Nolin Lake State Park

Star4.25
105 reviews
2998 Briar Creek Rd, Mammoth Cave, Kentucky, 42259, United States
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

571 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

52 campsites

Season

Reservations open fr...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Kentucky State Parks site

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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...
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Standard Site Fee$24.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.25

Satisfactory

Based on 105 reviews

97 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanshowersrestrooms

Some mention

noisecrowded

"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."

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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

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.
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.

Best Time to Camp at Nolin Lake State Park

Experience the full spectrum of Kentucky's seasons at Nolin Lake, where each time of year paints the landscape in different hues. Summer brings warm, humid days with temperatures climbing above 80°F – perfect for cooling off with a swim in the lake. As autumn arrives, the campground transforms into a canvas of crimson and gold, with crisp air and stunning foliage creating ideal conditions for tent camping. Many seasoned visitors consider fall the crown jewel of camping seasons here, when comfortable temperatures and breathtaking scenery combine for unforgettable outdoor experiences.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Summer offers swimming and boating but reviewers note heat and overcrowding on peak weekends.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 23% in KY

Fall reviews highlight beauty and tranquility; ideal season for scenic visits.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring offers milder weather and kayaking; reviewers noted occasional low lake levels early season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Winter camping possible with electric hookups but services limited and beach closed.

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

About Nolin Lake State Park

Nestled along the pristine shoreline of Nolin Lake, this state park campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with 32 modern campsites equipped with water and electricity, plus 20 primitive sites for those seeking a more rustic experience. The well-appointed facilities include a clean restroom and shower building, convenient laundry services, and a dump station for RVs. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, launching your boat for a day on the water, or setting off on scenic hiking trails, this tranquil lakeside retreat serves as your perfect basecamp for Kentucky adventure.
The campground offers various options, including sites for RVs, tents, and primitive camping. Group camping is also available.
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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.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings

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.
HikingSeveral trails are available, including one leading to a waterfall. Visitors found the trails enjoyable, with one describing it as 'nice hiking trails and small waterfall on property.'
FishingNolin Lake is popular for fishing, with prize catches including bass, walleye, catfish, and crappie. One reviewer mentioned enjoying fishing directly from Site #30.
SwimmingThe park has a sand beach on the lakeshore for swimming, although it is closed outside peak seasons. One reviewer criticized the seasonal closure: 'Keeping the beach closed until Memorial Day is arbitrary.'
BoatingBoating is a key activity with a launch ramp on-site for watercraft. Kayak rentals are also available.
Beach activitiesThe beach is a highlight of the park, with sandy shores and a shaded picnic area nearby. It is praised for being family-friendly and providing access to kayaking.
Winter Activities
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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.
Active AlertsBeach closures until Memorial Day and closures due to high water levels are recurring issues.

Weather at Nolin Lake State Park

Reviews

4.3
105 reviews
Satisfactory
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

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...
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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...
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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...
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Based on 105 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #30: Great for fishing directly from the campsite, but limited shade in the afternoon. Site #31: Large, level, and offers privacy. Group Site #1: Scenic lake views and a favorite for group tent...
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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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Last updated January 13, 2026
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