Ginger Bay Permit Campground in Tennessee
Essential Guide for Visitors
| ADDRESS |
|---|
| Road 208 Tennessee GPS: 36.636055, -88.033756 Elevation: 476′ |
| MANAGEMENT |
| Public – Forest Service (Official) 800-525-7077 * 3-day permit expires 3 days from effective date ($10) * 1-year permit expires one year from effective date ($50) |
Previous Reviews:
Ginger Bay Permit Campground: The road in is Dirt. The maximum RV length at Ginger Bay is 15 feet. You may stay 14 in 21 days at Ginger Bay. Within view of the bay concrete pad to set up on. May not be suitable for RVs. Always scout ahead! Each person 18 years old and older is required to purchase a Basic Camping Permit.
Ginger Bay is in the Land between the lakes area of TN. it is very remote but extremely beautiful, it is tent camping only as the road is so rough you wont get a camper up to it, plus the sites are just a clearing in the trees so there is no place to park a rig. its more of a hunting camp but it is very much worth tent camping at, its on the lake and no cell access. there is a backcountry camping permit required for all of the areas in the Land between the lakes. also around ginger bay are several other free and paid camping sites worth checking into.
About This Location
Ginger Bay Permit Campground in Tennessee gives you a simple, open camping setup—no frills, just space and nature. You’ll need a Basic Camping Permit to stay, which means you can pick your spot in a big open field instead of being boxed into a numbered site. The permit keeps things organized but still lets you spread out and claim your own patch of grass.
Getting to Ginger Bay Permit Campground isn’t hard, and the place is managed for quiet, low-impact camping. You’ve got to register ahead of time and grab a vehicle permit. Amenities are pretty bare-bones, but that’s kind of the point—this is where you come to unplug and maybe wander down to the lake or hit a trail. Whether you’re just passing through or looking for a longer escape, Ginger Bay Permit Campground is about as peaceful as it gets.
Key Takeways
- You’ll need a Basic Camping Permit for Ginger Bay Permit Campground.
- Expect open space and minimal amenities—nature is the main feature.
- Vehicle permits and registration are required.
Ginger Bay Permit Campground in Tennessee
You’ll find Ginger Bay Permit Campground tucked away in Tennessee’s Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. You’ll need a permit to camp, which you can buy online or at any LBL facility. It’s $50 for a year or $10 for three days, so you’ve got options.
Campsites at Ginger Bay Permit Campground aren’t marked—just open space, really. Amenities are minimal, but there’s a vault toilet. Bring your tent or park a small RV, and there’s a boat ramp nearby if you want to get out on the water.
Birdwatchers, take note: owls like the barred owl, great horned owl, and boreal owl sometimes show up, especially when the sun’s barely up or just going down. You’ll probably spot American goldfinches and northern cardinals flitting around Ginger Bay Permit Campground, too.
During the day, you might hear an eastern meadowlark if you’re lucky. This is the spot for folks who want nature and quiet, not a bunch of bells and whistles.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Tennessee, Land Between the Lakes |
| Permit Required | Yes, $50 annual / $10 three-day |
| Camping Type | Basic, open field area |
| Amenities | Vault toilet, boat ramp nearby |
| Common Wildlife | Barred owl, great horned owl, boreal owl, American goldfinch, northern cardinal, eastern meadowlark |
You’ll want to bring all your own camping gear, since it’s a primitive site. If you’re after a natural scene without modern distractions, Ginger Bay Permit Campground is a solid pick.
Things To Do
At Ginger Bay Permit Campground, you can kick back by the water and just enjoy the quiet. The lake’s right there, so fishing, canoeing, or kayaking are all easy options. There’s a boat ramp if you want to bring your own.
Hiking and wildlife watching are also on the menu. You never know what you’ll see out here, and it’s a good spot for snapping photos or just soaking up the scenery.
You’ll find picnic tables and fire rings, so cooking outside and gathering around a fire is part of the experience of Ginger Bay Permit Campground.
Tent campers are welcome, and pets can tag along too—no need to leave your dog behind.
Here’s a quick rundown of what you can do:
- Fishing and boating
- Wildlife viewing
- Hiking and nature walks
- Cooking and campfires
- Tent camping with pets
Plenty of ways to fill your days, whether you want to stay busy or do absolutely nothing.
Directions
To get to Ginger Bay Permit Campground, start on Highway 79 in Dover, Tennessee.
Turn north onto the Woodlands Trace National Scenic Byway.
Then, take a west turn onto Road 211.
The campground sits near Road 208, and the GPS coordinates are 36.636055, -88.033756.
You’re at about 476 feet elevation.
Using GPS or a map app is smart—cell service can be spotty out here.
You’ll find some dispersed camping areas, so don’t forget your permit.
If you’re camping outside the main spots, you’ll need a Dispersed Camping Permit.
That’s $50 for a year or $10 for three days, available online or at nearby facilities.
Double-check your route and permits so you don’t end up lost or out of luck.
Vehicle Access
You’ll need a valid vehicle permit to drive into Ginger Bay. Keep it visible in your vehicle at all times while you’re there.
Buy the permit online or at any Land Between the Lakes (LBL) facility—$50 for a year, $10 for three days.
Register your vehicle at the gatehouse when you arrive. Only folks with a current vehicle permit and a registered camper get in.
The roads are gravel and usually fine for regular cars, but after rain, things can get slick—drive with a little extra caution.
There aren’t marked parking spots, so just stick to the designated areas and don’t block the road. Vehicles have to stay in these spots to keep things safe and preserve the land.
Here’s a quick look at the vehicle access rules:
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Permit Required | Yes |
| Permit Cost | $50 annual / $10 three-day |
| Registration Point | Gatehouse |
| Road Type | Gravel |
| Parking | Designated areas only |
Stick to these and you’ll avoid headaches—and help keep the campground in good shape.
RV And Camping Trailer Information
If you’re bringing an RV or trailer, there are a few rules to keep in mind. Each site allows up to five overnight vehicles—that’s the max, so don’t bring the whole neighborhood.
You can have two camping units per site, but only one can be a wheeled unit like an RV or trailer. That keeps things from getting too crowded.
Remember, there aren’t defined campsites—just open fields. Amenities are limited, usually just vault toilets. Be ready for a rustic camping experience.
Permits are required—$50 for an annual pass or $10 for three days, available online or at any Land Between the Lakes facility.
You’re limited to eight people per site, so plan accordingly. At least one adult (18 or older) needs to be present at each site to meet campground rules.
Follow these RV and trailer guidelines and you’ll help keep Ginger Bay a great spot for everyone.
Paid Or Permit Sites
At Ginger Bay Permit Campground in Tennessee, you’ve gotta have a permit to camp. It’s their way of keeping things manageable and making sure everyone has a spot that feels safe and, well, not chaotic.
There are a couple of permit options. Annual permits run about $50, which isn’t too bad if you’re coming often. If you’re just dropping by for a weekend, a 3-day permit is around $10. You can grab either one online or at certain places nearby—pretty convenient.
The camping setup is pretty bare-bones. We’re talking open fields, no marked spots, just pick a place and set up. The facilities? Sometimes there’s just a vault toilet, and that’s about it. So it’s definitely smart to bring whatever you think you’ll need—don’t count on much waiting for you.
Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect with permits at Ginger Bay:
- Permit required to camp
- Basic camping areas, no defined sites
- Annual or short-term permits available
- Limited amenities
Check the permit rules before you go. It’s a pain to show up and realize you missed something.
| AMENITIES: | ACTIVITIES: |
|---|---|
| Near Water Pets Welcome |
Tent Camping Sm RV Camping Fishing Boating Hiking Nature Walks Wildlife Viewing Stargazing |
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