Barren River Tailwater

## Overview

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](http://www.photographyoptions.net/images/usace/barrenriver/tour.html) of Barren River Lake.

## Recreation

The Tailwater provides a great location when fishing for catfish or hybrid striped bass, and downstream provides an opportunity to catch several different species of bass, as well as a variety of sunfishes. Try hiking the Steen Bergen Nature Trail for a chance to spot resident great horned owls, a variety of woodpeckers, migrating songbirds, or a family of chipmunks. The river offers a chance to see belted kingfishers, green herons, or maybe even an otter dining on an afternoon snack.

## Facilities

Each site has water hook ups and electric available during the months of May through September. Primitive camping is available in the off season with pit toilets offered during that time. The campground has an amphitheater, playground, beach volleyball court, horseshoe pit, and an open field for sports like softball or a fun game of tag. Other amenities just outside the campground at the stilling basin recreation area include: picnic sites, a pavilion available for reserving, playground, and basketball court.

## Natural Features

Beautiful views of high cliffs and hills are on the other side of the river. Frequently you will see a bald eagle perched waiting for a fish to surface from the stilling basin's discharge. The surrounding woods are a quiet retreat and an opportunity for wildlife viewing at the permanent wildlife blind. 

## Nearby Attractions

The lake's shoreline is less than a mile away for swimming and boating activities. The premier recreation area, Port Oliver, is just across the dam and Quarry Road Recreation Area offers a reservable pavilion, fishing piers, playground, flush toilets, swimming area with beach, and a variety of picnic sites.   
  
Stop and visit Barren River Lake State Resort Park, host of the Glasgow Highland Games. Peninsula Marina is less than five miles away. Good day trips to other local area attractions include: the National Corvette Museum, Kentucky Down Under, and Diamond Caverns. There are several other family attractions within the Glasgow, Bowling Green, and Cave City region and visitors can explore Mammoth Cave National Park, an hour north of the campground.

Tailwater

Tailwater Below Dam

## Overview

Bailey's Point campground is the largest of the Army Corps of Engineers' campgrounds on Barren River Lake. This campground offers several waterfront campsites with scenic views of the lake. Though the campground is one of the largest, you won't know it. There is room to roam, five camping loops with diverse scenery, and private coves for swimming or mooring your boat. You are sure to find a site that's your escape to nature and relaxation.  
  
[View a virtual tour](http://www.photographyoptions.net/images/usace/barrenriver/tour.html) of Barren River Lake.

## Recreation

Baileys Point has a boat ramp for access to prime fishing, water skiing and boating. Several islands in proximity to the campground are great for a quick picnic getaway by boat.  
  
Birding is also a popular activity with a variety of species including kestrels, indigo buntings, bald eagles and at night you can hear the calls of barred owls.  
  
Hikers can explore the C.E. Rager Nature Trail and the Robert Foster Hiking Trail. Robert Foster Hiking Trail gives you the opportunity to see the diversity of trees Kentucky has to offer and the C.E. Rager Nature trail is a nice short stroll along the shoreline of the lake. Great for poking around and possibly seeing the resident white squirrel of Baileys Point!

## Facilities

Baileys Point has 215 sites for a variety of RV and tent campers and is open April through October. Most sites are equipped with electric and water hookups. With two playgrounds, a sand volleyball court, basketball court and amphitheater for weekend movie nights, the campground offers plenty of opportunities for family entertainment.

## Natural Features

The 10,000-acre lake is hugged by wooded hillsides in south-central Kentucky. With scenic views from almost every campsite, it's sure to make for a memorable camping experience. 

## Nearby Attractions

Across the lake from Baileys Point is the Barren River Lake State Resort Park, host of the Glasgow Highland Games. Other ramps and marinas close by are Port Oliver, Peninsula, and The Narrows. Not far away are other attractions such as the National Corvette Museum, Kentucky Down Under, Diamond Caverns, and many other day trips within reach. Visitors can explore Mammoth Cave National Park, an hour north of the campground.

## Charges & Cancellations

Once your reservation has been created, there will be a $10.00 fee to cancel and a $10.00 fee to change your sites or dates. Cancellations made the day before, or up to the day after your arrival date will also be charged the first nights use fee. No-Shows are charged a $20.00 fee plus the first nights use fee. If your reservation is for 1 night, and you have been charged the first nights use fee, there is no $10.00 service fee.

Baileys Point

## Overview

The Narrows is a family-friendly campground on Barren River Lake, perfect for water lovers and anglers. The Narrows Campground is a 92-site area located near a marina and boat launch ramp. It is a moderately sized campground that has attracted many folks to return year after year. There are two loops open the full camping season.

## Recreation

Boating and fishing are popular pastimes at The Narrows. Walk down to the shoreline and fish amongst the weeping willows or take off by boat to fish in a quiet setting at Coon, Green, Beaver or Skaggs Creek. The Narrows campground is also near open waters for tubing, skiing or wakeboarding.   
The campground backs into the Lindsey Nature Trail, where hikers can look of the steep limestone cliffs to get panoramic views of the lake while listening to the cicada's buzz throughout the afternoon. Or take a hike at dusk to hear the seasonal nighthawk call in the night.

## Facilities

Each campsite has a water hook-up and electricity available during the months of May through September. The campground has an amphitheater, beach volleyball court, horseshoe pit, and an open grassy area to set up corn hole boards. Just across the road there is a picnic pavilion available for advanced reservation and includes an playground to explore. This campground is closed during winter months.

## Natural Features

Find a place uphill along the cliffs or down at the gently sloping shoreline. Explore the islands between The Narrows and Bailey's Point you may just catch the glimpse of a deer that swam over for refuge. 

## Nearby Attractions

Just up the lake from The Narrows is the Barren River Lake State Resort Park host of the Glasgow Highland Games. The Narrows Marina is a short drive just outside the campground. Day trips to other local area attractions are the National Corvette Museum, Kentucky Down Under, Diamond Caverns, and Barren River State Resort Park. There are several other family attractions within the Glasgow, Bowling Green and Cave City region. Visitors can also explore Mammoth Cave National Park, an hour north of the campground.

The Narrows

COE Barren River Lake The Narrows

Narrows Boat Ramp

Barren River Lake Resort Lodge & Cottages

This recreation area is part of Barren River Lake

Barren River Lake State Resort Park

Beaver Creek

Walnut Creek Marina

US Army Corps of Engineers

The Barren River Tailwater is a hidden treasure. On the far side of the dam from the main park. 
Right across the road is Port Oliver and the Twisted Oliver Trail. And fishing ALL around!
The campground is partially shaded the sites level and several are right on the water. Several of the sites are close together and would work well for a group. 
There is a playground and picnic area nearby. In the winter months it is almost empty. In the summer fisher folk and kayakers abound.

Fish!

Books fast during summer weekend. Close to major cities. Great sites and friendly staff.

Great place. Love this area of ky 

**Barren River Tailwater** is below Barren River Lake and Dam. There are several recreation areas in this vicinity so a lot to choose from.

I have been in this recreation area before and watched the Amish pulling in loads of fish, not sure what their secret is but they were enjoying themselves.

A picnic area, playground, pavilion, boat ramp and fishing right below the "spillway".

Barren River Tailwater

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Fish!

Great place. Love this area of ky

Pretty

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