Campgrounds near Paris, Tennessee offer diverse overnight options in Tennessee's western lake country. The Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area spans 170,000 acres with Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley creating distinct camping environments. Summer temperatures average 90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall bring milder conditions in the 60-75°F range with occasional thunderstorms typical for this region.
What to do
Hiking opportunities: Land Between The Lakes features numerous trails through hardwood forests. The Piney Campground area has trails nearby with abundant plant life. One camper noted, "Hikes nearby- this is something we always look forward to doing when we camp. We do our research ahead of time to find the best hikes for us. The hikes were great, and so much greenery and flowers!"
Fishing access: Multiple access points exist for bank or boat fishing. At Energy Lake Campground, visitors can fish from shore or use the fishing pier. "Access to Barkley or Energy Lake. Boat or bank fishing with a fishing pier and parking lots big enough for boat trailers," explains one reviewer who appreciates the convenience.
Wildlife viewing: The region offers excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. One camper at Boswell Landing Campground observed, "Nice campground. Clean, pet friendly. A lot of sites! Access to lakes. Saw a lot of wildlife for such a big campground with lots of people traffic."
Water activities: Kayaking is popular throughout the lake system. A visitor to Boswell Landing explained, "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!" Many sites allow direct water access for paddle sports.
What campers like
Lakeside camping: Direct water access is available at several campgrounds. At Redd Hollow, "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."
Primitive camping options: For those seeking more rustic experiences than glamping near Paris, Tennessee, Ginger Bay provides secluded options. A camper shared, "This is an excellent campground to get away at. I didn't spend much time in the actual camping area but off in the woods a little ways. Its a pretty good ways down a gravel rd and definitely worth scouting out a good campsite off to it's self."
Clean facilities: Most established campgrounds maintain high cleanliness standards. At Paris Landing State Park Campground, "The bathhouse was really nice, felt new and was very clean. The staff and park rangers were very nice."
Historical sites: The area contains numerous historical points of interest. Near Boswell Landing, visitors can explore "Buchanan Cemetery, which is a civil war cemetery, and the site of Fort Henry."
What you should know
Site selection considerations: Campground layouts vary significantly. At Paris Landing, "Some sites are pointed the wrong direction on a one way road, so you just have to drive it backwards. Most sites are small, but there are a few longer ones. Seems like many are unlevel."
Seasonal water levels: Kentucky Lake's water levels fluctuate seasonally, affecting water access. One camper at Piney noted, "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."
Reservation recommendations: Popular sites book quickly, especially during peak seasons. A visitor to Land Between The Lakes Piney Campground advised, "The best spots book up quickly, especially for long weekends so reserve EARLY if you want a specific date."
Road conditions: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. At Ginger Bay, "The gravel road back can be rough especially right after a big rain but you can avoid most of the holes."
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. At Buchanan Resort, families have "access to many amenities like a restaurant, pool, playground, pavilion, and store."
Swimming areas: Designated swimming zones provide safer recreation for children. Energy Lake has "a designated swim area (no lifeguard, but I imagine this makes it easier to keep an eye on kids)."
Kid-friendly biking: Many campgrounds feature bike-friendly paths and roads. A visitor to Land Between The Lakes Piney Campground noted, "Great Family camp site! Its a great place to camp with great bike trails and everything you need. Little crowded and you will need to reserve out 3-4 weeks to get an electric spot."
Shallow water access: Some coves offer gentler water conditions for younger children. At Piney Campground, "The back end of Redd Hollow is shallow. Nice place to wade for kids."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many campgrounds feature uneven sites. At Paris Landing State Park, "We had to take use the electricity from the site behind us because ours wasn't grounded. It is basically a gravel parking lot."
Hookup availability: Water and electrical access varies by campground. At Energy Lake, "Has everything. Water, electric, nice bath facilities, waterfront, boat ramp, trash, firewood availability, well kept. You name it."
Pull-through access: Some campgrounds offer easier parking options. A visitor to the Paris Landing-Kentucky Lake KOA praised the "spectacular secluded location with great pull thru sites. Shaded. Lots of activities and possibilities for the whole family."
Dump station locations: Plan for waste disposal before arrival. Energy Lake features a centralized dump station, while more primitive sites require self-contained waste management.
