## 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][1] 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 during the non-peak season with a dump station, potable water, and 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. 

[1]: http://www.photographyoptions.net/images/usace/barrenriver/tour.html

Barren River Tailwater

**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".

Pretty

**Tailwater Campground** below Barren River Lake Dam is picture perfect maintained. You would think you just missed the tractor mowing. That being said the attendant at the gate was more concerned about talking to her mother about shopping instead of talking to me about the campground.

There is a HUGE field that was full of Boy Scouts there's also a group campground at the far end. Plenty of room for large groups.

None of the sites have direct access to the water but there is a boat ramp with paths along the waterway. There is also a nature trail in the woods behind the field.

Watch for the water

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.