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
Shannon S
VerifiedSeptember 5, 2022 • Stayed at: 37, Loop: TAIL
Nora A
VerifiedSeptember 4, 2022 • Stayed at: 35, Loop: TAIL
We had a family camping trip with 18 of us. We had an amazing, safe time and the couple that take care of the place were AMAZING!!! They were very helpful and made sure we were safe and had anything we needed! The bathrooms and showers were very clean! We will be certain to come again and recommend Tailwater to all our friends!!!
Nora A
VerifiedSeptember 4, 2022 • Stayed at: 35, Loop: TAIL
We had a family camping trip with 18 of us. We had an amazing, safe time and the couple that take care of the place were AMAZING!!! They were very helpful and made sure we were safe and had anything we needed! The bathrooms and showers were very clean! We will be certain to come again and recommend Tailwater to all our friends!!!
Tracy B
VerifiedAugust 9, 2022 • Stayed at: 24, Loop: TAIL
The sulfur smell was pretty strong the two days we were there and the grass had not been mowed. The sites are spaced nicely and the hosts are friendly and available for questions. Cell services are spotty due to the location.
Tracy B
VerifiedAugust 9, 2022 • Stayed at: 24, Loop: TAIL
The sulfur smell was pretty strong the two days we were there and the grass had not been mowed. The sites are spaced nicely and the hosts are friendly and available for questions. Cell services are spotty due to the location.
Kevin W
VerifiedJuly 25, 2022 • Stayed at: 25, Loop: TAIL
Area is close to the main lake.
Kevin W
VerifiedJuly 25, 2022 • Stayed at: 25, Loop: TAIL
Area is close to the main lake.
Rodney J
VerifiedJuly 15, 2022 • Stayed at: 36, Loop: TAIL
Spot 36 is very shaded and everyone was friendly.
Rodney J
VerifiedJuly 15, 2022 • Stayed at: 36, Loop: TAIL
Spot 36 is very shaded and everyone was friendly.
Veronica R
VerifiedJuly 12, 2022 • Stayed at: 25, Loop: TAIL
We enjoyed our stay at Tailwater. The host couple were super nice and took care of removing a diaper left in the shower when brought to their attention.
The family enjoyed the hiking trail, fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding and biking.
We have already booked another weekend at Tailwater with many more to follow in the coming years. 🙂
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
