OutReserve

Tailwater

Tailwater Recreation Area
TAILWATER4

Featured amenities

Showers
Playground

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.

Number of accommodations: 49

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 - May 1 to Sep 19

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Showers
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 real-time availability for each site.

49 Sites Available

Site
Price
🚐 01, Loop: TAIL
50 Amp · Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 02, Loop: TAIL
50 Amp · Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 03, Loop: TAIL
50 Amp · Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 04, Loop: TAIL
50 Amp · Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 05, Loop: TAIL
50 Amp · Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 06, Loop: TAIL
50 Amp · Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 07, Loop: TAIL
50 Amp · Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 08, Loop: TAIL
50 Amp · Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 09, Loop: TAIL
50 Amp · Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 10, Loop: TAIL
50 Amp · Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 11, Loop: TAIL
50 Amp · Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 12, Loop: TAIL
50 Amp · Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 13, Loop: TAIL
50 Amp · Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 14, Loop: TAIL
50 Amp · Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 15, Loop: TAIL
50 Amp · Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 16, Loop: TAIL
50 Amp · Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 17, Loop: TAIL
50 Amp · Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 18, Loop: TAIL
50 Amp · Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 19, Loop: TAIL
50 Amp · Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 20, Loop: TAIL
50 Amp · Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 21, Loop: TAIL
50 Amp · Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 22, Loop: TAIL
50 Amp · Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 23, Loop: TAIL
50 Amp · Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 24, Loop: TAIL
50 Amp · Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 25, Loop: TAIL
50 Amp · Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 26, Loop: TAIL
50 Amp · Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 27, Loop: TAIL
50 Amp · Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 28, Loop: TAIL
50 Amp · Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 29, Loop: TAIL
50 Amp · Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 30, Loop: TAIL
50 Amp · Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 31, Loop: TAIL
50 Amp · Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 32, Loop: TAIL
50 Amp · Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 33, Loop: TAIL
50 Amp · Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 34, Loop: TAIL
50 Amp · Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 35, Loop: TAIL
50 Amp · Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 36, Loop: TAIL
50 Amp · Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 37, Loop: TAIL
50 Amp · Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 38, Loop: TAIL
50 Amp · Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 39, Loop: TAIL
50 Amp · Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 40-Host, Loop: TAIL
50 Amp · Water & Electric
$30.00
/ per night
🚐 41, Loop: TAIL
50 Amp · Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 42, Loop: TAIL
50 Amp · Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 43, Loop: TAIL
50 Amp · Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 44, Loop: TAIL
50 Amp · Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 45, Loop: TAIL
50 Amp · Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 46, Loop: TAIL
50 Amp · Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 47, Loop: TAIL
50 Amp · Water & Electric
Price not available
🚐 48, Loop: TAIL
50 Amp · Water & Electric
Price not available
49, Loop: TAIL
50 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available

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.

Review Summary

4.1
393 reviews
5
51.9%
204
4
23.4%
92
3
12.2%
48
2
5.6%
22
1
6.9%
27

Teresa C

Verified

September 30, 2025 Stayed at: 11, Loop: TAIL

2

We've always loved it there, but it hasn't been kept well this year. The men's bathroom was nasty, the men's shower was nasty, and the shower wasn't working at all. We always carry a tool box with us and fortunately my husband is a retired maintenance supervisor so he was able to get it working again. The information about the men's shower and bathroom came from my husband, I certainly didn't go in there. The women's bathroom wasn't much better and the shower room was in pretty sad shape as well. There were used discarded women's monthly products just thrown down on the bench and in the floor, discarded used razors, empty drink cans. We've been going there for years and this was the worse we've ever seen it. We only saw the camp host once while we were there and we never saw anyone at the check in station. Hopefully it will be better next year, we do wish Tailwaters would have water and electricity later in the fall. The end of September is just too quick for shutting it off. We don't get to camp much until September and October and we would certainly be there in October if there was electricity and water.

Kathy M

Verified

September 28, 2025 Stayed at: 17, Loop: TAIL

5

Our family love to camp here
Just dont get cell services

Rick G

Verified

September 28, 2025 Stayed at: 14, Loop: TAIL

5

The campground/RV park,was great easy to get into and out. The scenery is beautiful and the people who run the place very friendly.I will be going back to this park.

Rick G

Verified

September 28, 2025 Stayed at: 14, Loop: TAIL

5

The campground/RV park,was great easy to get into and out. The scenery is beautiful and the people who run the place very friendly.I will be going back to this park.

Kathy M

Verified

September 28, 2025 Stayed at: 17, Loop: TAIL

5

Our family love to camp here
Just dont get cell services

mickey k

Verified

September 26, 2025 Stayed at: 43, Loop: TAIL

4

The host was very nice, other campers were nice and considerate. The campground needs the State to appropriate money for upgrades. Gravel, drainage, leveling sites and a bigger bath house. Also keeping the campground open thru and into November. These improvements could make this campground an
Asset to the state and also make it competitive with campgrounds offered in surrounding states such as Tennessee.

mickey k

Verified

September 26, 2025 Stayed at: 43, Loop: TAIL

4

The host was very nice, other campers were nice and considerate. The campground needs the State to appropriate money for upgrades. Gravel, drainage, leveling sites and a bigger bath house. Also keeping the campground open thru and into November. These improvements could make this campground an
Asset to the state and also make it competitive with campgrounds offered in surrounding states such as Tennessee.

Karen D

Verified

September 25, 2025 Stayed at: 37, Loop: TAIL

3

The camp site beside mine had 5 barking dogs other than I that it was great

Karen D

Verified

September 25, 2025 Stayed at: 37, Loop: TAIL

3

The camp site beside mine had 5 barking dogs other than I that it was great

dorothy r

Verified

September 24, 2025 Stayed at: 12, Loop: TAIL

4

nice and freindly people

Location Tailwater

Address:
1055 Tailwater Road
Scottsville, KY, 42164
United States

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.

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

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