152 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Dover, Tennessee contains multiple campgrounds concentrated around Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, with options ranging from developed facilities to basic dispersed camping. Piney Campground features boat access, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations with full amenities including showers and dump stations. Gatlin Point offers more primitive experiences with tent sites and limited facilities. Campgrounds like Bumpus Mills and Neville Bay provide water access for fishing and boating, while Paris Landing State Park accommodates RVs, tents, and cabin camping year-round.
Several developed campgrounds remain open year-round, though some like Piney Campground operate seasonally from March to November. Road conditions vary significantly, with some campgrounds located on narrow, winding roads that may challenge larger vehicles. "Five miles off paved roads and no electricity or running water," noted one visitor about Gatlin Point, highlighting the more remote options in the area. Most waterfront sites fill quickly on weekends, especially during summer months. Cell service can be spotty in certain areas, with users reporting limited connectivity at some of the more isolated campgrounds. Advanced reservations are recommended for premium waterfront locations, particularly at developed campgrounds.
Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers visiting the Dover area. "Beautiful campsite, fishing close by," wrote one visitor about Gatlin Point. Many campground options provide direct lake access for boating, fishing, and swimming. The mixed-use campgrounds throughout Land Between the Lakes allow various recreational activities while maintaining natural surroundings. Campers frequently mention wildlife sightings, including wild turkeys near campgrounds. Some visitors note that certain campgrounds have limited on-site activities beyond water recreation, suggesting travelers should plan accordingly. For those seeking quiet getaways, smaller campgrounds like Bumpus Mills provide more solitude compared to larger, more developed facilities, though they may have fewer amenities and limited cell service.
"If your coming from the Dover end of LBL. Huge campground, not to full when we were there. Well maintained with staff in evidence who were friendly, professional and informative."
"If you enter LBL from the Dover side Piney is 8 miles from the main road. Big campground, with nice bathhouses, and boat ramp. Sites are a little close together but nice."
"Boswell Landing is a quiet spot of the park with gorgeous views of Kentucky Lake where you can pull up a chair (or tent!) and relax."
"Well maintained road to get here and pretty close to a modern campground with a small store. We'll be coming back here again!"
from $5 - $12 / night
Check Availability"Great little campground close to the Bumpus Mills Marina. Electric and water hookups with dump site at the entry/exit."
"Several sites are on the water and the rest are near it. Great for boating or kayaking. Nice bath/showerhouse if you need it.
Lots of shade!"
from $28 - $30 / night
Check Availability"Piney Campground is part of the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. It is wildly popular among locals and travelers alike."
"While quiet hours were observed, there was a lot of music, celebrating a Tennessee win with a golf cart parade and victorious choral singing of Rocky Top right up until 11pm."
"Mostly flat near the water and lots of sites to camp. We really enjoyed our spot in the shade on a hot summer weekend."
"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."
"There is a natural boat launch into Bards Lake. A single Vault toilet and Dumpster as well."
"Beautiful campsite, fishing close by"
"Beautiful,quiet, fishing close by, bathroom, fire pit, picnic table"
from $10 / night
Check Availability"My only complaint is that from the sites located on the water, the bathhouse is quite a hike. Kids ride bicycles all over the park and I feel the place is pretty secure."
from $35 / night
"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."
"I don’t recommend a pull behind trailer as the road is so rough you wont get a camper up it. The sites are just a clearing in the trees so there is no place to park a rig."
TravelerThe pricing policy is complicated for long term they require $25 each person for background checks. The sites in the back are pretty tight and mostly long term. They do have nice sites near the office. They are pull through.
TravelerCute little spot hidden about 5 min off of i40. Just need to call ahead and they’ll ask what time you plan on arriving. Seems to be a husband and wife that uses their land as a little campground. Mostly gravel, lots of trees for shade. Does seem to be one or two long term campers but very quiet and quaint. Water and power hook ups. I didn’t hook up as I just camp in my van(:
ScoutI live within an hour of this campground, and saw a one night opening with good weather, so trying it out. Every site is level concrete, and has a view of the river. Each site (15 total) has power and water. One dump station in campground. Bath house is good and clean. Best part, with my American the beautiful pass, its only $11 night.
ScoutTHEY WILL STATE YOU DIDN'T STAY HERE IF YOU LEAVE A NEGATIVE REVIEW! The river is beautiful along with all the wildlife.(Wild turkeys, cows, horses, deer, donkeys and goats) Pizza and cookies at the store are fantastic. The girls work very hard in the office and are always cheerful and helpful. Location gets a 3 only because it's really in the middle of nowhere. Not necessarily a bad thing! Now for the actual bad. I lived here over a year and things changed so much and its the main reason we just left. Incessant dog barking with no consequences. Way too much dog feces in the park which could so easily be fixed with a cheap camera and lights. Suppose to be gun and drug free. Neither are even close to true. Rules are not enforced at all! Needs new management. When you make a special trip to the office to inform management that there is water pouring out of bottom of rv that the people aren't there and it takes 7 hours for them to walk over and shut the water off?? And these was damage to rv. Fact! Loose dogs running around scaring guests, ripping into garbage, bothering guests kids and dogs. 10 year rule? 20 year rule? Freezers outside campers? This place could be a 5 star with better management and not a family running it like it's their own property. No Christmas or Halloween decorations? Lastly there's a bad review left a few months ago that I was accused of leaving called into the office and ordered to remove by management
GuidePristine campsites with steamy hot showers! What more could you want?! One bar with mint mobile but starlink works no problem! No sewer hook up at all sites but no matter! There’s a dump site! The lake is beautiful and quiet with a swimming area! Definitely a must stay!
TravelerStayed at Taylor Bay on a trip up to see the Elk & Bison Prairie (very close, perfect for going during their peak activity time). I usually prefer to camp at a site with a water spigot, so it was a change not having one. Pack in plenty of water for drinking and rinsing plates. Can't bring in any wood from outside Land Between Lakes, but you're able to use anything dead or downed around the area. I drove through a couple nearby campsites and picked up some dead wood off the side of the road and we were plenty set. Standard racoon business, they're there and they want your stuff. Drive-in sites were helpful for storing food in the car overnight, but I'd recommend a bear bag contraption of sorts to avoid racoons getting in your trash. Ticks were a bit present, but that's mostly the season and this particular year's high. One bathroom situated in the center of the site, no light inside so bring a flashlight! Lots of TP inside which was appreciated. For tent campers, I recommend staying back in the shadier campsites away from the lake. Most of the sunnier, lake-front sites were already claimed by RVs, but the back sites were more private for chatting/changing in a tent or staying up late without the sound insulation of RV walls. Great lake with a soft silt bottom (and lots of rocks to stand on if you hate that), friendly fellow campers. My friends had never camped before and had a fantastic time. I'd stay again-- just bring more water!
GuideGot down here. If you’re on a Harley, don’t do that. Besides that it’s super secluded and right on the water. Not too many bugs.
ScoutDuncan Lake is a small inland Lake located in the Kentucky portion of LBL. The campsite area is located at the end then up around the corner of the first of two access roads to the lake. There is a small boat ramp not far from the site. It is close enough to carry kayaks back and forth. The lake is small and shallow except near the outlet. Great for paddling around and doing some fishing. We have seen bald eagles both times we camped. There is also a beaver community on the lake, they might give you a tail slap on the water if you get to close.
There are enough level spots to accommodate 3 or 4 tents. There is a stone fire ring and that is abut it.
It is a popular bird watching area and both times we camped there were people that used the lake each time. The boat ramp is just far enough away from the camp site that it really didn't affect us at all. If there is a breeze it sounds really nice as it blows through the tall pines.
We generally bring our bikes and do a loop from the camp to the Nature centre and back.
The Lake is closed from Nov. 1 through March 15 to protect wintering waterfowl. no camping or access at all.
There is no cell service but there is a clear view for a starlink setup.
GuideNicely laid out sites that are expansive and well kept. Great views of the lake.
Dispersed camping options near Dover, Tennessee concentrate around Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, spanning 170,000 acres between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. The area features a mix of established facilities and primitive sites along 300 miles of undeveloped shoreline. Most dover tn campgrounds operate year-round, though several implement seasonal closures from November to March when temperatures average 30-50°F.
Watercraft access points: At Boswell Landing Campground, campers enjoy convenient lake entry. "Direct put in is an option or if you have a bigger watercraft the boat ramp is right there," notes a visitor who appreciates the proximity to the water.
Fishing opportunities: Kentucky Lake provides excellent bass and crappie fishing year-round. "We fished, we hiked, we kayaked!! We all enjoyed the peaceful exclusivity this site offers," shares a camper at Ginger Bay Basic Camping Area.
Historical exploration: Fort Donelson National Historic Site sits minutes from several campgrounds. "Located in LBL and near Paris Landing SP, Fort Donelson NHS, and everything that LBL has to offer in the South and North units," mentions a camper about Piney Campground.
Wildlife viewing: The recreation area hosts abundant wildlife including wild turkeys, deer, and over 240 bird species. "Saw a lot of wildlife for such a big campground with lots of people traffic," reports a visitor to Piney Campground.
Lakefront camping: Many Dover area campsites provide direct water access. "Good size lots, most within feet of the water. Lots of trees so there's plenty of shade," explains a visitor to Boswell Landing.
Primitive camping options: For those seeking solitude, undeveloped sites offer peaceful settings. "Ginger Bay is very remote but as always, remote is totally worth it," shares one camper about the more rustic camping areas.
Family-friendly amenities: Paris Landing State Park Campground provides convenient facilities. "Nice campground. Has showers. Close to marina. You can rent boats there. Has separate access to swimming area, you don't have to try to cross the busy highway," notes a visitor.
Clean facilities: Maintained restrooms are available at most established campgrounds. "The showerhouse was wheelchair accessible and well maintained," reports a camper at Bumpus Mills.
Road conditions vary: Access to some dover tennessee campgrounds requires traversing unpaved roads. "You will need a four-wheel drive vehicle to get down the steep gravel road to the dispersed camping area," warns a camper at Ginger Bay.
Seasonal differences: Some campgrounds operate year-round while others close seasonally. "This campground closes the first week of September," notes a Bumpus Mills visitor.
Campsite layouts: Terrain can affect site selection. "Kids were so excited about seeing a turkey by the camper in the morning. It was hard to choose a site just because they were all so nice on a small hill overlooking the water (though they do vary in shade)," shares a camper.
Site reservations: Popular waterfront locations fill quickly, particularly at Piney Campground. "The best spots book up quickly, especially for long weekends so reserve EARLY if you want a specific date," advises one visitor.
Playground access: Multiple recreation areas throughout the region offer play spaces. "There is a pavilion and basketball court plus several playgrounds throughout," mentions a visitor to Piney Campground.
Water activities: The lakes provide safe swimming areas for children. "Piney cove is pretty shallow and we could walk out into the water a good 30-40ft before getting too deep. Bottom is soft mud," explains a camper.
Biking opportunities: Many campgrounds feature bike-friendly roads. "Big campground, with nice bathhouses, and boat ramp. Sites are a little close together but nice. A pavilion and basketball court plus several playgrounds throughout. Well maintained, friendly staff," notes a visitor.
Wildlife education: The Nature Station within Land Between the Lakes offers family programming. "Kids were so excited about seeing a turkey by the camper in the morning," shares a Bumpus Mills camper.
Site selection challenges: Some campgrounds have access limitations. "We could not maneuver our 36' MH into our assigned spot because of the drop off on the side of the road," cautions a visitor to Dover.
Hookup availability: Electrical and water connections vary significantly between campgrounds. "There are only 15 sites so it's small but not crowded. Several sites have 50A service, the rest have 30A and all have water," explains a Bumpus Mills visitor.
Leveling considerations: Terrain can be challenging at some sites. "Paris Landing State Park has about 70 campsites, most with water and electric hookups, but it is not easy to fine a level site," warns a camper.
Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds offer on-site dumping. "No sewer onsite but there is a dumpstation at the entrance/exit. The roads are NARROW and tree-lined, so I don't recommend any rig over 30'," advises a Bumpus Mills visitor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Dover, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, Dover, TN offers a wide range of camping options, with 152 campgrounds and RV parks near Dover, TN and 9 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Dover, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Dover, TN is Piney Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 26 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Dover, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 free dispersed camping spots near Dover, TN.
What parks are near Dover, TN?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near Dover, TN that allow camping, notably Barkley Lake and Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area.
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