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jerry p
VerifiedSeptember 24, 2026 Stayed at: 27, Loop: TAIL
Large open park good size lots, most are shaded
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About 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.
View a virtual tour of Barren River Lake.
Available sites
49 total sitesSeasonal information
2026
(Current year)
2026 Season availability
Current season
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Apr
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Currently open - Oct 1 to Dec 31
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
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49 Sites Available
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01, Loop: TAIL
RV
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Driveway entry: Back-In
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02, Loop: TAIL
RV
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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03, Loop: TAIL
RV
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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04, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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05, Loop: TAIL
RV
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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06, Loop: TAIL
RV
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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07, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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08, Loop: TAIL
RV
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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09, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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10, Loop: TAIL
RV
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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11, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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12, Loop: TAIL
RV
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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13, Loop: TAIL
RV
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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14, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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15, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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16, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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17, Loop: TAIL
RV
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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18, Loop: TAIL
RV
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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19, Loop: TAIL
RV
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Paved
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20, Loop: TAIL
RV
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Paved
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21, Loop: TAIL
RV
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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22, Loop: TAIL
RV
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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23, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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24, Loop: TAIL
RV
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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25, Loop: TAIL
RV
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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26, Loop: TAIL
RV
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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27, Loop: TAIL
RV
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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28, Loop: TAIL
RV
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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29, Loop: TAIL
RV
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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30, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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31, Loop: TAIL
RV
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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32, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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33, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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34, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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35, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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36, Loop: TAIL
RV
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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37, Loop: TAIL
RV
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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38, Loop: TAIL
RV
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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39, Loop: TAIL
RV
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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40-Host, Loop: TAIL
RV
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$30
/ per night
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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41, Loop: TAIL
RV
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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42, Loop: TAIL
RV
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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43, Loop: TAIL
RV
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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44, Loop: TAIL
RV
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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45, Loop: TAIL
RV
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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46, Loop: TAIL
RV
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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47, Loop: TAIL
RV
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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48, Loop: TAIL
RV
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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49, Loop: TAIL
Tent
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Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
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Site Details
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49 Sites Available
Site
Price
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01, Loop: TAIL
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Driveway entry: Back-In
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02, Loop: TAIL
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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03, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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04, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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05, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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06, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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07, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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08, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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09, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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10, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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11, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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12, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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13, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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14, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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15, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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16, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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17, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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18, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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19, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Paved
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20, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Paved
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21, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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22, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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23, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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24, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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25, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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26, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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27, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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28, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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29, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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30, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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31, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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32, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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33, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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34, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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35, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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36, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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37, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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38, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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39, Loop: TAIL
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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40-Host, Loop: TAIL
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
$30
/ per night
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41, Loop: TAIL
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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42, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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43, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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44, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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45, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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46, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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47, Loop: TAIL
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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48, Loop: TAIL
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
⛺
49, Loop: TAIL
Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
No available sites
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Reviews
429 reviews
Summary
Tailwater is a peaceful campground with friendly hosts and a beautiful setting by the Barren River, making it a favorite among many campers. While some visitors noted issues with maintenance, such as restroom cleanliness and the need for infrastructure improvements, they appreciated the welcoming atmosphere and enjoyed activities like fishing. Overall, many families cherish their experiences there and plan to return, highlighting the campground's charm despite areas needing attention.
Based on guest feedback
4.0
Overall rating
Based on 429 reviews
5 stars
51.0% (219)
4 stars
23.1% (99)
3 stars
12.6% (54)
2 stars
5.8% (25)
1 star
7.5% (32)
Showing 429 reviews
Verified Only
Sort by: Newest First
james s
VerifiedSeptember 23, 2026 Stayed at: 19, Loop: TAIL
Very disappointed with our visit due to the condition of the bath house. It was disgustingly filthy. Was not cleaned the entire time that we were there. Trash in the floor, mold on the walls and the shower curtains. One of the shower doors would not lock. No toilet paper in the men’s bathroom. We complained to the campground check in station and were told that it had been reported, but nothing was ever done to fix the problem. The bathroom doors were left propped open so they were full of bugs. I have never seen these conditions before in this campground. Really makes me sad, because we have camped here for years.
Helpful
dorothy r
VerifiedSeptember 23, 2026 Stayed at: 37, Loop: TAIL
you need to replace the fire pits they are in very bad shape, we like staying there, very peacefull
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margaret s
VerifiedSeptember 21, 2026 Stayed at: 49, Loop: TAIL
Beautiful shaded area. Private, spacious, and right on the river. Will certainly be back!
Helpful
Rebecca S
VerifiedSeptember 15, 2026 Stayed at: 24, Loop: TAIL
I know it was a holiday weekend and we got there on the last night, but the bathrooms were absolutely disgusting. I know this could be due to the guests and the number of guests during the holiday. The smell coming from them was so strong you could hardly walk by without gagging . It is a beautiful spot, so if you have a camper with your own bathroom then you are good to go. But if you are tent camping be warned the bathrooms may not be ideal. Hopefully this was just a one time thing and due to the high volume of people. We will visit again during a less busy time.
Helpful
Wenceslao S
VerifiedSeptember 14, 2026 Stayed at: 49, Loop: TAIL
Staff is great! Clean Area! Overall great place for camping!
Helpful
Thomas M
VerifiedAugust 7, 2026 Stayed at: 20, Loop: TAIL
We were shocked that there were only
5 other campers there it used to to be full in summer
Helpful
Denny E
VerifiedJuly 31, 2026 Stayed at: 14, Loop: TAIL
We love camping at the tail waters just wish they were letting the spillway out while we were there but the lake level wasn’t high enough but we still had a good time the camp host are really nice ,site 14 is a excellent site first time staying in that site really shady and big
Helpful
Jerry F
VerifiedJuly 26, 2026 Stayed at: 37, Loop: TAIL
Its small peaceful and the lots are easy to set camper up on the attendants and the host are some of the best around i have been going there for years me and the wife and grandkids love it there
Helpful
Alana f
VerifiedJuly 17, 2026 Stayed at: 22, Loop: TAIL
Our site was listed as shade but the FULL setting sun was directly on the camp side from about 3pm until sunset. There is also no cell service. We had a satellite router and it wouldn’t get any service. Ride our bikes to the front of the grounds to get one bar
Helpful
Location & Directions for Tailwater
1055 Tailwater Road, Scottsville, KY 42164 United States
Elevation: 149 ft
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 mi from Bowling Green, KY.
Highway access
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.
Near Mammoth Cave National Park
The closest entrance is: Mammoth Cave Visitor Center
Approximate drive: 24.8 mi · 42 min
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: November 4, 2026
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Explore Scottsville, KY
Population: 4,427
Nearby city: Bowling Green, KY
Approx. 18 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 761 ft
Scottsville, KY
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Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers