed
- Trash
2. Forest Service Rd 343
Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, Kentucky6 Reviews•8 Photos•98 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Alcohol
4. LBL FS154 - Dispersed
Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, Kentucky2 Reviews•13 Photos•41 SavesYou may camp almost anywhere in Land Between the Lakes. A Basic Camping Permit is required for each person 18 and over when camping in Basic Camping Facilities. A Dispersed Camping Permit is required when camping in non-designated areas of the recreation area. Both permits currently cost $50 for an annual permit and $10 for a 3-day permit and can be purchased online or any of our facilities. Please note that these permits do not apply when camping at Self-Service Campgrounds.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
5. Demumber's Bay
Grand Rivers, Kentucky5 Reviews•22 Photos•66 SavesYou may camp almost anywhere in Land Between the Lakes (LBL). A Basic Camping Permit is required for each person 18 and over when camping in Basic Camping Facilities. A Dispersed Camping Permit is required when camping in non-designated areas of the recreation area. Both permits currently cost $50 for annual permit and $10 for a three-day permit and can be purchased https://landbetweenthelakes.us/reservationsandpermits or any LBL facility. Please note that these permits do not apply when camping at Self-Service Campgrounds.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Dispersed
- Trash
6. LBL FS-326
Cadiz, Kentucky1 Review•7 Photos•20 SavesYou may camp almost anywhere in Land Between the Lakes. A Basic Camping Permit is required for each person 18 and over when camping in Basic Camping Facilities. A Dispersed Camping Permit is required when camping in non-designated areas of the recreation area. Both permits currently cost $50 for an annual permit and $10 for a 3-day permit and can be purchased online or any of our facilities. Please note that these permits do not apply when camping at Self-Service Campgrounds.
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
7. Barge Island Public Use Area at Birmingham Point
Grand Rivers, Kentucky1 Review•6 Photos•6 Saves- RVs
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
Recent Dispersed Reviews in Dover
15 Reviews of 7 Dover Campgrounds
Jeff F.
Guide
Neville Bay
Great basic campground
Beautiful view. Vault toilet.well kept
Ai-Ai T.Guide
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.
Gary
ScoutNeville Bay
Great!
Great spot.
- AAndrea L.
Traveler
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.
- sseanTraveler
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
- JJ A.Guide
Demumber's Bay
Beautiful great signal peace and quiet
Wonderful locations all as you head to this particular spot.
- NNick K.Traveler
Land between The Lakes Bards Lake Tharp Road
Great little spot not too far off the beaten path
Not free, but worthwhile for a small fee. My family and I loved spending time at this spot!
- Kari M.Guide
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.
Jessalyn C.ScoutDemumber's Bay
Beautiful and peaceful
My family stayed here on our way across the country.
Staci R.
LegendLBL 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,
- Staci R.Legend
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...
- JJordanTraveler
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.
Jason W.
RangerNeville Bay
Neville Bay is A-OK
Ok, that's cheesy but true. Several groups there when we went. 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.
- MMichealScout
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.Legend
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.
Guide to Dover
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Dover, Tennessee, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you can enjoy the great outdoors while embracing the freedom of camping without the usual amenities.
Tips for free and dispersed camping near Dover, Tennessee
- Many dispersed camping spots, like Forest Service Rd 343, are free to use, but a permit is required, so make sure to secure one before your trip.
- Be prepared for rough access roads; for instance, the route to LBL FS154 - Dispersed can be challenging, especially after rain, so a vehicle with good clearance is recommended.
- Always practice Leave No Trace principles to keep these beautiful areas pristine, as some sites, such as Demumber's Bay, may have trash left by previous visitors.
Scenic views and activities for dispersed campers
- Enjoy stunning lake views at Neville Bay, where you can set up camp near the water and take advantage of swimming and kayaking opportunities.
- The Land between The Lakes Bards Lake Tharp Road offers a picturesque setting for fishing and hiking, making it a perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
- For those seeking solitude, LBL FS-326 provides a quiet environment with ample space for setting up tents and enjoying a peaceful night under the stars.
Top activities while free camping near Dover
- Hiking is a must-do activity, with trails accessible from spots like Barge Island Public Use Area at Birmingham Point, where you can explore the natural beauty of the area.
- Birdwatching is popular in the region, especially around LBL FS154 - Dispersed, where you might spot various species while enjoying the tranquility of the forest.
- Campfire cooking is a delightful experience at many dispersed sites, including Demumber's Bay, where you can gather around a fire ring and share stories under the night sky.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Dover, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Dover, TN is Neville Bay with a 4.4-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Dover, TN?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 dispersed camping locations near Dover, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.