Dispersed camping options around Paris, Tennessee extend throughout the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area across 170,000 acres straddling the Kentucky-Tennessee border. The region features rolling hills with elevations ranging from 359 to 656 feet and an average annual rainfall of 52 inches. Camping permits cost $7 per night for basic/dispersed sites, with America the Beautiful pass holders receiving a 50% discount at most locations.
What to do
Fishing from shore: Multiple secluded spots at LBL FS154 - Dispersed offer excellent bank fishing access. "This campsite is on a small peninsula, just big enough for a large two room tent, a makeshift fire ring, and a vehicle. I was there during the lake's winter pool, so the water was very low, leaving a lot of easy walkable entry areas into the bay or inlet area," notes a visitor.
Kayaking and paddling: The calm waters at Demumber's Bay provide ideal conditions for small watercraft. A camper explains, "This is a quiet area that allows for easy kayaking or other small water craft. There is a boat ramp, and zero entry areas into the water for launching."
Wildlife viewing: The buffalo herd near Forest Service Road 343 is accessible for day trips. "Would recommend swimming in the water nearby and would recommend seeing the buffalo on the way in or out," advises one camper who enjoyed combining activities during their stay.
What campers like
Solitude with lake views: Forest Service Rd 343 offers seclusion with water access. "This is one of the best spots I've found on this app. I had one other person show up to cook, but they left shortly after. Beautiful view with a nice fire pit, I was able to swim and had a great night to myself," shares a satisfied visitor.
Level camping areas: Neville Bay provides relatively flat terrain near the waterfront. "Mostly flat near the water and lots of sites to camp. We really enjoyed our spot in the shade on a hot summer weekend," reports one camper who appreciated the comfortable setup options.
Multiple site options: Many roads feature several potential camping spots. "This road is a paved Forest road that leads to a boat ramp. There are multiple dispersed camping spots available along the way (closer to the bay mostly). There are a couple on the water and some in the woods close by," explains a camper at Demumber's Bay.
What you should know
Permit requirements: Purchase dispersed camping permits before arrival. "A Dispersed Camping (Basic Camping) permit is required to camp here and you must purchase these at any of the three Visitor's Centers PRIOR to coming out! I've been told (by LBL LEO) that if you arrive after the centers are closed, but go get the permit first thing in the morning when they open, you will be good."
Road conditions vary seasonally: Access becomes more challenging after rainfall. "I stayed at two different spots in March 2024. You might need 4wd; it had rained all day before I got here and there were some rough/sloppy patches in the road," cautions a visitor at LBL FS154.
Fallen trees block some routes: Storm damage continues to affect navigation. "The roads coming out to this site are graded graveled roads, and do not require 4WD, however some of the roads are still blocked by trees felled (probably during December 2021 tornados), so you won't want to be dragging a trailer behind you when you turn a curve to see a fallen oak."
Tips for camping with families
Consider Neville Bay for amenities: With vault toilets and trash service, this location offers minimal but essential facilities. "Nice little are to camp at. Well suited for tents. Most of the area isn't very level. The road going back there is gravel," explains a family who visited with their travel trailer.
Pack insect repellent: Late summer brings intense bug activity. "Pulled in around dusk and there was a deserted camper there, about 4 pull in sites for rooftop campers. The bugs were insane and 40 must've flown into my car when i opened the door for a split second," warns an August visitor to Demumber's Bay.
Seek shaded sites during summer: Temperatures frequently exceed 90°F June through August. "We really enjoyed our spot in the shade on a hot summer weekend," notes a Jordan who found comfortable camping despite summer heat at Neville Bay.
Tips from RVers
Small to mid-size rigs only: LBL FS-326 accommodates modest setups but requires careful navigation. "This was a fantastic dispersed camping spot! A few cars went by looking for whatever, but the road dead ends at Energy Lake. It was quiet most of the time," reports an RVer who found the flat ground and spacious area suitable for overnight stays.
Generator usage restrictions: Check regulations before relying on power. "Nice little are to camp at. Well suited for tents. Most of the area isn't very level. The road going back there is gravel. We went with our 30 ft travel trailer. There is no hook ups. Can run generator until 11pm," advises an RVer who successfully navigated Neville Bay with a larger rig.
Free camping opportunities: While many sites require permits, some areas offer free camping near Paris, Tennessee. "Dispersed camping is a $10 fee. If you have the National Park pass you can go to a self check in campground for $5," notes a visitor to Forest Service Rd 343, while another mentions, "You don't very often find free spots in national parks. There is dispersed and standard. The standard has a fee but the dispersed is free."
