The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Tent Camping near Dresden, TN

310 Reviews

The area surrounding Dresden, Tennessee offers several tent camping options, with Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area providing the most extensive primitive camping opportunities. Tent campers can find established sites at Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park with several backcountry shelter options, while Ginger Bay Basic Camping Area offers more secluded tent-only camping experiences on Kentucky Lake about 45 minutes northwest of Dresden.

Most tent sites in the region require basic preparation as amenities vary significantly between locations. At Ginger Bay, the access road requires high-clearance or four-wheel drive vehicles, especially after rain. A visitor commented, "The drive in is pretty rough even with us being in a jeep." Many of the walk-in tent locations at Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park feature wooden platforms along with fire rings but lack shower facilities. Forest Service Road 343 provides free dispersed tent camping but requires a permit. These primitive sites generally have fire pits but no drinking water, so campers should bring their own supplies.

Tent-only camping areas near Dresden provide excellent water access, particularly for those seeking shoreline camping. Several backcountry shelters at Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park are positioned along Kentucky Lake with direct water views. Sites at Ginger Bay offer complete seclusion with lakefront positioning ideal for fishing, swimming, and paddling. Tent pads vary from gravel clearings to forest duff, with most offering adequate space for multiple tents. During summer months, the shoreline sites provide cooling breezes but limited shade. As one camper noted about Ginger Bay, "We watched turtles popping their heads up in the lake and really enjoyed ourselves. It was just what the doctor ordered."

Map showing campgrounds near Dresden, TennesseeExplore the Map

Best Tent Sites Near Dresden, Tennessee (16)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 16 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Dresden Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Tent Camping Photos near Dresden, TN

3 Photos of 16 Dresden Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Dresden, TN

310 Reviews of 16 Dresden 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!!!

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Abigaile J.
    Jun. 30, 2021

    Turkey Bay Vehicle Area & Campground

    Nice campground for a fast stop, not really a week long area

    YOU HAVE TO GO TO THE VISITOR CENTER TO PAY FOR A CAMPING PERMIT AND OHV USE!

    For the Turkey Bay OHV area each site is just a picnic table and a fire pit and the sites are not numbered- it’s more a first come first serve. The sites though are close to the entrance and you park right next to the site. This site also is for RVs and tent camping but there is no water or electric access but is within walking distance of the gatehouse. The gatehouse has ice and sodas for sale to each camper.

    OHVs for rent at the visitor center (just about 2 miles down the road) and trails marked specifically for them, also a couple hiking trails nearby! Bathrooms and trash onsite!

    There is a dump station and potable water about a mile or so up the road near the Hunters Check Station and it’s only about 2 miles out from the Golden Pond planetarium and trails! Great area!

  • D
    Mar. 30, 2022

    Redd Hollow

    Gorgeous Primitive Campground

    Leaving the paved road with our 27' Airstream, I felt like this road may be a long one way trip! But then it opened to a very nice campground. Very simple, one clean bathroom, one dumpster, no showers, no water, no electric. But we didn't need it or want it. Just an overnight stay in a beautiful location. We chose site 31, at the top of the hill and with a view of the lake and sunset. I would not recommend others to put their 27' Airstream here, as it was quite tight for space. But it has an absolutely astounding view. We listened to the waves splash against the rocks below. It was peaceful and calm. Only one other camper here in March.

  • Matt S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 30, 2022

    Colson Hollow Group Camp Land Between the Lakes

    Great Group Camping

    We had this received for a large group and it was great! Tons of room to spread out especially with the water as low as it was. Vault toilets on site and a few fire rings. Multiple picnic tables available. Lot's of fun and great views!

  • Kelsey R.
    Sep. 28, 2017

    Redd Hollow

    Site 8

    Had a great 3 day 2 night stay here. All you need to camp here is a camping permit from Land Between the Lakes which is 30 dollars online. If you have a Kentucky resident sportsmans licence this permit is included in that! Each site has a 2 foot across firepit with a grill plate that is hinged so you can flip it on or off the fire. Some of the sites are about 10 to 15 yards from the water while others are a good ways from it. There is no electricity at any of the sites however there is a central dumpster for trash and a composting toilet as well as a boat ramp. The sites are gravel pads with a fire pit and a concrete picnic table. Easily fit my 3 person tent with a 9 x 12ft tarp as a foot print and two vehicles with still room to walk around easily in the site.

Guide to Dresden

Tent camping near Dresden, Tennessee offers a variety of scenic spots for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature. With options ranging from private woods to public parks, there's something for everyone.

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $20

Tent campers should check out local activities

Unique features of the campgrounds

  • Gatlin Point Self-Service Campground is well-reviewed for its clean facilities, including picnic tables and fire pits, making it a great choice for families.
  • The Redd Hollow Campground features improved campsites with fire rings and picnic tables, all while providing beautiful views of the lake.
  • For those looking for a more rustic experience, Forest Service Rd 343 offers secluded spots right by the water, perfect for a quiet retreat.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Dresden, TN is Ginger Bay Basic Camping Area with a 4.5-star rating from 8 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 16 tent camping locations near Dresden, TN, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Keep Exploring