Best Tent Camping near Dover, TN

The Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area offers several tent camping options near Dover, Tennessee, including established campgrounds and dispersed sites along Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. Gatlin Point Self-Service Campground provides tent campsites with basic amenities, while Ginger Bay Basic Camping Area offers more primitive tent camping experiences. Stewart State Forest, located south of Dover, provides additional tent camping opportunities in a more forested setting away from the lakes.

Most tent campgrounds in the Dover area feature gravel tent pads with fire rings and picnic tables, though amenities vary significantly between locations. Dispersed camping areas like Forest Service Road 343 require a permit purchased at visitor centers and offer no facilities beyond a clearing for tents. Vault toilets are available at established campgrounds like Gatlin Point, but many primitive tent sites require campers to practice proper sanitation techniques. A camper noted, "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." Water access is limited at most locations, so tent campers should bring their own drinking water or water filtration systems.

Walk-in tent sites throughout the Land Between the Lakes area provide shoreline access ideal for kayakers and anglers. Many tent campsites sit directly on the water with small beaches for launching small watercraft. According to one visitor, "We stayed at a site right off the water. We kayak so it was perfect for us to leave them on the shoreline so we could come and go as we please." Tent campers frequently encounter wildlife, including raccoons and coyotes, particularly at the more remote backcountry sites. The primitive tent campgrounds typically operate on a first-come, first-served basis, with 14-day stay limits that are inconsistently enforced. Weekday visits offer the best chance for solitude, as the more accessible tent sites fill quickly on weekends, especially during summer months.

Best Tent Sites Near Dover, Tennessee (28)

    1. Gatlin Point Self-Service Campground

    3 Reviews
    Bumpus Mills, TN
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 924-2000

    $10 / night

    "Beautiful,quiet, fishing close by, bathroom, fire pit, picnic table"

    "Beautiful campsite, fishing close by"

    2. Ginger Bay Basic Camping Area

    8 Reviews
    Barkley Lake, TN
    14 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."

    3. Stewart State Forest

    2 Reviews
    Tennessee Ridge, TN
    8 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."

    4. Dyers Creek

    1 Review
    Dover, TN
    2 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."

    5. Linton

    3 Reviews
    Bumpus Mills, KY
    15 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."

    6. Forest Service Rd 343

    8 Reviews
    Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, KY
    22 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."

    7. Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area Redd Hollow Campground

    4 Reviews
    Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, KY
    21 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."

    8. Jones Creek

    2 Reviews
    Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, KY
    18 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."

    9. Rushing Creek

    3 Reviews
    Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, KY
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 924-2000

    10. Bacon Creek

    1 Review
    Barkley Lake, KY
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 858-1549
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Tent Camping Reviews near Dover, TN

632 Reviews of 28 Dover 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.

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2016

    Redd Hollow

    Bugs

    Redd Hollow Campground is off Rt453 in Land Between The Lakes. Depending on which way you are coming from there is access from Dover, Tn (south)and Grand Rivers, Ky (north). Or right in the middle Rt 68 which drops you in near Golden Pond visitors center where you will need to get a Basic Camping pass $30 annually if you want to camp at these primitive areas in LBL.

    Bring your bug spray, bug candles, bug everything. Of course if your primitive camping its to be expected.

    Well maintained gravel roads to sites, make sure you check in at the visitor center for info. There is a pit toilet in the camping area, picnic tables and fire rings. A dumpster and boat ramp make it very homey and convenient. Several of the sites have direct access to the water and there are some secluded and unique sites. Drive all the way through before you pick your location cause there are some with interesting views and Tree Tent size trees.

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • 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.


Guide to Dover

Tent campsites near Dover, Tennessee offer easy access to Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley within the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. The region's mild climate supports year-round camping, though summer temperatures often exceed 90°F. Water levels fluctuate seasonally, affecting shoreline camping spots and boat launch accessibility during winter drawdowns.

What to do

Fishing access: Gatlin Point Self-Service Campground provides direct access to fishing opportunities. "Beautiful campsite, fishing close by," notes one camper. The area has multiple shoreline spots for bank fishing, with crappie and bass being common catches.

Kayaking launches: Many tent sites sit directly on the water with natural put-in spots. At Ginger Bay Basic Camping Area, campers appreciate the waterfront access. "Great place for backcountry though you can drive right to the spot... We fished, we hiked, we kayaked!!" reports a visitor who enjoyed the water accessibility.

Trail exploration: The region offers both hiking and OHV trails throughout the recreation area. A visitor to Redd Hollow Campground shares, "Bring your atv, dirt bike or sidexside and cruise the trails right along Lake Barkley. They have over 100 miles of trails." Many trail access points connect directly to tent camping areas.

What campers like

Lakefront sites: Water access ranks as a top feature for most campers. "We stayed at a site right off the water. We kayak so it was perfect for us to leave them on the shoreline," notes a visitor. Many sites require minimal walking distance to reach the water.

Privacy between sites: The dispersed camping areas offer more separation than developed campgrounds. At Forest Service Rd 343, campers find secluded spots with adequate spacing. "A secluded lakeside spot with a fire pit. We saw three other spots on the way in which looked nice as well," describes one visitor who appreciated the privacy.

Wildlife viewing: The area provides opportunities to observe native wildlife. One camper mentions, "The site is right on the water with a gravel opening beside it... We fished, we hiked, we kayaked!! We all enjoyed the peaceful exclusivity this site offers." The shoreline areas attract various bird species and small mammals.

What you should know

Road conditions: Many sites require traveling unpaved roads that deteriorate after rainfall. "The road back can be rough especially right after a big rain but you can avoid most of the holes," warns a Ginger Bay visitor. Another notes, "You will need a four-wheel drive vehicle to get down the steep gravel road to the dispersed camping area."

Permits required: Dispersed camping in Land Between the Lakes requires permits purchased at visitor centers. A camper at Jones Creek explains, "If you have your annual back country pass you can primitive camp in the area." Daily and annual permits are available with different price points.

Limited facilities: Many sites lack basic amenities. "No hookups available, primitive tent only," reports one reviewer. Another cautions, "I'd bring some wood, everything there seemed permanently damp." Most dispersed sites have no trash collection, requiring pack-in, pack-out practices.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Some campgrounds offer kid-friendly facilities. According to a review, "Dyers Creek was very quiet and secluded. There are reservable pavilions, a playground and volleyball court and plenty of lake front to fish on." These areas provide structured recreation options for children.

Swimming spots: Beach areas with gradual entry points work well for families with children. "We were able to swim and had a great night to myself!" shares a camper about their experience. Not all water access points have suitable swimming conditions, so scouting is recommended.

Site selection: Choose sites with adequate flat space for multiple tents. "The site is right on the water with a gravel opening beside it. We were able to setup 4 tents with lots of room to spare," notes a family-sized group at Ginger Bay. Most family-friendly sites can accommodate 2-3 tents comfortably.

Tips from RVers

Access limitations: Many primitive camping areas near Dover have restricted RV access. Stewart State Forest campers note challenges: "There are no offices, no campground and no facilities. But there are plenty of gravel, dirt and grass roads." Another visitor warns, "The sites are just a clearing in the trees so there is no place to park a rig."

Campsite surfaces: Leveling can be difficult on primitive sites. One RVer at Redd Hollow 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. Definitely would like to go back and camp there again. Were there with a 26 foot towable." Most tent-focused areas lack designated parking pads.

Water access: No water hookups exist at most primitive sites. "There is no water, so bring plenty," advises a camper. RVers must arrive with full tanks or know nearby water sources. The dump station at Golden Pond Visitor Center provides the most reliable potable water access in the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Dover, TN?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Dover, TN is Gatlin Point Self-Service Campground with a 5-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Dover, TN?

TheDyrt.com has all 28 tent camping locations near Dover, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.