How much does camping cost at Bumpus Mills?

Camping fees at Bumpus Mills range from $28-$30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Bumpus Mills first-come first-served or reservation?

Bumpus Mills accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Bumpus Mills before I book?

Yes! Bumpus Mills has 4 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Bumpus Mills?

Bumpus Mills is open May 01 to September 07. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Bumpus Mills?

Yes, Bumpus Mills has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Bumpus Mills have?

Bumpus Mills has 15 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Bumpus Mills?

Yes, pets are allowed at Bumpus Mills. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Bumpus Mills?

Bumpus Mills offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Pets Allowed, Laundry. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Bumpus Mills?

Popular activities at Bumpus Mills include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Bumpus Mills

Q: Can I have a campfire at Bumpus Mills?

Fire policies at Bumpus Mills: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District firewood policy is now in effect and seeks the public’s cooperation to prevent the spread of forest insects and disease at campgrounds in the Cumberland River Basin. The firewood policy requires visitors at Lake Barkley’s campgrounds to use only firewood that has been certified as heat-treated by U.S. Department of Agriculture or state natural resource agency.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.24

114 reviews

764 Forest Trail, Bumpus Mills, TN 37028

Summer Destination

Featured in:Family-Friendly Campgrounds Tennessee Boating Camping Tennessee Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Tennessee

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

531 ft

Price

$28 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Open from May 2nd th...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

531 ft

Price

$28 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Open from May 2nd th...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District Official Website

Get Directions

Bumpus Mills

$28.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD ELECTRIC-130046: $30.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC: $28.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

RESOURCE MANAGERS OFFICE: (270) 362-4236, BUMPUS MILLS CAMPGROUND: (931) 232-8831

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Bumpus Mills

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Campground Map

764 Forest Trail, Bumpus Mills, TN 37028

Bumpus Mills

764 Forest Trail, Bumpus Mills, TN 37028

Nearby places

Grand Rivers (approximately 15 miles, 25 minutes), Clarksville, TN (approximately 20 miles, 30 minutes), Dover, TN (approximately 10 miles, 15 minutes).

Driving directionsFrom Nashville, Tenn: Take I-24 west to Clarksville, TN. Follow Highway 79 South for 20 mi. to Highway 120. Follow Highway 120 for 10 mi. to Bumpus Mills, turn left onto Tobaccoport Road (Hwy. 1830) for 2.8 mi., turn left onto Oak Hill Road for . 9 mi., turn left onto Forest Trail then turn right into the campground. From I-24 East Cadiz KY: Take 68 west for 6.2mi., turn left on to HWY. 139 south for 15.3mi., continue on to TN. HWY 120 for 2.7 mi. Turn left onto Tobaccoport Road, Hwy 1830 for 2.8 mi., turn left onto Oak Hill Road for .9 mi., turn left onto Forest Trail then into the campground.

Weather at Bumpus Mills

Current alert: Canal Campground, Eureka Campground, Hurricane Creek Campground and Bumpus Mills Campground at Lake Barkley now have check out times of 12 PM (noon). Check in time is 3 PM.

Best Time to Camp at Bumpus Mills

Best season: spring. Spring (especially May) offers the best combination of mild weather (daytime highs typically in the 60s–80s°F, nights in the 40s–50s°F), low humidity, and active wildlife—wildflowers, turkeys, and deer are commonly seen. Lake Barkley is warming up so fishing, hiking the wooded ridges, and quiet early-season boating are at their peak, and the 15-site campground is much less crowded than mid-summer. Because the facility opens May 2 and reservations don’t begin until June 20, you can often score a, Peak months: May, June, July, August Avoid: September, October, November, December

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring (especially May) cited as best: mild temps and good conditions for lake activities.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01 to September 07. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 2nd through September 1st. Reservations begin June 20th.

About Bumpus Mills

Bumpus Mills sits on the shores of Barkley Lake in western Tennessee, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District. This small seasonal campground offers lakefront tent and RV sites with electric and water hookups, plus direct access to fishing, boating, and swimming. Wooded ridges surround the property, and spring brings wildflowers, active wildlife, and the best weather for exploring the lake.

The Bumpus Mills Campground is a small and secluded camping area with options for tent and RV camping. It features 15 sites, all with water and electric hookups, but no sewer hookups are available.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Spring (especially May) offers the best combination of mild weather (daytime highs typically in the 60s–80s°F, nights in the 40s–50s°F), low humidity, and active wildlife—wildflowers, turkeys, and deer are commonly seen. Lake Barkley is warming up so fishing, hiking the wooded ridges, and quiet early-season boating are at their peak, and the 15-site campground is much less crowded than mid-summer. Because the facility opens May 2 and reservations don’t begin until June 20, you can often score a, Peak months: May, June, July, August Avoid: September, October, November, December

Elevation531 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies wooded hills where they meet Lake Barkley at 531 feet elevation. As the westernmost reservoir on the Cumberland River system, the lake sits in a landscape shaped by limestone and sandstone. Wild turkeys, white-tailed deer, and bald eagles are common sightings. Tree cover varies across sites, with some areas offering shade and others more exposed to sun.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging accommodations are available at this campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights during a visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

The limit on guests per site is not specified.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov or by contacting the campground directly.

AccessibilitySome sites are designated as handicap-accessible, but reviews expressed mixed experiences. For instance, the handicap stall in the women's shower had hot water, but it took 8-10 minutes to start flowing, which could be an inconvenience.

Site SizeSites vary in size. Reviews indicate that some sites, such as #25, provide ample space, while others, like #33, are cramped and challenging for larger vehicles.

PrivacyPrivacy at campsites is limited, with users frequently noting that sites are 'too close together.

Total Campsites15 campsites

Recommended SitesSite 25 was the only pull-thru, with plenty of room". "Site #22 was very scenic". "Site #26 was great for cooler weather but lacks shade for hotter months.

Best CampsitesSites #22, #23, and #26 get frequent praise for lakefront views and space. Site #25 is noted as roomy. Avoid #33, which reviewers describe as cramped and difficult for larger vehicles.

Need help booking Bumpus Mills?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

The Bumpus Mills Campground offers several amenities to enhance camper experience. The campground has 15 sites equipped with water and electric hookups. Additional amenities include hot showers, a dump station, a boat ramp, and a public marina. Picnic tables and fire rings are provided at campsites. "Laundry facilities are available, but user reviews indicate that the washing machine and dryer were often unusable due to issues like being filled with bugs." Cell phone reception is noted as minimal to non-existent, with some users reporting sporadic signal based on their carrier.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Bumpus Mills Campground is located on the scenic shores of Lake Barkley and offers a variety of recreational activities. Campers can enjoy hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, and picnicking. Abundant wildlife in the area includes wild turkey, deer, and bird species like golden and bald eagles, making it ideal for wildlife viewing and photography.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyThe U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District firewood policy is now in effect and seeks the public’s cooperation to prevent the spread of forest insects and disease at campgrounds in the Cumberland River Basin. The firewood policy requires visitors at Lake Barkley’s campgrounds to use only firewood that has been certified as heat-treated by U.S. Department of Agriculture or state natural resource agency.

Trash & RecyclingTrash disposal facilities are available, but no specific details about recycling programs or schedules were provided.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.2

114 reviews

Satisfactory

Bumpus Mills is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews frequently highlight the campground's peaceful and quiet atmosphere. Many visitors appreciated the scenic lake views and proximity to wildlife. However, some users expressed concerns about outdated facilities, poor road conditions, and minimal privacy between campsites.

Review Summaries

Based on 114 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 114 reviews.

Site #25Loved
Site #25 is frequently praised as spacious and accommodating for larger vehicles.
Site #26Mentioned
Site #26 is noted for its proximity to the water, making it ideal for fishing and kayaking.
site #33Issues noted
Conversely, site #33 was described as cramped and challenging to navigate with larger campers.

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the campground's serene environment, excellent fishing and boating opportunities, scenic lake views, and friendly campground hosts. One reviewer stated, 'This campground is...

Based on 114 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include poor road conditions within the campground, cramped campsites, and issues with the shower facilities. One user described the roads as 'not easily traveled,' while another...

Based on 114 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing bug repellent due to mosquitoes and chiggers, packing binoculars for birdwatching, and ensuring vehicles are suited for navigating the narrow and rough roads. One user...

Based on 114 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest spring and fall as the best times to visit due to cooler weather and fewer bugs. Summer can be hot with limited shade at certain sites, and the swimming area may be affected by low...

Based on 114 reviews

Camper Quotes

'Quiet and small out-of-the-way campground,' 'Beautiful sunsets and very quiet,' 'The direct access to the lake was great.'

Based on 114 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are mixed. While some sites and facilities accommodate individuals with disabilities, reviews indicate that certain features, like the hot water in handicap showers, may...

Based on 114 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and no specific complaints or praises about the pet policies were noted in the reviews.

Based on 114 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

You want serene lake access with friendly hosts and don't mind basic facilities.

Skip if

You need modern showers, private sites, or well-maintained roads throughout the campground.

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Campgrounds

Barkley Lake

Bumpus Mills

About Barkley Lake

Context for the broader area surrounding Bumpus Mills, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Lake Barkley was named for former Vice-President Alben Barkley. Land Between the Lakes (US Forest Service) and Fort Donelson National Military Park are on Lake Barkley?s western shore.

Directions

From Louisville, south on I-65 to Western Kentucky Parkway, 13 miles west on US 62 through Eddyville.