RV camping near Dover, Tennessee offers practical access to both Kentucky Lake and Land Between the Lakes recreation area. Located approximately 85 miles northwest of Nashville, this region features elevations ranging from 359 to 480 feet and experiences mild winters with hot, humid summers. Campsites in this area often require advanced planning due to limited full hookup availability, especially during peak fishing tournaments from April through October.
What to do
Fishing in Kentucky Lake: Near Birmingham Point Campground, visitors can enjoy exceptional fishing opportunities. "This is a nice campground for RV camping, especially if boating and fishing are your interest," notes one camper, who also mentioned the "beautiful views" available from lakeside sites.
River swimming: The Piney River at Piney River Resort provides natural swimming areas during summer months. "The water is crystal clear and cold. We sat in beach chairs and let the current wash over us. The swimming hole was great! We loved watching the younger crowd jump off the cliff into the water," reports one visitor who appreciated this unique water feature.
Kayaking: Water activities beyond fishing are popular at multiple locations. "Kayaking the piney river is a must," states one reviewer about Piney River Resort. The rivers and lakes throughout the region provide calm waters suitable for paddlers of all experience levels.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campground cleanliness receives consistent praise from visitors to the Dover area. At Eagles Nest RV Park, reviewers note "The campsite was clean and quiet. Definitely one of the nicest campgrounds that we have seen in the area," highlighting the well-maintained facilities.
Helpful staff: Campground hosts often make a significant difference in the camping experience. At Eagles Nest RV Park, one visitor shared, "Our campground hosts Shirley and Bobby were just phenomenal. Helpful, kind, and friendly. They assisted in helping us back in and ensured we were good to go."
Quieter alternatives: While some campgrounds can get crowded, Outback RV Resort offers a more serene option. "The quietest campground we've ever stayed at," reports one camper, noting the peaceful atmosphere that many RVers seek when staying near Dover.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to some campgrounds requires careful navigation. For Piney River Resort, one reviewer cautions: "The drive in from the highway was very scary on narrow, windy roads with dropoffs on the side. We took the staff recommended route in and Co-Pilot's route out and both were scary in our Class A towing a car hauler."
Seasonal availability: Winter camping options are limited in this region. At Cypress Lakes RV Park, a year-round operation, visitors note the campground has "a little Lake in it to fish. Not far off the interstate makes it handy," providing convenient access when other locations are closed.
Booking fees: Some campgrounds charge additional booking fees beyond the published rates. At RJourney Clarksville RV Resort, one visitor reported, "They charge a $20.00 booking fee! Which was 50% the cost of my site! Are you kidding me! The thing is I never booked it, I walked in on a Tuesday when it wasn't busy."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Families appreciate dedicated play areas at campgrounds like Cypress Lakes RV Park. "Very nice campground. There is a small lake to fish in. Nice play ground for the kids. Also has many activities for the kids," notes one reviewer, highlighting the family-friendly amenities.
Swimming options: Natural swimming areas provide alternatives to pools. At Piney River Resort, one family shared, "Our girls enjoyed swimming, fishing, and kayaking. Paved sites, fire ring, fire wood for sale, very clean campground, and only 45 mins to Nashville."
Weekend noise considerations: At Eagles Nest RV Park, one camper advises: "Although the campground has no control, on Friday and Saturday nights the two businesses that back up to the park are noisy with music, cars, people. Just be aware."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for big rigs: Large RVs require careful site selection. At Birmingham Point Campground, a reviewer with a large rig shared: "We would not recommended trying to anything longer than a 38' rig into the site due to the turn to get out."
Leveling challenges: Some sites require additional equipment for proper leveling. At Birmingham Point Campground, one RVer noted: "We needed levelers on the door side. Once we were set up, we were delighted with this site's lake view."
Internet access: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. At Piney River Resort, campers report: "The cell signal is not great but they have a tower being installed close by within the next few months. AT&T has about 1 bar up on the hill sites. We have an antenna that boosts our signal and has given us 2-3 bars which is totally usable."
