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
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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
Debbie P
VerifiedOctober 20, 2024 β’ Stayed at: 27, Loop: TAIL
The spot was nice, next to the water but didnβt get to enjoy it because Recreation.gov didnβt put on the reservation site of the water and electricity being turned off! So we left!
The Camp host was nice.
Chris J C
VerifiedSeptember 23, 2024 β’ Stayed at: 01, Loop: TAIL
The camp attendants were great. The grass was entirely too tall for kids. The core needs to do a better job.
Chris J C
VerifiedSeptember 23, 2024 β’ Stayed at: 01, Loop: TAIL
The camp attendants were great. The grass was entirely too tall for kids. The core needs to do a better job.
Gail T
VerifiedSeptember 20, 2024 β’ Stayed at: 46, Loop: TAIL
Stopped here in early April. It was quite the trek to get here. Roads with no shoulders. But, we made it and it was very quiet. Local friend drove over to visit and that was nice. Great camp host.
Gail T
VerifiedSeptember 20, 2024 β’ Stayed at: 46, Loop: TAIL
Stopped here in early April. It was quite the trek to get here. Roads with no shoulders. But, we made it and it was very quiet. Local friend drove over to visit and that was nice. Great camp host.
Randy D
VerifiedSeptember 13, 2024 β’ Stayed at: 32, Loop: TAIL
Our 3rd stay this year. Friendly folks and nice walks.
Randy D
VerifiedSeptember 13, 2024 β’ Stayed at: 32, Loop: TAIL
Our 3rd stay this year. Friendly folks and nice walks.
Terry S
VerifiedSeptember 12, 2024 β’ Stayed at: 05, Loop: TAIL
Zero T-Mobile coverage. Had enough cable to get starlink out from under the trees and over the hillside. The grass desperately needed cut. The bugs were in the thousands and attached themselves to the tree next to our rig. The camp hosts were so very friendly, kind and went above and beyond to make our stay good. In site 5 stayed 6 nights. Nice view but people like to cut through your site to go fishing. Easy to dump, water pressure good, decent level site, all gravel. People were respectful of quiet hours. Season ends too soon. Again, NO cell service.
Terry S
VerifiedSeptember 12, 2024 β’ Stayed at: 05, Loop: TAIL
Zero T-Mobile coverage. Had enough cable to get starlink out from under the trees and over the hillside. The grass desperately needed cut. The bugs were in the thousands and attached themselves to the tree next to our rig. The camp hosts were so very friendly, kind and went above and beyond to make our stay good. In site 5 stayed 6 nights. Nice view but people like to cut through your site to go fishing. Easy to dump, water pressure good, decent level site, all gravel. People were respectful of quiet hours. Season ends too soon. Again, NO cell service.
David & Teresa D
VerifiedSeptember 11, 2024 β’ Stayed at: 16, Loop: TAIL
We stayed 4 days during Labor Day weekend. We were on site #16. We were in the direct sun from morning to late evening. Fortunately we had an awning screen to help block some of the sun. We will not reserve that site again. It was mostly level and required a 2nd hose (which was fine). The view was nice, the shower house was clean and the hosts were nice. *Donβt expect to get service if you are a Verizon customer. You will need to drive to the top of the hill to get any kind of service.
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 3, 2026
