Map showing campground location near Dover, Kentucky

Camper submitted image from Gatlin Point

Gatlin Point

About four miles down winding gravel roads off the pavement, Gatlin Point sits on the south end of Land Between the Lakes, where wooded hillside sites slope down toward Bards Lake and Lake Barkley sits roughly 50 yards away. The campground has 18 designated sites tiered into the hillside, with gravel parking pads, concrete picnic tables, and large fire rings with grates at each one. Access is drive-in, but the layout imposes real limits: hillside sites are tight and suited to tent campers or rigs under 20 feet, while the bottom four spaces can fit a Class A motorhome. A fork near the top of the hill gives smaller campers a place to turn around.

The site has a natural boat launch into Bards Lake, and a boat ramp into Lake Barkley is a quarter mile away, making it a practical base for fishing and paddling. The area is heavily shaded by mature trees. No electricity or running water are available on-site. Potable water and a blackwater dump are located at the South Welcome Center, roughly five miles away, which also carries maps and basic supplies. One vault toilet and a dumpster serve the campground.

"The weird history of the area can be seen everywhere," notes Vince B., referencing the hundreds of old cemeteries and homestead ruins throughout the surrounding land. AT&T users have reported two bars of signal consistently. Nearby options include Gatlin Point Self-Service Campground and Piney Campground for those who want hookups or more developed facilities. Gatlin Point works best for tent campers, anglers, and paddlers who can plan ahead for water resupply.

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Map & DirectionsGatlin Point is located in Kentucky near Dover

Public Campground

Address

100 Van Morgan Drive
Golden Pond, KY 42211

Coordinates

36.53633054 N
87.91595936 W

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

Trash
Picnic Table
Phone Service
Toilets
Pets
Fires

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

45 min from Clarksville, TN
1 hr 8 min from Paducah, KY
1 hr 25 min from Nashville, TN
1 hr 39 min from Jackson, TN

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Reviews4 Camper Reviews - Gatlin Point

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.5

out of 5

4 Reviews

Visitors frequently highlighted the well-maintained gravel sites and beautiful wooded lakeside setting with boat access. This is primitive camping without utilities, requiring a drive to the welcome center for water and waste disposal.

Vince B.

Traveler

Reviewed Mar. 31, 2021

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!!!

(11) View All

David B.

Traveler

Reviewed Oct. 8, 2018

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.

Month of VisitSeptember

(4) View All

Shelly S.

Legend

Reviewed Sep. 26, 2016

Primitive camping with your toys in tow

You can drive all your stuff in and set up base camp then go play on the lake. Well kept roads, gravel. I would get a map that shows all the gravel roads that connect from the visitors center.

(7) View All

Shelly S.

Legend

Reviewed Sep. 26, 2016

If you like primitive......

This is the place. You do get to drive in though and a boat ramp for your toys. Bring your batteries and bug spray , beautiful area!

(5) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Gatlin Point Campground located and how do I get there?

Gatlin Point Campground is located at the south end of Land Between the Lakes. To reach the campground, you'll need to travel about four miles on winding hills off the paved road. The roads are well-maintained gravel and accessible by vehicle, though they do wind through hills. The campground sits on the shore of Bards Lake, which provides water access. It's recommended to pick up a map from the visitors center that shows all the gravel roads that connect throughout the area to help with navigation.

What amenities are available at Gatlin Point Campground?

Gatlin Point Campground offers basic amenities for a more primitive camping experience. The campground features 18 designated sites, all tiered into the wooded hillside. Each site includes concrete picnic tables, fire rings, and gravel parking areas for setting up your camp. There's a boat ramp for lake access, a vault toilet, and a dumpster for waste disposal. The gravel camping pads are reasonably level. Note that there is no electricity or running water available, so campers should bring batteries and come prepared with all necessary supplies, including bug spray.

Do I need reservations for Gatlin Point Campground?

Gatlin Point Campground appears to operate on a first-come, first-served basis rather than a reservation system. With only 18 sites available, it's advisable to arrive early, especially during peak camping seasons or weekends, to secure a spot. For the most current information about potential reservation requirements or changes to the booking policy, contact Land Between the Lakes management directly before your trip.

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