About Tailwater
Number of accommodations: 49
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Showers
Playground
RV Utilities and Hookups
- Dump station on site
Water and Hygiene
- Potable Water
- Showers
On Site Services
- Playground
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Rates, Sites & Availability
49 Sites Available
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Site Details
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49 Sites Available
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Reviews (393)
What Guests Are Saying
Tailwater Recreational Area offers a beautiful and peaceful camping experience along the Barren River, with friendly staff and a clean environment. Many visitors appreciate the scenic views and the opportunity for fishing and outdoor activities, making it a desirable spot for families. However, some guests have encountered issues with amenities like water and electricity not being available as expected, as well as concerns about bathroom cleanliness and maintenance.
What Guests Are Saying
Tailwater Recreational Area offers a beautiful and peaceful camping experience along the Barren River, with friendly staff and a clean environment. Many visitors appreciate the scenic views and the opportunity for fishing and outdoor activities, making it a desirable spot for families. However, some guests have encountered issues with amenities like water and electricity not being available as expected, as well as concerns about bathroom cleanliness and maintenance.
Review Summary
Randy M
VerifiedMay 10, 2026 • Stayed at: 27, Loop: TAIL
Camped there many times before but opening day may 1st-8th was worse I ever saw got down to 40s and north wind 40+ mph in daytime no cell phone service at all, I know the weather can't be controlled and I will definitely be back after I check the forecast better 😀
Shelly B
VerifiedApril 19, 2026 • Stayed at: 07, Loop: TAIL
It was not stated in booking confirmation that water and electricity had not been turned on. Wasted fuel and time to pack, travel, just to get there to figure this out. My whole family was upset that we had turn around and go back home.
Shelly B
VerifiedApril 19, 2026 • Stayed at: 07, Loop: TAIL
It was not stated in booking confirmation that water and electricity had not been turned on. Wasted fuel and time to pack, travel, just to get there to figure this out. My whole family was upset that we had turn around and go back home.
David P
VerifiedApril 8, 2026 • Stayed at: 12, Loop: TAIL
Very quiet and relaxing
David P
VerifiedApril 8, 2026 • Stayed at: 12, Loop: TAIL
Very quiet and relaxing
Patricia B
VerifiedMarch 20, 2026 • Stayed at: 17, Loop: TAIL
Tailwater Recreational is a beautiful area, right along the Barren River. The dam is very interesting. We visited nearby Mammoth Cave while there.
Patricia B
VerifiedMarch 20, 2026 • Stayed at: 17, Loop: TAIL
Tailwater Recreational is a beautiful area, right along the Barren River. The dam is very interesting. We visited nearby Mammoth Cave while there.
Ronnie C
VerifiedDecember 27, 2025 • Stayed at: 41, Loop: TAIL
It is a great little campground, it quite the camp ground staff was very nice remembered us from other visits, the campground host was so friendly , if you like a quiet peaceful place this is a good place to camp
Ronnie C
VerifiedDecember 27, 2025 • Stayed at: 41, Loop: TAIL
It is a great little campground, it quite the camp ground staff was very nice remembered us from other visits, the campground host was so friendly , if you like a quiet peaceful place this is a good place to camp
Gary B
VerifiedNovember 17, 2025 • Stayed at: 19, Loop: TAIL
Nice people very friendly
Location Tailwater
Address:
1055 Tailwater Road
Scottsville, KY, 42164
United States
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.
Tailwater is accessible via US Highway 231, which is approximately 10 miles to the east. Interstate 65 is about 20 miles to the west, providing further access to nearby towns and cities.
Latitude & Longitude: 36.8944 / -86.1331
Elevation: 149 feet
Policies & Rules
Cancellation policy
- Reservation fees are non-refundable. For campsites, cabins, lookouts, yurts, group sites, and similar stays, we charge a reservation service fee of $8.
- Standard cancellations usually have a $10 cancellation fee. Customers can generally cancel before the check-in date online.
- Late cancellation rules differ by stay type.
- Individual campsites: cancelling after 12:00am local time the day before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
- Cabins, lookouts, and yurts: cancelling less than 14 days before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
- One-night reservations: a late cancellation usually forfeits the full amount paid, up to the total original reservation cost.
- Modifications are allowed before the cut-off window, but fees depend on the change. Changing to dates completely outside the original reservation dates may trigger a $10 change fee. Extending or shortening a stay that still includes original dates usually has no change fee, though refunds may depend on timing and facility rules. Switching to the same type of campsite for the same dates usually has no change fee, but price differences are charged or refunded.
- Early departures may or may not be refunded. At certain facilities, partial refunds may be possible if staff can mark the site available for other visitors. No refund is given for a night if the early departure is requested after that day's check-out time.
- Security deposits are separate. Security deposits may be refunded to the original payment method if the facility is left in acceptable condition, as determined by the property.
Fires & fuel
- Firewood from outside the area is not allowed; purchase or collect firewood locally to protect forests.
Vehicles & parking
- Off-highway vehicles are not allowed.
Fees & deposits
- Day visitors are subject to a fee.
Local regulations
- All boats must comply with Kentucky boating laws and regulations.
Site types & loops
- During non-peak season, camping is primitive only; dump station and potable water available.
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: June 3, 2026
