How much does camping cost at Wax?

Camping fees at Wax range from $18-$50/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Wax first-come first-served or reservation?

Wax 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 Wax before I book?

Yes! Wax has 5 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 Wax?

Wax is open May 16 - August 31 annually.. 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 Wax?

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

Can I have a campfire at Wax?

Fire policies at Wax: Fires must be contained in fireplaces or grills. Trash, treated lumber, and metallic wood are prohibited.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Wax have?

Wax has 110 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Wax?

Yes, pets are allowed at Wax. 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 Wax?

Wax 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 Wax?

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

Wax

4.35

433 reviews

14069 Peonia Road, Clarkson, KY 42726

Summer Destination

Featured in:Camping Near Mammoth Cave National Park Best Campgrounds Kentucky RV Camping Kentucky +1 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

525 ft

Price

$18 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

110 campsites

Season

Open May 16 to Augus...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Book on US 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

525 ft

Price

$18 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

110 campsites

Season

Open May 16 to Augus...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Book on US Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Wax

$18.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Facility rates vary by site type and season: Peak season rates include Standard Electric sites at $32/night (additional $2 for weekends, $4 for...

Standard Site Fee$32.00

Hookup Site Fee$32.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

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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150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

270-242-7578ruth.a.smith@usace.army.mil

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What Campers Say

4.35

Recommended

Based on 433 reviews

116 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanspaciouslake

"Wax Campground is highly rated for its cleanliness, friendly staff, and lakefront setting. Many users highlight the well-maintained facilities and the variety of recreational opportunities. However, some concerns include electrical issues at certain sites and crowded conditions during peak times."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

14069 Peonia Road, Clarkson, KY 42726

Wax

14069 Peonia Road, Clarkson, KY 42726

Nearby places

Clarkson: Null

Bowling Green: 51 miles (1 hour 20 minutes)

Louisville: 78 miles (1 hour 40 minutes)

Nashville: 114 miles (2 hours 20 minutes).

Nearby supplies

A Dollar General is located close to the campground, confirmed by multiple user reviews. Supplies such as groceries, bait, and camping essentials are available at Wax Marina, which is across the street from the campground.

Driving directionsFrom Bowling Green, KY: Follow US 31W North from Bowling Green for approximately 14 miles then turn left onto KY 101. In approximately 6 miles, Hwy 101 becomes Hwy 259 North. Follow Hwy 259 North for about 22 miles. Stay straight at the intersection of Hwy 259 and Hwy 226; follow Hwy 226 for about 2 miles. Turn right on Hwy 88 and follow it for approximately 7 miles. The Wax campground will be on your right. Total driving distance from Bowling Green is about 51 miles; driving time is around 1 hour, 20 minutes. From Louisville, KY: Take I-65 south for approximately 59 miles to exit 76. Follow Hwy 224 for approximately 10 miles before turning left on Hwy 479. In approximately 8 miles turn left on Highway 88. Signs for Wax campground will be less than 1/2 miles down Hwy 88, on your right. Total driving distance is about 78 miles; driving time is about 1 hour, 40 minutes. From Nashville, KY: Take I65 North for approximately 66 miles. Merge onto KY 446 via exit 28. Merge right onto Hwy 31W North and follow it for approximately 10 miles, then turn left onto KY 101. In approximately 6 miles, Hwy 101 becomes Hwy 259 North. Follow Hwy 259 North for about 22 miles. Stay straight at the intersection of Hwy 259 and Hwy 226; follow Hwy 226 for about 2 miles. Turn right on Hwy 88 and follow it for approximately 7 miles. The Wax campground will be on the right. Total driving distance from Nashville is about 114 miles; driving time is around 2 hours, 20 minutes.

The campground is accessible via paved roads with adequate signage. Driving conditions are described as challenging in some user reviews due to narrow roads with speeds between 45-55 MPH. Seasonal closures and specific road conditions were not mentioned.

Best Time to Camp at Wax

Summer brings the full lake experience: warm, humid days with typical highs in the mid-70s to upper-80s, nights in the 60s. Afternoon thunderstorms roll through regularly, cooling the air and lighting up the sky. The campground operates full services from mid-May through the end of August, so plan your visit then if you want boat launches and electric hookups. Weekends and holiday weeks fill up fast. Spring and fall offer quieter visits, though some services may be limited.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Top 12% in KY

Open May 16–Aug 31; peak season with abundant water recreation but crowded and storm-prone afternoons.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 16 - August 31 annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 16 to August 31 annually.
Current Alerts: No specific current alerts have been reported.

About Wax

Wax Campground sits on Nolin River Lake in southern Kentucky's karst country, where 110 sites spread across multiple loops offer electric and water hookups, flush toilets, and lake access. Sites run $18–50 per night and are reservable. Full services operate May 16 through August 31, when the boat launch, showers, and dump station are all available. The campground draws families for its clean facilities and proximity to swimming, fishing, and boating.

Wax Campground offers diverse camping options, including electric and non-electric sites, primitive sites, and some with water access. The variety caters to tent campers, RVs, and groups.

Historical Significance

Mammoth Cave National Park. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world's longest known cave system. Lies within driving distance. The cave preserves thousands of years of human history alongside its geological formations, though visitors note the trip requires planning time.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the full lake experience: warm, humid days with typical highs in the mid-70s to upper-80s, nights in the 60s. Afternoon thunderstorms roll through regularly, cooling the air and lighting up the sky. The campground operates full services from mid-May through the end of August, so plan your visit then if you want boat launches and electric hookups. Weekends and holiday weeks fill up fast. Spring and fall offer quieter visits, though some services may be limited.

ElevationNestled in the gently undulating terrain of southern Kentucky, the campground's position along the lake offers varied topography that creates unique vantage points throughout the property.

Natural Features and SceneryNolin River Lake stretches 5,795 acres across the forested ridges of southern Kentucky's limestone landscape, its blue-green water reflecting the wooded hills. At 525 feet elevation, the campground sits where ancient karst geology shapes the terrain. The same water-carved stone that created the region's cave systems. Bass and crappie thrive in the lake. The surrounding woodlands shift color with the seasons, though ticks are common in the undergrowth.

Geological RegionWax Campground rests in the heart of southern Kentucky's distinctive karst landscape, where ancient limestone has been sculpted by water over millennia. The rolling hills surrounding Nolin River Lake showcase the region's unique geology, with the lake itself nestled like a sapphire among the forested ridges. This terrain, shaped by the same forces that created the nearby cave systems, offers campers a chance to experience the fascinating interplay between water, stone, and time that defines this remarkable corner of Kentucky.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in by 4:30 PM.

Check-out

Check-out by 4:30 PM.

Stay Limit

Up to 14 consecutive nights during a visit
14 nights within a rolling 30 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 6 people per site or members of one family unit.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground divides into multiple loops. A, B, and C. With C Loop closest to the lake. Site spacing varies. Some campers find good separation, others note tight quarters between neighbors. The ground is hard; bring a heavy mallet for tent stakes.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at www.recreation.gov or by calling the reservation service at 877-444-6777.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo details provided about walk-up site availability or fill patterns.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations made before arrival date incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations result in forfeiture of the first night's fee and a $10 fee if applicable. No-shows are charged $20 plus the first night's fee.

AccessibilityLimited accessibility features were noted. Reviews mention ADA-compliant bathrooms, but there is sparse information about other accessibility accommodations. Some campsites are mentioned to be gravel and level, which may aid accessibility.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size, with some described as spacious and others as tight. Loop-specific details include the C loop being near the lake and the A loop offering both wooded and open sites.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary by loop and site, with some users describing good separation and others noting close proximity between sites.

Total Campsites110 campsites

Recommended SitesFor waterfront access, choose C Loop sites like C008. For shade and privacy, A Loop sites such as A005 are recommended.

Need help booking Wax?

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 is a hub for water-based recreation and outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, hiking, and swimming, as well as wildlife viewing around Nolin River Lake. The nearby marina enhances access to boating options.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsTicks are frequently mentioned in reviews as problematic. Other concerns include narrow roads and occasional surges in electrical hookups.

Active AlertsNo specific current alerts have been reported.

Fire PolicyFires must be contained in fireplaces or grills. Trash, treated lumber, and metallic wood are prohibited.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM - 6:00 AM.

Emergency ServicesGeneral emergency service information is provided: Nolin Lake office phone number (270-286-4511). No explicit mentions of nearby hospitals, police stations, or ranger stations.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available, with dumpsters located at the campground, but specific information about schedules or separation of recyclable materials is not provided.

Water FeaturesCampground is located directly on Nolin River Lake shoreline, with features like boat ramps and beaches accessible.

Camp HostHosts are described as helpful and welcoming. Volunteers manage the campground.

Weather at Wax

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

4.4

433 reviews

Recommended

Wax is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Wax Campground is highly rated for its cleanliness, friendly staff, and lakefront setting. Many users highlight the well-maintained facilities and the variety of recreational opportunities. However, some concerns include electrical issues at certain sites and crowded conditions during peak times.

Review Summaries

Based on 433 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlights include clean and spacious sites, proximity to the lake, and friendly staff. Multiple users have praised the campground for being family-friendly and peaceful.

Based on 433 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues identified in reviews include electrical problems in certain loops, tight site spacing, and a lack of a designated beach area. Some reviewers also noted issues with cell service and...

Based on 433 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring a mallet for tent stakes due to hard ground. Explore nearby Moutardier Trail for hiking, and consider renting a pontoon from the marina. Be mindful of limited cell service and prepare for...

Based on 433 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the busiest season, with crowded weekends and challenges like electrical surges. Reviews suggest the campground is quieter and more enjoyable during weekdays and non-peak times.

Based on 433 reviews

Camper Quotes

Quotes include: 'The cleanest shower house I've ever seen,' 'Spacious sites and proximity to the lake make this campground a gem,' and 'Electrical issues need to be addressed, but otherwise a...

Based on 433 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Certain sites stand out for their proximity to the lake or privacy. For example, Site C008 is praised for its level ground and convenience, while Site A002 offers lake views but may feel crowded.

Based on 433 reviews

Accessibility Features

Limited reviews mention accessibility features. Bathrooms are noted as ADA compliant, but additional information about site-level accessibility is scarce.

Based on 433 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed. Some users noted the campground's pet-friendly environment, while others expressed frustration with owners not cleaning up after their pets.

Based on 433 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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