Dispersed camping sites near Oak Grove, Kentucky concentrate around the Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley shorelines with most requiring backwoods camping permits. The region sits at approximately 400 feet elevation with a humid subtropical climate that allows camping year-round. Summer temperatures typically reach 90°F with high humidity while winter nights can drop below freezing, affecting water availability at primitive sites.
What to do
Kayaking water access: At Ginger Bay Basic Camping Area, campers can enjoy direct water access for multiple activities. According to one visitor, "We fished, we hiked, we kayaked!!" while another mentioned they "watched turtles, popping their head up in the lake" during their stay.
Wildlife viewing: Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area Redd Hollow Campground offers opportunities to observe local wildlife. A visitor noted, "nothing like seeing a Bald Eagle hunting fish while drinking coffee first thing in the morning" at nearby Cravens Bay. The area supports diverse bird populations around the shorelines.
Fishing from shore: Gatlin Point Self-Service Campground provides fishing opportunities directly from campsites. A camper reported it has "Beautiful,quiet, fishing close by, bathroom, fire pit, picnic table" making it convenient for anglers staying overnight at tent campsites near Oak Grove.
Hiking trails: Stewart State Forest contains marked trails throughout the area for day hikes. According to a reviewer, "There are marked trails throughout the area" and "We have used this area in all seasons," indicating year-round accessibility for hikers exploring from tent camping areas.
What campers like
Lake peninsula privacy: Old Boy Scout Campground offers secluded camping on small peninsulas. One visitor explained, "This is a primitive site, and is considered back country camping...This place used to be used for Boy Scout Summer camps. It's a nice little finger of land that has water all around."
Waterfront tent spots: Cravens Bay - LBL Lake Access provides shoreline camping with direct water access. A reviewer shared, "There is a picnic area higher up the campgrounds offering nice reprieve from the hot sun with ample shade, and some have a nice overlook view of the lake below."
Quiet seclusion: Many tent sites near Oak Grove remain uncrowded even during peak seasons. At Dyers Creek, a camper reported it was "very quiet and secluded...There was only one other vehicle in the area while we were there, they were fishing."
Site selection variety: Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area Redd Hollow Campground offers different elevations for tent camping. According to a camper, "Some sites are directly on the water, some are higher up, with great views of the lake. The campsites are pea gravel based."
What you should know
Permit requirements: Most dispersed tent campsites near Oak Grove require permits. At Forest Service Rd 343, "Dispersed camping is a $10 fee. If you have the National Park pass you can go to a self check in campground for $5."
Vehicle considerations: Many roads to tent sites have challenging conditions. At Ginger Bay, a visitor warned, "You will need a four-wheel drive vehicle to traverse the actual campground point" while another noted the road is "pretty rough even with us being in a jeep."
Payment systems: Self-service payment stations operate at developed campgrounds. A camper explained the process: "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'."
Weather impacts: Road conditions worsen significantly after rain. A Forest Service Rd 343 camper shared, "The road is gravel and bumpy so you might not want to take a smaller car on it but just fine for any awd, truck, van, etc."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Dyers Creek offers family-friendly facilities beyond basic tent sites. A visitor noted, "There are reservable pavilions, a playground and volleyball court and plenty of lake front to fish on."
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer child-friendly swimming areas. At Cravens Bay, one family mentioned, "It also had a bit of flooding, however it made it easier for our girls to launch their kayaks and swim."
Seasonal considerations: Mosquitoes and ticks affect family camping from April through October. At Stewart State Forest, a scout leader advised, "Please be aware that hunting is allowed in this area, so deer and turkey seasons could present issues for those who are looking for peace and quiet."
Group camping facilities: Some areas accommodate multiple tents for family gatherings. At Ginger Bay, a camper mentioned, "We were able to setup 4 tents with lots of room to spare" making it suitable for family tent camping trips.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling information: Gatlin Point Self-Service Campground has varied terrain for RVs. At Redd Hollow, a camper with a 26-foot towable reported, "Sites are gravel and pretty level" which helps RVers prepare for setup.
Turn-around challenges: Some campgrounds have limited maneuvering space for larger vehicles. At Cravens Bay, an RVer with a "36' travel trailer" explained, "we had to actually drive all the way to the end of the campground to turn around so we could back into the site."
Road width limitations: Access roads to many tent campgrounds restrict larger RVs. A Cravens Bay visitor noted, "The road leading into the campsite is paved but narrow, the roads at the campsite are well hard packed gravel and very narrow."
Dry camping requirements: Many tent-friendly campgrounds near Oak Grove lack hookups. An RVer advised, "If you don't mind not having any hook ups and dry/boon docking with your camper Cravens Bay has a lot to offer in terms of privacy, peace, boating, fishing, and swimming."
