Tailwater Near Scottsville, KY

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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

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Currently open - Oct 1 to Dec 31

Campground Amenities

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

🚐 02, Loop: TAIL RV

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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel

🚐 03, Loop: TAIL RV

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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel

🚐 04, Loop: TAIL RV

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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel

🚐 05, Loop: TAIL RV

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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel

🚐 06, Loop: TAIL RV

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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel

🚐 07, Loop: TAIL RV

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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel

🚐 08, Loop: TAIL RV

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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel

🚐 09, Loop: TAIL RV

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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel

🚐 10, Loop: TAIL RV

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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel

🚐 11, Loop: TAIL RV

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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel

🚐 12, Loop: TAIL RV

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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel

🚐 13, Loop: TAIL RV

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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel

🚐 14, Loop: TAIL RV

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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel

🚐 15, Loop: TAIL RV

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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel

🚐 16, Loop: TAIL RV

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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel

🚐 17, Loop: TAIL RV

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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel

🚐 18, Loop: TAIL RV

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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel

🚐 19, Loop: TAIL RV

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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Paved

🚐 20, Loop: TAIL RV

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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Paved

🚐 21, Loop: TAIL RV

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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel

🚐 22, Loop: TAIL RV

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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel

🚐 23, Loop: TAIL RV

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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel

🚐 24, Loop: TAIL RV

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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel

🚐 25, Loop: TAIL RV

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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel

🚐 26, Loop: TAIL RV

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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel

🚐 27, Loop: TAIL RV

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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel

🚐 28, Loop: TAIL RV

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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel

🚐 29, Loop: TAIL RV

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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel

🚐 30, Loop: TAIL RV

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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel

🚐 31, Loop: TAIL RV

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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel

🚐 32, Loop: TAIL RV

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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel

🚐 33, Loop: TAIL RV

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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel

🚐 34, Loop: TAIL RV

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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel

🚐 35, Loop: TAIL RV

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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel

🚐 36, Loop: TAIL RV

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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel

🚐 37, Loop: TAIL RV

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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel

🚐 38, Loop: TAIL RV

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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel

🚐 39, Loop: TAIL RV

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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel

🚐 40-Host, Loop: TAIL RV

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$30

/ per night

Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel

🚐 41, Loop: TAIL RV

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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel

🚐 42, Loop: TAIL RV

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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel

🚐 43, Loop: TAIL RV

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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel

🚐 44, Loop: TAIL RV

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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel

🚐 45, Loop: TAIL RV

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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel

🚐 46, Loop: TAIL RV

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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel

🚐 47, Loop: TAIL RV

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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel

🚐 48, Loop: TAIL RV

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Pet Friendly · 50 amp · Gravel

⛺ 49, Loop: TAIL Tent

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Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire

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49 Sites Available

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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

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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

Newest First

Newest First Oldest First

Robbie W

Verified

August 28, 2020 Stayed at: 03, Loop: TAIL

Tailwater is a great spot to camp! We love it there. Overall is quiet, well kept. Only downfall is cell service is very limited!

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Mary L

Verified

August 17, 2020 Stayed at: 42, Loop: TAIL

There was an awful odor! We never could figure out where it came from but it smelled like sewage and something rotten. I had checked online to get sure there were spots open so did not reserve. When we arrived there were plenty of sites but we had to drive back to the top if the dam to get cell service to make a reservation. The attendant could not just allow us to book through him -

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Mary L

Verified

August 17, 2020 Stayed at: 42, Loop: TAIL

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jessica n

Verified

August 14, 2020 Stayed at: 10, Loop: TAIL

Love the camp ground the host was very nice and helpful. This was our first time at this camp ground it has nice trail for walking very laid back and quite camp ground really wish they would put in a second bath house with washer and dryer. Made reservations to visit again.

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1055 Tailwater Road, Scottsville, KY 42164 United States

Elevation: 149 ft

Map of Tailwater location at Scottsville, KY, United States

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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.

Nearby Campgrounds

Closed for Season

Campground / RV park

Baileys Point

Scottsville, KY

Bailey's Point campground is the largest Army Corps of Engineers campground on Barren River Lake, featuring waterfront sites with scenic views. It offers ample space with five camping loops, private coves for swimming or boating, and a tranquil na...

Campground / RV park

The Narrows

Glasgow, KY

The Narrows is a family-friendly campground with 92 sites near Barren River Lake, ideal for water enthusiasts and anglers. It features proximity to a marina and boat launch ramp, making it a popular spot. The campground has two loops available thr...

89 RV Sites

89 Tent Sites

4.2 (255)

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

Tailwater

Featured amenities

About Tailwater

Available sites

Seasonal information

2026 Season availability

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

RV Utilities and Hookups

Water and Hygiene

On Site Services

Rates, Sites & Availability

49 Sites Available

49 Sites Available

Summary

Overall rating

Location & Directions for Tailwater

Getting There

Nearest town

Highway access

Near Mammoth Cave National Park

Policies & Rules

Cancellation policy

Fires & fuel

Vehicles & parking

Fees & deposits

Local regulations

Site types & loops

Nearby Campgrounds

Baileys Point

The Narrows

Walnut Creek Marina & Campground

Nearby destinations

Scottsville

Oakland

Glasgow

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