Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area contains more than 170,000 acres of forested land between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. Dover sits at the southern entrance to this recreation area, where summer temperatures average 90°F with high humidity. Winter camping is available at several campgrounds, though water systems are often winterized from November through March, requiring campers to bring their own water supply.
What to do
Kayaking on Kentucky Lake: Boswell Landing Campground offers direct water access with campsites close to the shoreline. "This site is amazing! We were able to spread out our tents for a group site and we had the perfect set up! We were 100ft. from the lake and had so many trees to use for our hammocks," reports Brooklyn L. The gravel road to the campground requires careful navigation.
Fishing from shoreline sites: Paris Landing State Park Campground provides access to prime fishing spots. "Short trail and beach on site, we will visit again!" mentions Shelly S. Many waterfront campsites allow fishing directly from your campsite, with crappie and bass being common catches.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Ginger Bay Basic Camping Area offers secluded wildlife viewing. "This is an excellent campground to get away at. I didn't spend much time in the actual camping area but off in the woods a little ways," notes Tim D. The area contains remnants of old foundations worth exploring while watching for deer, turkey, and waterfowl.
What campers like
Lakefront camping options: Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area Piney Campground features prime waterside locations. "We took two different weekends at Piney Campground and both times were able to get waterside spots and drop the kayaks right in at the campsite," explains Jody A. Reserve early as waterfront sites book quickly, especially during summer months.
Clean, accessible facilities: Bumpus Mills maintains well-kept facilities despite its small size. "The showerhouse was wheelchair accessible and well maintained. Mostly water sports here, but it is located in a good area to explore with a lot of history," writes Shelly S. The campground has only 15 sites, providing a quieter alternative to larger facilities.
Natural shade coverage: Neville Bay offers shaded sites that provide relief during hot summer months. "Mostly flat near the water and lots of sites to camp. We really enjoyed our spot in the shade on a hot summer weekend," notes Jordan. This primitive campground requires a permit but offers more seclusion than developed campgrounds.
What you should know
Road access challenges: Gatlin Point Self-Service Campground requires careful navigation. "About four miles of winding hills off the paved road. Cleared and not too rough," reports Vince B. Larger RVs will have difficulty accessing many of the primitive campgrounds, with some requiring vehicles with higher clearance.
Limited services at primitive sites: Ginger Bay offers no facilities, requiring complete self-sufficiency. "The sites are just a clearing in the trees so there is no place to park a rig. Campsites are right on the lake and no cell access," mentions GoWhereYouAreDraw N. Bring all necessary supplies, including water and waste disposal containers.
Seasonal booking patterns: Piney Campground becomes extremely busy during peak seasons. "Been going here since I was a kid. Its a great place to camp with great bike trails and everything you need. Little crowded and you will need to reserve out 3-4 weeks to get an electric spot," advises Ronnie S. Weekends from May through September typically reach full capacity.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access for children: Bumpus Mills provides child-friendly amenities with water access. "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," shares Kim B. The concrete platforms at sites provide stable surfaces for setting up family equipment.
Wildlife spotting opportunities: Land Between The Lakes offers regular wildlife encounters. "Nice campground. Clean, pet friendly. A lot of sites! Access to lakes. Saw a lot of wildlife for such a big campground with lots of people traffic," reports Shy-Anne W. Morning and evening hours provide the best wildlife viewing times.
Swimming accessibility: Piney Campground includes designated swimming areas. "The water was warm and calm being off the main lake. 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," notes Chris R. The gradual depth makes this area suitable for families with children who want to wade.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling considerations: Paris Landing State Park Campground has uneven terrain at many sites. "Paris Landing State Park has about 70 campsites, most with water and electric hookups, but it is not easy to find a level site," cautions Joel R. Bring extra leveling blocks, particularly for the primitive section of the campground.
Water access planning: Piney Campground requires planning for water access. "Nice campground with electric hookups. One central dump station and multiple areas with community water spigots. Fill up your freshwater before you get to your site!" advises Rob T. Water spigots are shared among multiple campsites, sometimes requiring a significant walk from your parking spot.
Site selection strategy: Dover campground offers varied site options for different RV sizes. "This campground is great for RVs, however the road leading up to the campground is a bit narrow and hard to maneuver a big RV. Once in the park, though, the spots for your RV in your campsite are big and can fit your RV," explains Isabella H. Sites closest to the entrance typically accommodate larger rigs more easily.
