Tailwater

Star4.22
348 reviews
1055 Tailwater Road, Scottsville, KY, 42164, USA
Fishing

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

Opens U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026
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...
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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

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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."

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Campground Map

1055 Tailwater Road, Scottsville, KY, 42164, USA

Tailwater

1055 Tailwater Road, Scottsville, KY, 42164, USA

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.
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).

Best Time to Camp at Tailwater

From May through September, Tailwater comes alive as warm Kentucky sunshine filters through the canopy and all amenities welcome visitors to their peak season experience. As autumn arrives and crowds thin, the campground transforms into a quieter retreat where dedicated adventurers enjoy crisp air and brilliant fall colors. During these cooler months, basic comforts like pit toilets and dump stations remain available for those who prefer camping when nature has the landscape mostly to itself.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season (May–Sept) when amenities are fully available and site is lively for fishing/family use.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Autumn is quieter and scenic, but some facilities reduced and reviews are mixed.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Late spring (after May 2 opening) offers good conditions; early spring is closed.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Campground open through Dec 31 but largely off-season with reduced services; closed Jan–Apr.

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

Nestled in the shadow of Barren River Dam, Tailwater Campground offers 48 riverside sites where the rhythmic flow of water creates nature's perfect soundtrack. This hidden gem draws anglers at dawn, hikers exploring winding trails, and wildlife enthusiasts who come seeking glimpses of the river's most elusive residents. Here, the pace slows down, conversations happen around campfires, and the river's gentle current carries away the stress of everyday life.
Tailwater Campground is well-suited for tent camping, RVs, and primitive camping. Group sites are also available, making it versatile for different camping preferences.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
5:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights within 30 days.

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.
HikingThe Steen Bergen Nature Trail offers chances to see great horned owls, woodpeckers, migrating songbirds, and chipmunks. Visitors have praised the scenic beauty of the trail.
FishingFishing is a highlight, with anglers targeting catfish, hybrid striped bass, sunfishes, and various bass species. However, some users noted that overgrown banks made access challenging.
BoatingBoating activities can be enjoyed at the nearby lake, less than a mile from the campground. Visitors often combine their stay with trips to the lake for boating.
Wildlife viewingWildlife such as bald eagles, otters, great horned owls, and green herons are often spotted. A permanent wildlife blind enhances viewing opportunities.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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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.

Weather at Tailwater

Reviews

4.2
348 reviews
Satisfactory
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...
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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....
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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

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed. Some reviews mention dog owners not cleaning up after their pets, leading to unpleasant odors and hygiene concerns.
Based on 348 reviews

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Last updated February 17, 2026
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