How much does camping cost at Nolin Lake State Park?

Camping fees at Nolin Lake State Park range from $24/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Nolin Lake State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Nolin Lake State Park 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 Nolin Lake State Park before I book?

Yes! Nolin Lake State Park has 1 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 Nolin Lake State Park?

Nolin Lake State Park is open Peak season includes weekends from March 31 to October 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 Nolin Lake State Park?

Yes, Nolin Lake State Park has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Nolin Lake State Park?

Fire policies at Nolin Lake State Park: Campfires are permitted, but only firewood purchased within the state is allowed.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Nolin Lake State Park have?

Nolin Lake State Park has 52 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Nolin Lake State Park?

Yes, pets are allowed at Nolin Lake State Park. 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 Nolin Lake State Park?

Nolin Lake State Park offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Pets Allowed, Camp Store, Laundry. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Nolin Lake State Park?

Popular activities at Nolin Lake State Park include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Nolin Lake State Park

4.17

105 reviews

2998 Briar Creek Rd, Mammoth Cave, Kentucky, 42259, United States

CReport Card

Summer Destination

Featured in:Camping Near Mammoth Cave National Park Swimming Camping Kentucky Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Kentucky

Quick Facts

571 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

52 campsites

Season

Reservations open fr...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on Kentucky State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

571 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

52 campsites

Season

Reservations open fr...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on Kentucky State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Nolin Lake State Park

$24.00 - $24.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Primitive tent sites are $24 per night, as noted in user reviews and authoritative sources. This appears to be the standard fee for non-electric...

Standard Site Fee$24.00

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Provider

2702864240

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Campground Map

2998 Briar Creek Rd, Mammoth Cave, Kentucky, 42259, United States

Nolin Lake State Park

2998 Briar Creek Rd, Mammoth Cave, Kentucky, 42259, United States

Nearby places

Bowling Green (~30 miles, ~40 minutes), Elizabethtown (~50 miles, ~1 hour), Leitchfield (~17 miles, ~25 minutes)

Nearby supplies

A camp store is available onsite selling basic items like snacks, drinks, firewood, and supplies. For more extensive shopping, visitors may need to travel over 10 miles to nearby towns for groceries, fuel, and camping supplies.

Driving directionsFrom Nashville: On I-65, take exit 28 at Bowling Green. Turn north on US 31W, drive 12 to 15 miles, and turn left onto KY 101. At the town of Rhoda, KY 101 merges with KY 259. Follow KY 259 North to KY 728 East. Turn right onto KY 728 East. Approximately 7 miles later, turn left onto KY 1827. Follow KY 1827 to the park. From Louisville: On I-65, exit onto the Western Kentucky Parkway at Elizabethtown. Follow the Western Kentucky Parkway to the Leitchfield exit (107) onto KY 259 South. From Leitchfield, drive 17 miles on KY 259 South to KY 728 East. Turn left onto KY 728 East. Approximately 7 miles later, turn left onto KY 1827. Follow KY 1827 to the park.

Accessible via major highways (I-65 and Western Kentucky Parkway) with specific state road navigation required. No mention of seasonal closures or significant road hazards.

Weather at Nolin Lake State Park

Current alert: Beach closures until Memorial Day and closures due to high water levels are recurring issues.

Best Time to Camp at Nolin Lake State Park

Fall is the sweet spot here. Daytime highs run 55–75°F with cool nights in the 40s, and the hardwood canopy turns color in mid-October. Water stays warm enough for swimming into early October, and trail conditions are dry and comfortable. Summer brings humid 80°F-plus days, ideal if you're planning to spend time on the lake. Crowds thin after Labor Day, though weekends still draw locals year-round.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Described as the 'sweet spot': cool nights, hardwoods turn color, water warm into October.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season includes weekends from March 31 to October 31.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Reservations open from March 31 to October 31.

About Nolin Lake State Park

Nolin Lake State Park sits on 571 feet of karst limestone shoreline, offering 52 campsites split between 32 electric hookups and 20 primitive sites. The campground runs $24 per night and includes hot showers, a camp store, and a dump station. You're a short drive from Mammoth Cave National Park.

The campground offers various options, including sites for RVs, tents, and primitive camping. Group camping is also available.

Historical Significance

You're close to Mammoth Cave National Park, which preserves the world's longest known cave system and centuries of archaeological history. The proximity puts you within easy reach of guided cave tours and the park's cultural sites, though Nolin Lake itself is a modern recreation area without its own historical landmarks.

Weather and SeasonsFall is the sweet spot here. Daytime highs run 55–75°F with cool nights in the 40s, and the hardwood canopy turns color in mid-October. Water stays warm enough for swimming into early October, and trail conditions are dry and comfortable. Summer brings humid 80°F-plus days, ideal if you're planning to spend time on the lake. Crowds thin after Labor Day, though weekends still draw locals year-round.

ElevationPerched at a comfortable elevation characteristic of Kentucky's cave country, the campground enjoys the gentle rolling terrain that defines this remarkable region. The moderate elevation provides pleasant camping conditions and contributes to the area's stunning vistas across Nolin Lake and the surrounding forested hills.

Natural Features and SceneryThe lake itself is man-made, carved into ancient limestone terrain riddled with underground cave systems. Oak and hickory forest surrounds the shoreline, offering good shade at most sites. Morning light hits the water early, and the karst topography means you're camping directly above the same geological formations that created Mammoth Cave. The setting is scenic without being dramatic. Calm water, dense hardwood canopy, rolling terrain typical of central Kentucky.

Geological RegionSet within Kentucky's fascinating karst landscape, the campground occupies a unique geological position near the renowned Mammoth Cave system. This man-made lake, carved into ancient limestone terrain, showcases the dramatic interplay between human engineering and natural geology. The surrounding state park preserves diverse forest ecosystems that thrive atop the region's distinctive cave-riddled bedrock, offering campers a chance to explore one of America's most geologically significant landscapes.

Scenic ViewsVisitors enjoy views of Nolin Lake and the surrounding woods. Group Site 1 is noted for its exceptional lake views.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodges or cabins formally listed, with the primary accommodations being campsites.

Programs & ActivitiesNo information about cultural or educational programs was available.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

Null

Stay Limit

Maximum reservation window is one night during weekday stays, two nights during peak weekends, and up to 12 months in advance.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum capacity varies by site.

Groups

Group Site #1 is noted for its scenic lake views and is a favorite for tent camping. Specific guest and vehicle limits were not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are large and level in places, close together in others. One camper noted 'lots of space between sites' while another complained you can hear neighboring tent conversations. The tent camping area in particular gets overcrowded during peak season. Expect mixed spacing depending on which loop you draw.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through the state park website or call center.

Walk-in AvailabilityNot explicitly stated; walk-up availability is not confirmed in the provided data.

Cancellation PolicyGeneral cancellation policies for Kentucky state parks apply, but details are not provided in the authoritative content.

AccessibilityThere are three campsites adapted for disabled campers, and the bathhouse is handicap accessible.

Site SizeThe campsites are noted to be large and spacious by users. For example, 'Sites are large and level,' and 'more than enough room even with our 8-person tent.

PrivacyVaried reviews about privacy. While one user noted 'lots of space between sites,' another mentioned 'the camp sites are very close together that you can hear everyone’s conversations in their tents.

Total Campsites52 campsites

Recommended SitesSite #30 is noted for fishing access but lacks shade in the afternoon. Site P17 is preferred among primitive sites due to level ground.

Best CampsitesGroup Site 1 gets consistent mentions for its views and space. Beyond that, reviews suggest checking the site map before you book. Some sites sit on noticeable inclines, and a few catch noise or bright lights from park facilities.

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Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Nolin Lake State Park offers a variety of amenities to meet the needs of campers. The campground features 32 campsites with water and electricity, 20 primitive sites, a restroom and shower building, laundry facilities, and a dump station. Notable additional amenities include a playground near the campsites, picnic tables, and picnic shelters. For added convenience, firewood is available for purchase on-site to comply with Kentucky's firewood policy, as bringing in outside firewood is prohibited. Kayak rentals are available, and there is a sand beach for swimming and boating activities.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

I manage this campground

RV details

Electric hookups27 of 84 sites (32%)

Water hookups27 of 84 sites (32%)

Activities you can enjoy

Nolin Lake State Park offers a range of recreational activities for visitors. Key highlights include fishing, boating, and access to hiking trails. The park also has a sand beach for swimming and water sports, making it a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Beach activities

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPoison ivy and ticks are reported as common nuisances. Overcrowding and noise issues, along with uneven campsites and muddy areas during rain, are mentioned in user reviews.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted, but only firewood purchased within the state is allowed.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM

Emergency ServicesGreater than 10 miles to hospital and emergency services, per provided amenities list. Mammoth Cave area likely has ranger stations and first aid facilities.

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection appears to be an issue, with several reviewers complaining about overflowing trash bins. One reviewer stated, 'trash pickup was inadequate,' while another noted, 'the trash was over flowing from not getting picked up.'

Water FeaturesLocated directly on the shoreline of Nolin Lake, with easy access to a sand beach and boat launch.

Camp HostUser reviews indicate limited staff presence, with occasional complaints about unhelpful or rude behavior.

Cell CoverageLimited information available. One reviewer mentioned 'limited cell service,' suggesting that coverage might be weak in the park.

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

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From Booking Sources

4.2

105 reviews

Satisfactory

Nolin Lake State Park is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground is well-liked for its clean facilities, proximity to Nolin Lake, and family-friendly amenities. However, some users criticized the lack of enforcement of rules, trash management, and seasonal closures of certain amenities like the beach.

Review Summaries

Based on 105 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 105 reviews.

Site #30Loved
Site #30: Great for fishing directly from the campsite, but limited shade in the afternoon..
Site #31Loved
Site #31: Large, level, and offers privacy..
Site #1Loved
Group Site #1: Scenic lake views and a favorite for group tent camping.

What Campers Love

Highlights include clean and well-maintained restrooms and showers, spacious and level campsites, and scenic views of the lake. The playground and proximity to Mammoth Cave National Park are also...

Based on 105 reviews

Common Concerns

Recurring issues include lack of ranger presence to enforce quiet hours, overflowing trash bins, poison ivy, and poor site maintenance (e.g., unlevel spots). Noise from other campers and nearby boat...

Based on 105 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Visit in the fall for cooler weather. - Bring your own trash bags and ice. - Check site maps before booking as some sites are less desirable due to noise or incline.

Based on 105 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews often mention heat and overcrowding, while fall reviews highlight the campground's beauty and tranquility. Winter camping is possible with electric hookups, but services may be limited.

Based on 105 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'We love this campground! Staff is super friendly and facilities are clean.' - 'Poison ivy all over the tent campground... extraordinary effort to avoid it!' - 'The beach is open, has a very shady...

Based on 105 reviews

Accessibility Features

Positive remarks about accessibility include three adapted campsites and a handicap-accessible bathhouse. However, some reviewers noted that staff presence was inconsistent.

Based on 105 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but unleashed dogs and pet waste were mentioned as issues.

Based on 105 reviews

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Nolin Lake State Park

$24.00 - $24.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Primitive tent sites are $24 per night, as noted in user reviews and authoritative sources. This appears to be the standard fee for non-electric...

Standard Site Fee$24.00

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

Reserve America

Provider

2702864240

Go if

Anglers and boaters who can snag Site #30 for direct lakeside fishing, or families after a sand beach and kayak rentals without driving far. Fall weekends hit the sweet spot: cool temps, good color, and thinner crowds than summer.

Skip if

Light sleepers and tent campers who need quiet and space will struggle, the tent area gets packed on peak weekends, quiet hours aren't reliably enforced, and trash bins overflow. Bright lights and mechanical noise from nearby facilities bother some sites after dark.

Nearby Campgrounds

1343 Moutardier Road, Leitchfield, KY, 42754

Moutardier sits on the shore of Nolin River Lake near Leitchfield, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The campground offers tent sites, RV hookups, and primitive options spread across wooded terrain with lake views and access to limestone bluff scenery. Campers fish, boat, and hike during the seasonal operating window, with fall bringing the best weather and foliage.

Nolin Lake State Park

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

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Campground Map

Weather at Nolin Lake State Park

Best Time to Camp at Nolin Lake State Park

Planning Tips

About Nolin Lake State Park

Best Campsites

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Need help booking Nolin Lake State Park?

Amenities available

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What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

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Best Time to Camp at Nolin Lake State Park

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