Cave Run Dam Tailwater

Star1.65
20 reviews
Cave Run Dam Tailwater

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

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Cave Run Dam Tailwater
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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What Campers Say

1.65

Mixed Reviews

Based on 20 reviews

372 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanrestroomswater

"Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing that Cave Run Dam Tailwater is a beautiful, peaceful park and gathering spot for camping, picnics, fishing, swimming, and family events. Visitors consistently note clean shelters, restrooms, and grounds, and many mention they would gladly return for reunions and outings."

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About Cave Run Dam Tailwater

Nestled just below the impressive Cave Run Lake Dam, Tailwater Recreation Area offers a perfect day-use escape where the Licking River beckons anglers and boaters alike. With two welcoming picnic shelters and five first-come, first-served sites tucked into a landscape nearly embraced by the legendary Daniel Boone National Forest, this riverside retreat provides an intimate gateway to Kentucky's wild heart.
Tailwater Recreation Area is described as a general-use day-use recreation site with picnic shelters and boat access below Cave Run Lake Dam. No camping facilities (tent, RV, primitive, cabins, or glamping) are described in the provided information.
Historical SignificanceThe story of Tailwater begins with human ambition meeting natural waterways—an earth and rockfill dam rising across the Licking River to create the sprawling Cave Run Lake above. Below this engineering feat, the Tailwater Recreation Area emerged as a tranquil aftermath, where released waters continue their ancient journey downstream, creating a unique ecosystem that bridges the controlled lake waters above with the free-flowing river below.
Natural Features and SceneryCradled within Kentucky's Eastern Highlands Region, Tailwater sits at the threshold of wilderness, with the Daniel Boone National Forest forming a verdant embrace on nearly all sides. The surrounding landscape tells a story in layers: hardwood-covered hills roll into hidden forest clearings, while streams carve their patient paths and mysterious caves punctuate the limestone beneath. This rich tapestry of habitats shelters an impressive community of more than 300 species—birds wheel overhead, mammals rustle through undergrowth, and amphibians chorus from ponds and streams, creating a living symphony that changes with each season.
Geological RegionSituated in the rugged Eastern Highlands Region of Kentucky, the area occupies a special position nearly encircled by the northernmost reaches of the Daniel Boone National Forest, where ancient Appalachian geology meets the patient work of water and time.
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Campsite details

AccessibilityShelters have an access road right up to them to allow ease of access upon request.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesShelter facilities are located along the retreat channel of the dam and are separated by a small stand of maple trees. Shelters have an access road to the shelter to allow ease of access upon request.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Day use only
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutTwo picnic shelters located along the retreat channel of the dam separated by a small stand of maple trees; five uncovered picnic sites available first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityFive uncovered picnic sites are first-come, first-served.

Activities you can enjoy

A day-use tailwater recreation area offering boating and fishing access on the Licking River, picnic areas, and wildlife viewing opportunities associated with adjacent Daniel Boone National Forest.
Fishing
Provides fishing opportunities and boat access to the Licking River below Cave Run Lake Dam.
Boating
Boat access to the Licking River is provided at the Tailwater Recreation Area.
Wildlife viewing
The surrounding Daniel Boone National Forest supports over 300 species of birds, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles, offering opportunities for wildlife observation.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed

Hazards


Weather at Cave Run Dam Tailwater

34
°F
Dec 11
Thursday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 83%
Wind: 10.6 mph
Overcast

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Good to know

Proximity to water featuresLocated below Cave Run Lake Dam along the retreat channel with boat access to the Licking River.

Campground Map

Cave Run Dam Tailwater
Driving directionsThe lake is about 60 miles east of Lexington, KY. Exits 123, 133 and 137 off of Interstate 64 provide the primary access routes to the lake.
Primary access via Interstate 64; use exits 123, 133 or 137.
Nearby places
Lexington, KY — about 60 miles

Reviews from booking and map sources

1.7
20 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Cave Run Dam Tailwater has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing that Cave Run Dam Tailwater is a beautiful, peaceful park and gathering spot for camping, picnics, fishing, swimming, and family events. Visitors consistently note clean shelters, restrooms, and grounds, and many mention they would gladly return for reunions and outings.
Review Summaries
Based on 20 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers love the scenic beauty, waterfront views, and relaxing atmosphere, often calling the area “beautiful” and “gorgeous.” Families praise the well-kept picnic shelters, grills, electricity,...
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Based on 20 reviews

Common Concerns

Very few complaints are mentioned. One Google reviewer notes restrooms “needed some cleaning, but not nasty,” and another warns about a swarm of yellow jackets near the parking lot/boat ramp area. A...
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Based on 20 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

It’s a popular spot for family reunions and get-togethers, so reserving shelters in advance is viewed as “worth the money.” Visitors suggest using it for picnics, walking, disc golf, kayaking...
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Based on 20 reviews

Camper Quotes

“Great experience. Playground for the kids. Restrooms were clean and close. Electricity was available.” “Beautiful park with a new frisbee golf course. Picnic tables and parking too.” “Great place to...
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Based on 20 reviews

Accessibility Features

Multiple reviewers highlight that restrooms are “clean and close” to shelters and that electricity is available at group areas, suggesting convenience for family events. Shelters are described as...
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Based on 20 reviews

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Last updated December 10, 2025
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