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

Jeff C

Verified

July 20, 2020 Stayed at: 47, Loop: TAIL

5

Have stayed there many, many times. Great little campground with good amenities.

Randy M

Verified

July 18, 2020 Stayed at: 27, Loop: TAIL

5

favorite spot as always great

Randy M

Verified

July 18, 2020 Stayed at: 27, Loop: TAIL

5

favorite spot as always great

Teresa D

Verified

July 13, 2020 Stayed at: 29, Loop: TAIL

5

This was our first camping trip of the season. The campground was quite, the bathhouse was clean and the campground hosts were nice. There was plenty of shade and all sites were level. The next question is about cell service. Bluegrass is not an option, but that’s what we have and there is NO service. We had to drive 7 miles before we could get the weather to load as it was starting to storm and we wanted to check the radar. We will be getting a cellular booster before our next trip to see if that helps.

Teresa D

Verified

July 13, 2020 Stayed at: 29, Loop: TAIL

5

This was our first camping trip of the season. The campground was quite, the bathhouse was clean and the campground hosts were nice. There was plenty of shade and all sites were level. The next question is about cell service. Bluegrass is not an option, but that’s what we have and there is NO service. We had to drive 7 miles before we could get the weather to load as it was starting to storm and we wanted to check the radar. We will be getting a cellular booster before our next trip to see if that helps.

Lula A

Verified

July 8, 2020 Stayed at: 28, Loop: TAIL

5

the attendants was so friendly they was so helpful in our needs love our stay

Lula A

Verified

July 8, 2020 Stayed at: 28, Loop: TAIL

5

the attendants was so friendly they was so helpful in our needs love our stay

Tony A

Verified

July 7, 2020 Stayed at: 31, Loop: TAIL

4

Camping area is really pretty and the spots were very nice and accommodating!
There is a nice place to walk and a play area for kids. The only problem was the bathroom situation. Only one bathhouse containing two toilets and one shower in the the whole camping area. Although it was clean, it needs to be updated and more bathhouses available.

Tony A

Verified

July 7, 2020 Stayed at: 31, Loop: TAIL

4

Camping area is really pretty and the spots were very nice and accommodating!
There is a nice place to walk and a play area for kids. The only problem was the bathroom situation. Only one bathhouse containing two toilets and one shower in the the whole camping area. Although it was clean, it needs to be updated and more bathhouses available.

Charles C

Verified

June 28, 2020 Stayed at: 29, Loop: TAIL

5

The hosts were very friendly. A nice campground for families.

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 4, 2026

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