Lake Cumberland Primitive Lakeside Camping

Written by: Danielle Wilson

Lake Cumberland boasts five developed campgrounds and numerous primitive camping sites.  Primitive camping is allowed in designated camping areas per the Army Corps of Engineers regulations. Click here for exact locations of primitive camping on Lake Cumberland.

Primitive camping on Lake Cumberland is FREE.  Camping must be within a designated shoreline camping area and you must abide by the following Rules and Regulations.

• Campers are responsible for removing any garbage from their campsite before they leave.
• Cutting of trees or other vegetation is prohibited.
• No permanent structures, nails or other fixtures are allowed on trees.
• Campers are responsible for their campfires & shall not leave them unattended.
• Toilets are not available; campers should bury waste 6 inches deep and at least 200 ft. from the shoreline.
• Primitive Camping on Lake Cumberland is FREE.
• There are no reservations for site; it is on a first-come, first-serve basis.
• The placement of camping equipment on a campsite for the purpose of reserving that site for future use is prohibited.  Personal property left for such a purpose is subject to impoundment.  Any property left unattended in excess of twenty-four hours is also subject to impoundment.
• There is a two-week limit within a consecutive 30 day time period for camping on Lake Cumberland.