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Jessica H
VerifiedOctober 13, 2025 Stayed at: 11, Loop: TAIL
The campground was very clean and easy to access. Plenty of fishing and a beautiful scenic spot at the end of the park tucked away to the right.
Helpful
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 sitesSeasonal information
2026
(Current year)
2026 Season availability
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Currently open - Oct 1 to Dec 31
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
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49 Sites Available
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01, Loop: TAIL
RV
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Driveway entry: Back-In
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02, Loop: TAIL
RV
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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03, Loop: TAIL
RV
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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04, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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05, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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06, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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07, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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08, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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09, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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10, Loop: TAIL
RV
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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11, Loop: TAIL
RV
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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12, Loop: TAIL
RV
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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13, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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14, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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15, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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16, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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17, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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18, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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19, Loop: TAIL
RV
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Paved
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20, Loop: TAIL
RV
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Paved
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21, Loop: TAIL
RV
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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22, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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23, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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24, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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25, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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26, Loop: TAIL
RV
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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27, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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28, Loop: TAIL
RV
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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29, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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30, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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31, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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32, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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33, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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34, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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35, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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36, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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37, Loop: TAIL
RV
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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38, Loop: TAIL
RV
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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39, Loop: TAIL
RV
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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40-Host, Loop: TAIL
RV
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$30
/ per night
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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41, Loop: TAIL
RV
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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42, Loop: TAIL
RV
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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43, Loop: TAIL
RV
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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44, Loop: TAIL
RV
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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45, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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46, Loop: TAIL
RV
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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47, Loop: TAIL
RV
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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48, Loop: TAIL
RV
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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49, Loop: TAIL
Tent
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Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
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Site Details
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49 Sites Available
Site
Price
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01, Loop: TAIL
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Driveway entry: Back-In
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02, Loop: TAIL
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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03, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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04, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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05, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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06, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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07, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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08, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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09, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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10, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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11, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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12, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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13, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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14, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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15, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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16, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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17, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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18, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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19, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Paved
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20, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Paved
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21, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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22, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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23, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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24, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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25, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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26, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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27, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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28, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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29, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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30, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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31, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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32, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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33, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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34, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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35, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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36, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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37, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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38, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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39, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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40-Host, Loop: TAIL
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
$30
/ per night
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41, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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42, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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43, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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44, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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45, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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46, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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47, Loop: TAIL
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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
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48, Loop: TAIL
RV
Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel
⛺
49, Loop: TAIL
Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
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Reviews
429 reviews
Summary
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
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: Oldest First
Jessica H
VerifiedOctober 13, 2025 Stayed at: 11, Loop: TAIL
The campground was very clean and easy to access. Plenty of fishing and a beautiful scenic spot at the end of the park tucked away to the right.
Helpful
Douglas G
VerifiedOctober 19, 2025 Stayed at: 49, Loop: TAIL
Our campsite and experience was fantastic. Easy to reschedule when needed. When I called with questions the staff was friendly and helpful.
Helpful
Douglas G
VerifiedOctober 19, 2025 Stayed at: 49, Loop: TAIL
Our campsite and experience was fantastic. Easy to reschedule when needed. When I called with questions the staff was friendly and helpful.
Helpful
Jill H
VerifiedOctober 21, 2025 Stayed at: 18, Loop: TAIL
We were not informed before reservation that electricity and water would be shut off
Helpful
Jill H
VerifiedOctober 21, 2025 Stayed at: 18, Loop: TAIL
We were not informed before reservation that electricity and water would be shut off
Helpful
Ken M
VerifiedOctober 27, 2025 Stayed at: 12, Loop: TAIL
i paid for a rv spot with electrical service as shown when booking the site. then i read that no electric service was provided. so i tried to cancel and received no refund. the entire recreation.gov website is a great example of bloatware. very poorly set up for simply booking campsites.
Helpful
Ken M
VerifiedOctober 27, 2025 Stayed at: 12, Loop: TAIL
i paid for a rv spot with electrical service as shown when booking the site. then i read that no electric service was provided. so i tried to cancel and received no refund. the entire recreation.gov website is a great example of bloatware. very poorly set up for simply booking campsites.
Helpful
Gary B
VerifiedNovember 17, 2025 Stayed at: 19, Loop: TAIL
Nice people very friendly
Helpful
Gary B
VerifiedNovember 17, 2025 Stayed at: 19, Loop: TAIL
Nice people very friendly
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.
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.
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
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
Scottsville, KY
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Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers