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 7 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 January 01 to December 31. 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.

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, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Tailwater

4.09

348 reviews

1055 Tailwater Road, Scottsville, KY, 42164, USA

C-Report Card

Featured in:Camping Near Mammoth Cave National Park

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

Partial HookupsShowers

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

Get Directions

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

Partial HookupsShowers

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

Get Directions

Tailwater

$16.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP SHELTER ELECTRIC: $50.00; GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $25.00; Non-Peak Season Fees: $16.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8...

Group Site Fee$50.00

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Provider

270-622-7732

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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)

Weather at Tailwater

Best Time to Camp at Tailwater

Best season: summer. Summer offers reliably warm weather (daytime highs usually in the mid‑80s to low‑90s°F, nights in the mid‑60s) and full campground services from May through September, making it ideal for boating, early‑morning and evening fishing below the dam, and long days of hiking the limestone bluffs. Anglers and boaters will find peak water access and warmwater action, while wildlife viewing is strong at dawn and dusk; expect moderate to busy crowd levels on holiday weekends. If you want active recreation Peak months: June, July, August, May Avoid: January, February, March, April

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season: summer (May–Sept) with full services, ideal weather and peak fishing activity.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 2 to Dec 31; no bookings are allowed from September 20 to October 1.

About Tailwater

Tailwater sits below Barren River Lake Dam near Scottsville, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for seasonal camping from late spring through early fall. The campground offers tent sites, RV hookups, and primitive walk-in options across rolling terrain known for limestone bluffs and tailwater fishing. Campers fish the river below the dam, hike wooded trails, and watch wildlife in a quiet setting that trades polish for solitude.

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

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers reliably warm weather (daytime highs usually in the mid‑80s to low‑90s°F, nights in the mid‑60s) and full campground services from May through September, making it ideal for boating, early‑morning and evening fishing below the dam, and long days of hiking the limestone bluffs. Anglers and boaters will find peak water access and warmwater action, while wildlife viewing is strong at dawn and dusk; expect moderate to busy crowd levels on holiday weekends. If you want active recreation Peak months: June, July, August, May Avoid: January, February, March, April

Elevation499 ft above sea level

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.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo traditional lodging options like cabins or lodges are available. The campground is primarily designed for tents, RVs, and group camping.

Programs & ActivitiesWhile the campground does not host regular programs, it is the site of the annual Barren River Lake Scout Celebration, featuring skill demonstrations and competitions.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

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

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

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.

Best CampsitesSites #38 and #16 get frequent mentions for their proximity to bathrooms and fishing 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

Each site has water hook ups and electric available during the months of May through September. Primitive camping is available during the non-peak season with a dump station, potable water, and pit toilets offered during that time.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

I manage this campground

RV details

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

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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.

Cell CoverageCell phone service at Tailwater Campground is inconsistent. Some reviews noted that service was unavailable at campsites, requiring visitors to drive miles to access coverage. "No Wi-Fi, poor, if any at all cell service," one review stated.

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Tailwater

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From Booking Sources

4.1

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

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 348 reviews.

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

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

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

Outdoorithm Community

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Tailwater

$16.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP SHELTER ELECTRIC: $50.00; GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $25.00; Non-Peak Season Fees: $16.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8...

Group Site Fee$50.00

Get Notified When Available

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

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

270-622-7732

Go if

You want tailwater fishing access, wooded campsites with hookups, and don't need manicured grounds or strong cell signal.

Skip if

You expect frequent mowing, reliable connectivity, or sewer hookups at your site.

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Campgrounds

Barren River Lake

Tailwater

C-

Camper Report Card

How campers graded it

Rated higher than 7% of graded campgrounds

Graded on what 172 campers actually wrote - graded on 14 things that make or break a trip. Each topic is graded against every other campground on it - A is among the best, C about average. No star ratings.

Strengths

Grade A-.Staff & hosts
Grade B+.Crowds & noise
Grade B.Getting there

Watch-outs

Grade D.Facilities
Grade D.Cleanliness
Grade C-.Rules & policies

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Each topic is graded against every other campground on it; a topic campers liked never grades below C−. ± shows the 95% confidence range from the sample size.

How we grade →See how Kentucky grades overall

About Barren River Lake

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

The Barren River was the historic route for westward traveling pioneers. They would travel down the Barren River to a trading post at present-day Bowling Green, Kentucky, where their journey would proceed by land. Barren River was named by early pioneers for its treeless fields. The open fields were actually created by Native Americans, who burned sections of woodland, forming grasslands to attract grazing buffalo. There are many historical features and sites to visit and explore. In the 1960s the dam was built for area flood control covering 20,150 acres at maximum flood control pool. When not needed to store flood waters, the Army Corps of Engineers manages more than 10,000 acres for wildlife management and recreation. Come and visit the warm season native grass fields and view what historically was the landscape in Allen and Barren County. Barren River Lake has four campgrounds offering casual camping, hiking, fishing, boating, hunting, biking, birding, or just sitting back and enjoying the scenery.

Directions

From Louisville, 95 miles south on I-65 to Cave City, 10 miles south on KY 90 to Glasgow, 5 miles south on US 31 to KY 252, 9 miles south to dam.

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Camping Near Mammoth Cave National Park