Dispersed camping near Springville, Tennessee offers secluded options throughout the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, spanning 170,000 acres between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. Winter camping temperatures typically range from 25-45°F, with summer highs reaching 85-95°F. Vehicle access varies significantly by location, with many sites requiring proper preparation for seasonal weather impacts.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Barge Island Public Use Area provides a small gravel beach area for fishing. "If you continue straight on Barge Island Rd it turns to gravel and you end up on a small gravel beach area, good for fishing," notes one visitor.
Lakeside swimming: Forest Service Road 343 offers designated swimming areas during summer months. A camper shares, "I was able to swim and had a great night to myself!" Another camper recommends "swimming in the water nearby and would recommend seeing the buffalo on the way in or out."
Wildlife viewing: Buffalo viewing opportunities exist near several camping areas. These managed herds provide historical context to the region, with designated viewing areas accessible via main roads throughout the recreation area.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: LBL FS-326 offers isolation with minimal disturbance. "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 Andrea L.
Accessible shoreline: LBL FS154 Dispersed features water access points that vary with lake levels. "The campsite itself 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," explains Staci R.
Established fire rings: Many dispersed sites come with existing fire rings, though campers should verify seasonal fire restrictions. "Both spots had fire pits," confirms a camper at FS154, while another notes Forest Service Road 343 has "a secluded lakeside spot with a fire pit."
What you should know
Permit requirements: All Land Between the Lakes dispersed camping requires permits costing approximately $10. "Dispersed camping is a $10 fee. If you have the National Park pass you can go to a self check in campground for $5," explains a camper at Forest Service Road 343.
Road conditions: Land between The Lakes Bards Lake Tharp Road and other sites require careful vehicle selection. "The pit toilet at the entrance is about a 10-12 minute drive away," notes a camper at FS154, while others mention occasional fallen trees blocking access roads.
Sanitation practices: Most dispersed sites lack facilities, requiring proper waste management. "This campsite is very popular, even though there are ZERO AMENITIES, which means you need to know and understand sanitation ('cat holes') as there are no port-a-johns or vault toilets," explains a reviewer at FS154.
Tips for camping with families
Water supply planning: No potable water exists at dispersed sites, requiring advance preparation. "There is also NO POTABLE water, so you either pack it in or bring your filter and drink lake water," advises a camper at FS154 Dispersed.
Stay length limitations: Forest Service regularly checks dispersed sites for compliance. "Forrest service checks in with dispersed campers often, so staying longer than the time allowed is usually not an option," notes a camper at FS154.
Wildlife awareness: Neville Bay and surrounding areas have wildlife activity. Campers report hearing "possibly coyotes" overnight, requiring proper food storage and waste management to minimize attractants. Secure food in vehicles when not in use.
Tips from RVers
Ground conditions: Assess site levelness before setup, as terrain varies widely. "Mostly flat near the water and lots of sites to camp," reports one camper about Neville Bay, while another notes many areas "aren't very level."
Generator restrictions: Where generators are permitted, most locations enforce quiet hours. One Neville Bay camper notes: "There is no hook ups. Can run generator until 11pm."
Clearance requirements: Many roads require specific vehicle capabilities. "I'd recommend AWD/4WD and 8+ inches of clearance, especially if it has rained because it's pretty steep in sections," advises a visitor to Forest Service Road 343, while another mentions "the road is rough, but a 2wd truck could make it in dry weather."
