Glamping near Dresden, Tennessee includes campgrounds in Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area and along Kentucky Lake. The area sits at approximately 400 feet elevation with a humid subtropical climate that brings hot summers and mild winters. Water levels at Kentucky Lake fluctuate seasonally, with shallower depths in early spring and late summer when the Tennessee Valley Authority draws down the reservoir.
What to do
Kayaking with rangers: At Paris Landing State Park Campground, visitors can join guided kayaking excursions with knowledgeable staff. The park offers water access points suitable for beginners and experienced paddlers alike.
Wildlife viewing: The Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area Piney Campground provides opportunities to observe local wildlife. "Saw a lot of wildlife for such a big campground with lots of people traffic," noted one visitor, highlighting the area's ecological diversity despite its popularity.
Historical exploration: Fort Henry historical site is accessible from several area campgrounds. "Fort Donelson NHS, and everything that LBL has to offer in the South and North units" are among the attractions noted by campers staying at Piney Campground.
What campers like
Waterfront access: Many campsites at Boswell Landing Campground offer direct lake access. "We were 100ft. from the lake and had so many trees to use for our hammocks. One of the best camping sites I've had in a long time," reports one visitor, noting the ideal setup for water activities.
Clean facilities: Campground cleanliness receives consistent praise. "The bathhouse was really nice, felt new and was very clean," mentioned a visitor to Paris Landing State Park, while another camper observed that Piney Campground's bathrooms were "reasonably clean... centrally located in several spots and cleaned daily."
Spacious sites: Redd Hollow receives positive reviews for its site layout. One camper noted, "This place surprisingly has some beautiful sites and most of them are pretty far apart," making it suitable for those seeking more privacy during their glamping experience near Dresden.
What you should know
Seasonal water levels: Late summer can mean reduced water access at some sites. At Redd Hollow, "when they start pulling the lake down what were water access sites become gravel and mud bar access sites," explains one reviewer, advising visitors to check conditions when planning water activities.
Road conditions: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. At Ginger Bay Basic Camping Area, "the drive in is pretty rough even with us being in a jeep," warns one camper, while another notes "several deep ruts" on the entrance roads.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies widely across the region. "Only 1 bar of service with AT&T" reported a Paris Landing visitor, while glamping sites at Ginger Bay have "no cell access" according to reviewers.
Reservation requirements: Popular waterfront sites book quickly, especially during peak season. One Piney Campground visitor advised, "The best spots book up quickly, especially for long weekends so reserve EARLY if you want a specific date."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Buchanan Resort offers family-friendly amenities. According to reviews, the resort has "access to many amenities like a restaurant, pool, playground, pavilion, and store," making it convenient for families needing entertainment options.
Shallow swimming areas: Certain coves provide safer water play for children. A Redd Hollow visitor noted, "The back end of Redd Hollow is shallow. Nice place to wade for kids," providing natural water play opportunities without deep water concerns.
Kid-friendly biking: Piney Campground features dedicated cycling areas. "Lots of kids around riding bikes" and "great bike trails" were highlighted by multiple reviewers, mentioning the campground's popularity with families.
Bathroom proximity: When camping with children, consider site location relative to facilities. One Boswell Landing camper pointed out the campground's "single toilet facility for all of the sites," advising families to plan accordingly or choose sites closer to amenities.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Paris Landing requires careful site selection for RVs. "Seems like many are unlevel. Our picnic table was at a very noticeable slant," reported one RVer, recommending visitors check sites before setting up.
Electrical considerations: Inspect hookups upon arrival. One Paris Landing camper mentioned, "Had water and electrical hook up but the 30 amp was fried. Luckily it also had 20 amp so power management was key," highlighting the importance of verifying utility functionality.
Site access directions: The layout at Paris Landing can be confusing. "Our back in site was to the left on a one way road that I had to turn around and go opposite way so we could get in," noted a visitor, suggesting RVers scout their route before attempting to park.
