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
No available sites
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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
Judith W
VerifiedMarch 9, 2023 • Stayed at: 17, Loop: TAIL
Nice sites along the river.
Kristian A
VerifiedJanuary 9, 2023 • Stayed at: 35, Loop: TAIL
We had a great time! The last night was pretty cold but that's expected in January. River otters, deers turkeys and blue heron birds everywhere❤️
Kristian A
VerifiedJanuary 9, 2023 • Stayed at: 35, Loop: TAIL
We had a great time! The last night was pretty cold but that's expected in January. River otters, deers turkeys and blue heron birds everywhere❤️
Richard M
VerifiedNovember 17, 2022 • Stayed at: 05, Loop: TAIL
We had a great time at this campground even though they shut off the water and electricity! We were the only RV in the park with a tent way on the other end. Site 05 was mostly level gravel right on the river. The camp hosts, Jeff and Diane were very nice and showed us where to fill our fresh tank for our 3 day boondocking stay. We had some elec issues so we only got to tour the Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, a 40 min drive. Hated to miss Mammoth Caves. A little store/baitshop right outside the entrance has 24/7 pay at the pump gas at a reasonable price.
Richard M
VerifiedNovember 17, 2022 • Stayed at: 05, Loop: TAIL
We had a great time at this campground even though they shut off the water and electricity! We were the only RV in the park with a tent way on the other end. Site 05 was mostly level gravel right on the river. The camp hosts, Jeff and Diane were very nice and showed us where to fill our fresh tank for our 3 day boondocking stay. We had some elec issues so we only got to tour the Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, a 40 min drive. Hated to miss Mammoth Caves. A little store/baitshop right outside the entrance has 24/7 pay at the pump gas at a reasonable price.
Rogrt Y
VerifiedNovember 15, 2022 • Stayed at: 37, Loop: TAIL
Camp host was very nice. The site was nice but there was no electric. Turned off for the season. I can understand shutting off the water this time of the year, but the electric also. Not good!
Rogrt Y
VerifiedNovember 15, 2022 • Stayed at: 37, Loop: TAIL
Camp host was very nice. The site was nice but there was no electric. Turned off for the season. I can understand shutting off the water this time of the year, but the electric also. Not good!
Rachel T
VerifiedNovember 13, 2022 • Stayed at: 37, Loop: TAIL
Excellent spots for tent camping & the hosts were wonderful. We will definitely camp here again.
Rachel T
VerifiedNovember 13, 2022 • Stayed at: 37, Loop: TAIL
Excellent spots for tent camping & the hosts were wonderful. We will definitely camp here again.
Josh J
VerifiedNovember 12, 2022 • Stayed at: 28, Loop: TAIL
Showed up and someone was in the spot I reserved. Had to argue with them to get them to move. They didn’t pay or reserve. Need better enforcement.
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 4, 2026
