How much does camping cost at Tailwater?

Camping fees at Tailwater range from $16-$50/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Tailwater first-come first-served or reservation?

Tailwater 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 Tailwater before I book?

Yes! Tailwater has 10 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 Tailwater?

Tailwater is open May 2 to September 20. 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 Tailwater?

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

Can I have a campfire at Tailwater?

Fire policies at Tailwater: Campfires are allowed, but firewood from outside the area is prohibited to prevent invasive species.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Tailwater have?

Tailwater has 48 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Tailwater?

Yes, pets are allowed at Tailwater. 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 Tailwater?

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

What activities can I do at Tailwater?

Popular activities at Tailwater include Hiking, Fishing, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Tailwater

4.22

348 reviews

1055 Tailwater Road, Scottsville, KY, 42164, USA

Fishing

Featured in:Camping Near Mammoth Cave National Park

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

499 ft

Price

$16 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

48 campsites

Season

Open from May 2 to D...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

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

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

499 ft

Price

$16 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

48 campsites

Season

Open from May 2 to D...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

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

Get Directions

Tailwater

$16.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Peak season rates are $30/night for Standard Electric sites, with additional fees of $2 for weekends and holidays. Group sites are $50/night...

Standard Site Fee$30.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$50.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

270-622-7732

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What Campers Say

4.22

Satisfactory

Based on 348 reviews

132 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulwaterfriendlysites

Some mention

cell service

"User reviews highlight the campground's peaceful setting, excellent fishing opportunities, and friendly hosts. However, recurring issues include poor maintenance, especially regarding mowing and restroom facilities, and inconsistent enforcement of rules."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

1055 Tailwater Road, Scottsville, KY, 42164, USA

Tailwater

1055 Tailwater Road, Scottsville, KY, 42164, USA

Nearby places

Glasgow, KY (approx. 4 miles)

Bowling Green, KY (approx. 19 miles)

Nearby supplies

A bait shop and store are available near the campground entrance, and additional supplies can be found in nearby Scottsville (4 miles away) and Bowling Green (19 miles away).

Driving directionsFrom Glasgow, KY: Take 31-E south for 4 mi; turn right on 252, which will cross the dam in 8 mi. The Tailwater entrance road is at the south end of the dam. Follow signs into recreation area. Approximately 19 miles from Bowling Green, KY.

The campground is accessible via paved roads and is located near the dam, approximately 19 miles from Bowling Green, KY. Seasonal access may vary, with some amenities limited during the off-season.

Best Time to Camp at Tailwater

May through September brings full services and warm weather, with daytime highs in the mid-80s to low-90s and nights in the mid-60s. This window is best for boating, fishing the tailwater at dawn and dusk, and exploring the limestone bluffs. Holiday weekends see moderate to busy crowds. Off-season camping offers more solitude but reduced amenities. Cell service is poor to nonexistent at most sites, requiring a drive for coverage.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

May–Sept is peak season; full amenities, active fishing and family activities.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 2 to September 20. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 2 to Dec 31; no bookings are allowed from September 20 to October 1.
Current Alerts: Firewood restrictions are in place to prevent the spread of invasive insects. Seasonal limitations on amenities during non-peak months.

About Tailwater

Tailwater Campground sits below Barren River Dam at 499 feet elevation, offering 48 sites for tent, RV, primitive, and group camping. Fees range from $16 to $50 per night. Reviews praise the peaceful riverside setting and excellent fishing but note maintenance issues like overgrown grass and inconsistent restroom upkeep.

Tailwater Campground is well-suited for tent camping, RVs, and primitive camping. Group sites are also available, making it versatile for different camping preferences.

Historical Significance

Each August, the Barren River Lake Scout Celebration brings scouts from multiple states to the campground for wilderness skills demonstrations and competitions.

Weather and SeasonsMay through September brings full services and warm weather, with daytime highs in the mid-80s to low-90s and nights in the mid-60s. This window is best for boating, fishing the tailwater at dawn and dusk, and exploring the limestone bluffs. Holiday weekends see moderate to busy crowds. Off-season camping offers more solitude but reduced amenities. Cell service is poor to nonexistent at most sites, requiring a drive for coverage.

ElevationThe campground rests at river level, where the landscape's natural contours create an intimate connection with the water below the dam.

Natural Features and SceneryLimestone cliffs rise above the Barren River, where the dam's tailwater creates a distinct ecosystem below. Dense woodland surrounds the campground, and a permanent wildlife blind offers chances to spot otters, bald eagles, and native birds. The karst landscape shows layers of ancient stone carved by water over time. Shaded sites benefit from the forest canopy, though views and natural privacy vary across the 48-site layout.

Geological RegionTailwater Campground sits within Kentucky's dramatic karst landscape, where the Barren River has carved its path through ancient limestone formations. The imposing dam above creates a unique ecosystem below, while surrounding cliffs and wooded hills showcase the region's geological story written in stone. This corner of Barren River Lake country represents some of Kentucky's most striking natural architecture, where water and time have sculpted a playground for outdoor enthusiasts.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

5:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights within 30 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum guests per site were not explicitly mentioned.

Groups

Group sites accommodate larger parties and are priced at $50 per night. Users have reported occasional booking and maintenance challenges.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are small and close together near the river and dam. Some offer level gravel pads with electric and water hookups during peak season, while others sit on sloping ground. Privacy varies: a few sites have good shade and spacing, but many are in plain view of neighbors. Bring a long extension cord for hookups.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online, through the app, or by phone.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up availability was explicitly mentioned.

Cancellation PolicyReservations may be canceled up to midnight on the day before arrival, incurring a $10 fee and forfeiting the first night's recreation fee if late. For group facilities, cancellations within 14 days before arrival forfeit the first night's fee.

AccessibilityThe campground provides level sites, some with close proximity to restrooms, making it suitable for those with mobility challenges. However, there are mixed reviews regarding accessibility to fishing areas and recreational facilities.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size. Some are spacious and level, while others are small and may have sloping ground.

PrivacyPrivacy varies by site. Some are described as "spacious and shaded," while others are in "plain view" with little privacy.

Total Campsites48 campsites

Recommended SitesSite #38 is described as peaceful and near bathrooms and fishing areas; Site #16 has water and electric access.

Need help booking Tailwater?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers activities such as fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing, with additional opportunities for sports like volleyball and softball. The nearby Barren River and its surroundings provide ample recreation options.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife such as otters and bald eagles are common. Access to the river may involve navigating steep banks, especially for fishing.

Active AlertsFirewood restrictions are in place to prevent the spread of invasive insects. Seasonal limitations on amenities during non-peak months.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed, but firewood from outside the area is prohibited to prevent invasive species.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are enforced, typically after 10 PM.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services include hospitals and police stations in Scottsville, KY (approx. 4 miles away), with additional services in Bowling Green, KY (approx. 19 miles away).

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection is available, but there is no mention of recycling facilities. Users have commented on trash being left in fire pits and around campsites, indicating occasional lapses in maintenance.

Water FeaturesLocated along the Barren River, less than a mile from Barren River Lake.

Camp HostHosts are described as friendly and helpful, with positive reviews stating they ensure cleanliness and provide assistance.

Weather at Tailwater

Trip Planning Tools

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

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.2

348 reviews

Satisfactory

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

User reviews highlight the campground's peaceful setting, excellent fishing opportunities, and friendly hosts. However, recurring issues include poor maintenance, especially regarding mowing and restroom facilities, and inconsistent enforcement of rules.

Review Summaries

Based on 348 reviews

What Campers Love

Peaceful and scenic environment, "friendly and helpful hosts," excellent fishing spots, and level campsites with water and electric hookups during peak season.

Based on 348 reviews

Common Concerns

Maintenance issues such as tall grass and trash, limited restroom and shower facilities, poor cell service, and occasional noise or rule enforcement problems.

Based on 348 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring a long extension cord for electric hookups. Plan for limited cell service and Wi-Fi. Consider off-season camping for solitude, but be aware of reduced amenities.

Based on 348 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Peak season (May-September) features full amenities and is popular for fishing and family activities. The off-season offers a quieter experience but with reduced facilities, leading to mixed reviews.

Based on 348 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Campsite #38 is a little piece of heaven on earth," "The nearby beach was small but easy to get to," "The campground is quiet, the bathrooms are always clean," "Kids all in the street, no...

Based on 348 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 16: Sloping ground, hard to pitch a tent. Site 38: Close to fishing spots and bathrooms. Site 23: Floods during rain, not recommended for tents. Site 05: Spacious and level, with river access....

Based on 348 reviews

Accessibility Features

Mixed feedback. Level sites and close proximity to restrooms praised, but poor accessibility to fishing areas and occasional maintenance issues noted.

Based on 348 reviews