Tailwater
The Tailwater Campground offers 48-sites located along the Barren River, just below the dam. This lazy riverside campground is quieter than neighboring campgrounds and seems to have a slower pace since it is set below the lake, yet close enough for easy lake access. Annually, the campground is host to the Barren River Lake Scout Celebration which began in 1995. Scouts from surrounding states converge at the Tailwater Campground to celebrate, compete, and demonstrate their skills over the weekend. This event occurs every August and is something everyone can be a part of as a participant or on looker.
More like this: electric hookups in Kentucky · reservable in Kentucky · big rigs in Kentucky · pets allowed in Kentucky · group sites in Kentucky
Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗
Site mix
| Standard with electric | 48 |
| Group sites | 1 |
Site guide
Will my RV fit
The longest site here provides 115 feet of vehicle capacity. Most sites are shorter.
49 sites. Tap a filter to narrow the list; the map follows.
| Site | Type | Entry | Fits, ft | Surface | Shade | Power | Water / sewer | People / vehicles | Fires | Accessible |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Electric | Back-in | 62 | Partial | 50 amp | Yes / – | 6 / – | Yes | ||
| 02 | Electric | Back-in | 55 | Gravel | Partial | 50 amp | Yes / – | 6 / – | Yes | |
| 03 | Electric | Back-in | 72 | Gravel | Partial | 50 amp | Yes / – | 6 / – | Yes | |
| 04 | Electric | Back-in | 64 | Gravel | Partial | 50 amp | Yes / – | 6 / – | Yes | |
| 05 | Electric | Pull-through | 115 | Gravel | Full | 50 amp | Yes / – | 6 / – | Yes | |
| 06 | Electric | Back-in | 54 | Gravel | Partial | 50 amp | Yes / – | 6 / – | Yes | |
| 07 | Electric | Back-in | 65 | Gravel | Partial | 50 amp | Yes / – | 6 / – | Yes | |
| 08 | Electric | Back-in | 58 | Gravel | Partial | 50 amp | Yes / – | 6 / – | Yes | |
| 09 | Electric | Back-in | 72 | Gravel | Partial | 50 amp | Yes / – | 6 / – | Yes | |
| 10 | Electric | Back-in | 90 | Gravel | Partial | 50 amp | Yes / – | 6 / – | Yes |
Per-site records as published by the managing agency on Recreation.gov. Blank cells mean the agency listed nothing for that site. Check-in 5:00 PM, checkout 4:30 PM.
Amenities & rules
| Hookups | Electric, water |
| Max vehicle length | 115 ft |
| Equipment | RVs & trailers, Tents |
| Pets | Allowed |
| Campfires | Allowed, subject to restrictions |
| Accessibility | Sites 19, 20 are listed accessible |
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. The campground has an amphitheater, playground, beach volleyball court, horseshoe pit, and an open field for sports like softball or a fun game of tag. Other amenities just outside the campground at the stilling basin recreation area include: picnic sites, a pavilion available for reserving, playground, and basketball court.
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Weather by month
Getting there
From Glasgow, KY: Take 31-E south for 4 mi; turn right on 252, which will cross the dam in 8 mi. The Tailwater entrance road is at the south end of the dam. Follow signs into recreation area. Approximately 19 miles from Bowling Green, KY.
| Nearest town | Scottsville, Kentucky |
| Coordinates | 36.8944° N, 86.1331° W · Directions ↗ |
Supplies & services
| Outdoor gear | Vance Outdoor Power Equipment ↗ | 12.9 mi |
| Dump station | Dump station ↗ | 29.4 mi |
| RV sales & service | Elzy's RV Service ↗ | 41.6 mi |
Locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Call ahead; hours change seasonally.
Explore
Video
Riverfront RV Camping - Douglas Tailwater Campground #campgroundreviews
Other campgrounds nearby
On the National Register nearby
- Benjamin Martin HouseBuilding · Finney · 2.4 mi
- Franklin Settle HouseBuilding · Rocky Hill · 4.5 mi
- Octagon CottageBuilding · Rocky Hill · 7.1 mi
Natural features
Beautiful views of high cliffs and hills are on the other side of the river. Frequently you will see a bald eagle perched waiting for a fish to surface from the stilling basin's discharge. The surrounding woods are a quiet retreat and an opportunity for wildlife viewing at the permanent wildlife blind.
Recreation
The Tailwater provides a great location when fishing for catfish or hybrid striped bass, and downstream provides an opportunity to catch several different species of bass, as well as a variety of sunfishes. Try hiking the Steen Bergen Nature Trail for a chance to spot resident great horned owls, a variety of woodpeckers, migrating songbirds, or a family of chipmunks. The river offers a chance to see belted kingfishers, green herons, or maybe even an otter dining on an afternoon snack.
Nearby
The lake's shoreline is less than a mile away for swimming and boating activities. The premier recreation area, Port Oliver, is just across the dam and Quarry Road Recreation Area offers a reservable pavilion, fishing piers, playground, flush toilets, swimming area with beach, and a variety of picnic sites. Stop and visit Barren River Lake State Resort Park, host of the Glasgow Highland Games. Peninsula Marina is less than five miles away. Good day trips to other local area attractions include: the National Corvette Museum, Kentucky Down Under, and Diamond Caverns. There are several other family attractions within the Glasgow, Bowling Green, and Cave City region and visitors can explore Mammoth Cave National Park, an hour north of the campground.
Guidebooks for Kentucky
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Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject heading or by title.
Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at Tailwater?
Sites at Tailwater are reservable on Recreation.gov. Any walk-up sites are listed on the booking page.
Source: Recreation.gov
What time is check-in at Tailwater?
Check-in 5:00 PM, checkout 4:30 PM.
Source: Recreation.gov
How many sites does Tailwater have?
49 sites, including 48 standard sites with power and 1 group site.
Source: Recreation.gov
Will my RV fit at Tailwater?
Recreation.gov lists no practical vehicle capacity limit for the largest site here, which usually means pull-through or open parking. The sidebar tool checks a trailer or motorhome length against every site.
Source: Will my RV fit
Does Tailwater have hookups?
Yes, electric and water hookups at some sites.
Source: Recreation.gov
Are there showers or a dump station at Tailwater?
Primitive camping is available during the non-peak season with a dump station, potable water, and pit toilets offered during that time.
Source: Recreation.gov
Are pets allowed at Tailwater?
Yes, pets are allowed at Tailwater. Leash rules apply.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I have a campfire at Tailwater?
Fires are allowed in the provided rings under normal conditions.
Source: Recreation.gov
Are there accessible sites at Tailwater?
Sites 19 and 20 are listed accessible on Recreation.gov. What that covers (a paved pad, an accessible table, a nearby accessible restroom) is on each site's booking page.
Source: Recreation.gov
What is there to do at Tailwater?
The Tailwater provides a great location when fishing for catfish or hybrid striped bass, and downstream provides an opportunity to catch several different species of bass, as well as a variety of sunfishes. The Recreation section on this page has the rest.
Source: Recreation
What is the nearest town to Tailwater?
Scottsville, Kentucky. The lake's shoreline is less than a mile away for swimming and boating activities.
Source: Getting there
What if Tailwater is full?
The nearest public campgrounds are Baileys Point (2.1 mi), The Narrows (3.5 mi), and Mammoth Cave Campground (20.6 mi).
Source: Campgrounds nearby