Tailwater

1055 Tailwater Road, Scottsville, Kentucky, United States
Check Availability
Tailwater Recreation Area
TAILWATER4
TAILWATER Aerial
TAILWATER3
TAILWATER2

Featured amenities

Showers Showers
Playground Playground
View all amenities

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 sites
RV Sites 48 sites from $30 per night Tent Sites 1 site Check Availability

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - Oct 1 to Dec 31

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Showers Showers
Playground Playground
RV Utilities and Hookups

RV Utilities and Hookups

  • Dump station on site
Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Potable Water
  • Showers
On Site Services

On Site Services

  • Playground
Missing information?

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see availability.

49 Sites Available

Site
Price
🚐 01, Loop: TAIL RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 02, Loop: TAIL RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 03, Loop: TAIL RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 04, Loop: TAIL RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 05, Loop: TAIL RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 06, Loop: TAIL RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 07, Loop: TAIL RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 08, Loop: TAIL RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 09, Loop: TAIL RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 10, Loop: TAIL RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 11, Loop: TAIL RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 12, Loop: TAIL RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 13, Loop: TAIL RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 14, Loop: TAIL RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 15, Loop: TAIL RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 16, Loop: TAIL RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 17, Loop: TAIL RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 18, Loop: TAIL RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 19, Loop: TAIL RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Paved
🚐 20, Loop: TAIL RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Paved
🚐 21, Loop: TAIL RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 22, Loop: TAIL RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 23, Loop: TAIL RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 24, Loop: TAIL RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 25, Loop: TAIL RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 26, Loop: TAIL RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 27, Loop: TAIL RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 28, Loop: TAIL RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 29, Loop: TAIL RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 30, Loop: TAIL RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 31, Loop: TAIL RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 32, Loop: TAIL RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 33, Loop: TAIL RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 34, Loop: TAIL RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 35, Loop: TAIL RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 36, Loop: TAIL RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 37, Loop: TAIL RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 38, Loop: TAIL RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 39, Loop: TAIL RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 40-Host, Loop: TAIL RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
$30
/ per night
🚐 41, Loop: TAIL RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 42, Loop: TAIL RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 43, Loop: TAIL RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 44, Loop: TAIL RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 45, Loop: TAIL RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 46, Loop: TAIL RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 47, Loop: TAIL RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
🚐 48, Loop: TAIL RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
⛺ 49, Loop: TAIL Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire

Reviews

429 reviews

Summary

AI generated

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

Write a review
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
Newest First Oldest First

Tim T

Verified

May 15, 2023 Stayed at: 37, Loop: TAIL

We love camping at the Tailwaters. The new camp attendants Mr. & Mrs. Stinson are so nice. We will be back very soon.

Helpful

Mark Q

Verified

May 14, 2023 Stayed at: 01, Loop: TAIL

Nice campground. We had stayed mid April and there was no water or Electric during this time. I had wished that we had electric at least but out of my control. If there is not going to be at least electricity then either the campground shouldn’t open or the fee’s should be $5.00 or free. Campground had not had its first mowing of the season.

Had the electric been turned on then my rating would have been higher.

The host were great! Really enjoyed getting to know them.

Helpful

Mark Q

Verified

May 14, 2023 Stayed at: 01, Loop: TAIL

Nice campground. We had stayed mid April and there was no water or Electric during this time. I had wished that we had electric at least but out of my control. If there is not going to be at least electricity then either the campground shouldn’t open or the fee’s should be $5.00 or free. Campground had not had its first mowing of the season.

Had the electric been turned on then my rating would have been higher.

The host were great! Really enjoyed getting to know them.

Helpful

Andrew B

Verified

May 8, 2023 Stayed at: 36, Loop: TAIL

Good stay

Helpful

Andrew B

Verified

May 8, 2023 Stayed at: 36, Loop: TAIL

Good stay

Helpful

Tony E

Verified

May 1, 2023 Stayed at: 14, Loop: TAIL

Not able to stay due to no electric or water.

Helpful

Tony E

Verified

May 1, 2023 Stayed at: 14, Loop: TAIL

Not able to stay due to no electric or water.

Helpful

Claudette D

Verified

April 16, 2023 Stayed at: 21, Loop: TAIL

Overall, the site was nice beautiful review, however, we did realize that until May there’s no electricity or showers. We left our camping chairs out while we went to visit Mammoth caves and they were gone when we got back.

Helpful

Claudette D

Verified

April 16, 2023 Stayed at: 21, Loop: TAIL

Overall, the site was nice beautiful review, however, we did realize that until May there’s no electricity or showers. We left our camping chairs out while we went to visit Mammoth caves and they were gone when we got back.

Helpful

Judith W

Verified

March 9, 2023 Stayed at: 17, Loop: TAIL

Nice sites along the river.

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.

Nearest town

Scottsville, KY - 13 mi

About 18 min to downtown

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.

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Nearby destinations

Explore destination

Scottsville

10 mi away

City
Explore destination

Oakland

12 mi away

City
Explore destination

Glasgow

14 mi away

City

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

Learn more about Scottsville

Scottsville, KY

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Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers