Morning fog drifts across Nolin Lake as RV generators hum to life in the main campground, while a handful of walk-in tent sites offer quieter lakefront access. This Kentucky state park campground operates seasonally from April through October, drawing both weekend crowds and weekday anglers to its 788-acre lake setting.
The RV section dominates the campground with full hookup sites arranged in open terrain behind a gated entrance. Shelly S. notes the area is "very clean and well maintained, not a lot of shade or privacy though." Several sites provide direct lake access, though campers report significant boat traffic during busy periods. The primitive camping area clusters walk-in sites under cedar trees, with shared water points and restrooms housed in the park office building.
Fishing draws many visitors to the lake's bass, bluegill, and catfish populations, while a sandy swimming beach provides relief during hot summer months. Mountain biking enthusiasts can tackle technical trails built by the Kentucky Mountain Bike Association in the wooded areas. Ella L. found that "waking up in the morning to the fog on the lake was super beautiful" from her lakeside walk-in site P27.
Weekend crowds and local party groups can create noise issues, with quiet hours not enforcing until 11 PM. The shower facilities require a drive from primitive sites to the RV area, which proves inconvenient for tent campers with children. Reservations help secure preferred sites, particularly the coveted lakefront spots. The campground sits within 20 minutes of Mammoth Cave Horse Camp via the Green River Ferry, making it a practical base for exploring both the lake and cave systems.
This campground works best for RV campers seeking full hookups with lake access, or tent campers willing to trade convenience for waterfront privacy at the walk-in sites.
Description
A 5,795-acre lake makes Nolin Lake State Park a peaceful destination for recreation and relaxation. The campground, on the shoreline of Nolin Lake, offers all the natural scenery and comforts you expect, without the crowds. Enjoy the lake from the sand beach or launch your watercraft from the boat ramp. The park has a picnic pavilion, tables and grills, for family outings and group events.
General campground rules and regulations apply.
Can only make reservations from Mar. 31 to Oct. 31. Please note that the Bath house is handicap accessible.
Please note:
- The maximum reservation window is 12 months in advance to the date.
- New Inventory is made available when the call center opens.
- There is a 1 night minimum stay during the week at all parks.
- There is a 2 night minimum stay on peak season weekends at all parks with the exception of the Kentucky Horse Park.
- The minimum stay on peak season weekends at the Kentucky Horse Park is 1 night.
- Customers may arrive on a Friday or Saturday and stay a minimum of two nights.
- Customer service is authorized to fill in any empty spaces caused by the 2-night weekend stay rule.
Please note the following:
- Longer minimum night stays are required at most campgrounds during holiday periods.
- Parks prohibits the importation of firewood by campers from any state outside of Kentucky. This is in an effort to help prevent the introduction of the Emerald Ash Borer into the state. Firewood is available for sale in the state park campgrounds.https://parks.ky.gov/firewood-policy
- Golf carts are allowed in the campground by purchasing a permit at check-in. Permits are $25 for the week or $100 for the calendar year. Annual permits can be used at all Kentucky State Park campgrounds and the Kentucky Horse Park. Disabled guests are not required to purchase a permit if they display their disability hanging tag.
Warning 4 Alerts are In Effect
There are 4 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 4 Alerts are In Effect
There are 4 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Due to weather, Kentucky State Parks cannot guarantee the availability of water or other resources at our campgrounds during inclement weather months when freezing temperatures are possible. Please contact the park directly for available resources if traveling during months that are conducive to freezing temperatures.
Nolin Lake State Park has been closed indefinitely due to 2025 flooding that impacted the majority of the park's infrastructure.
Burn Bans may be in effect. Please contact the Park for details on restrictions.
Due to substantial flooding, it is necessary to close the inventory at Nolin Lake State Park indefinitely.
Location
Public CampgroundNolin Lake State Park Campground is located in Kentucky
Directions
Nolin Lake State Park is north of Mammoth Cave National Park. From Nashville: On I-65, take exit 28 at Bowling Green. Turn north on US 31W, drive 12 to 15 miles, and turn left onto KY 101. At the town of Rhoda, KY 101 merges with KY 259. Follow Ky 259 North to KY 728 East. Turn right onto KY 728 East. Approximately 7 miles later, turn left onto KY 1827. Follow KY 1827 to the park. From Louisville: On I-65, exit onto the Western Kentucky Parkway at Elizabethtown. Follow the Western Kentucky Parkway to the Leitchfield exit (107) onto KY 259 South. From Leitchfield, drive 17 miles on KY 259 South to KY 728 East. Turn left onto KY 728 East. Approximately 7 miles later, turn left onto KY 1827. Follow KY 1827 to the park.
Address
2998 Briar Creek Rd
Mammoth Cave, KY 42259
Coordinates
37.29703815 N
86.21175475 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 2/12/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/15/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 2/12/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/15/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
- Yurts
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 38 min from Bowling Green, KY
- 51 min from Elizabethtown, KY
- 1 hr 18 min from Owensboro, KY
- 1 hr 26 min from Louisville, KY





















































