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Established Camping

Barren River Tailwater

Warning 1 Alert is In Effect

There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

Tailwater Non-Peak Season (October 1, 2025 - April 26, 2026) Camping Season Amenities are as follows: Potable Water, Dump Station, and Garbage Bin Available. The Water & Electric at each campsite is turned off.

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Barren River Tailwater, near Scottsville, Kentucky, is a scenic spot that offers a laid-back camping experience right by the water. With sites that are mostly level and some even right on the river, it’s a great place to kick back, fish, or just soak in the natural beauty.

This campground is equipped with essential amenities like drinking water and electric hookups, making it comfortable for both tent campers and RVs. Visitors have mentioned the friendly staff and the well-kept grounds, which include picnic areas and a playground for the kids. One camper noted, “The attendants were super nice and helpful,” which adds to the welcoming vibe of the place.

For those who love fishing, you’re in luck! The Barren River is just a stone's throw away, and there are plenty of spots to cast a line. Plus, the nearby Twisted Oliver Trail offers great opportunities for hiking and biking. Just keep in mind that cell service can be spotty, so it’s a perfect chance to unplug and enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer stay, Barren River Tailwater is a solid choice for a relaxing camping trip.

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Location

Barren River Tailwater is located in Kentucky

Detail location of campground

Directions

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.

Address

1055 Tailwater Road
Scottsville, KY 42164

Coordinates

36.8944444 N
86.1330556 W

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

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Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Born Again Camping / Antiques

Born Again Camping / Antiques

23 min away

Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek

44 min away

Drive Time

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Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Water Hookups
  • Pull-Through Sites
  • 50 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Reservations


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Reviews

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10 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 1, 2025

Very nice campground

I have camped here many time over the 2 years I have been on the road full time in my van. I mostly stayed here in the winter. No power or water, except for a comnunity spigot. But cheap, like $8 with the lifetime pass. Staying here in July of 2025, there is electric and water at each site. My cost is $15.

Site46
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jan. 2, 2025

40 Mins from 65

Tailwater CG - Glasco, KY 1/1/25

(72 yr olds in 27’ trailer.)

Overall Rating: 4 for an overnight stay. Great winter price, but 40 minutes from 65 w trailer. Price 2024: $8 w interagency pass during winter Security: Host’s site at entry. Usage during visit: Only us Visual Privacy Between Adjacent Sites: No Site Spacing: Close. Varies.
Pad surface: Gravel Reservations: Required. Can be made at the cg.
Outside Road Noise: No Through Traffic in campground: No Electric Hookup: Yes, however off during winter 24/25.
Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: Yes Potable Water Available: Yes. Only at one location during winter. Generators: Allowed. Bathroom: Two. Flush Bath and showers bathhouse is closed during winter. Pit toilets at far end open. Pull Throughs: One. Cell Service (Verizon): 1 to 3 bars Setting: Along River Recent Weather: Cold nights.
Solar: Yes Host: Yes, helpful.
Rig Size: Varies between sites. Sites: Some sites back up to the river. These are the best locations, I think.

Site16
Month of VisitJanuary
  • Review photo of Barren River Tailwater by Roger W., January 2, 2025
  • Review photo of Barren River Tailwater by Roger W., January 2, 2025
  • Review photo of Barren River Tailwater by Roger W., January 2, 2025
  • (15) View All
Reviewed Jul. 1, 2022

Beautiful campground

Pros Beautiful campground Easy to fish from site 50 AMP Water

Cons No sewer (dump station only) No wifi Limited cell service

Site17
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Barren River Tailwater by Beth R., July 1, 2022
  • Review photo of Barren River Tailwater by Beth R., July 1, 2022
  • Review photo of Barren River Tailwater by Beth R., July 1, 2022
  • (10) View All
Reviewed May. 31, 2022

“The lights went out in Tailwater”

We had a 3 rig group. We all had a wonderful time. We were their for 3 nights. It was very relaxing? We had a great view of the water… the grass could have been trimmed, it would have been nicer. The park attending were super nice!! Definitely want to go back. Only complaint is the electric went out 3 times one day. But the attending did say they were coming to fix it that next day. We stayed Memorial Day weekend.
Sites 24,25,26. They were good and level!

AT&T service did not work.. Verizon was hit and miss.

Site24,25,26
Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Dec. 23, 2019

Fish!

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.

  • Review photo of Barren River Tailwater by Shelly S., December 23, 2019
  • Review photo of Barren River Tailwater by Shelly S., December 23, 2019
  • Review photo of Barren River Tailwater by Shelly S., December 23, 2019
  • (18) View All
Reviewed Oct. 31, 2018

Great Stay

Enjoyed my time staying at Tailwater in Kentucky. It was about an 8hr drive from where I live, so we decided to stay here for a long weekend with friends. We ended up renting out 2 campsite spots to fit 8 of us and luckily we were able to get a spot right next to each other. We had 2 huge 6 person tents, so 4 stayed in one and 4 in the either. We fit comfortably! Thankfully the campsite were fairly large to fit our cars and 2 big tents. The attendants working in the front were super nice and helpful. They helped us find our spots, and then gave us recommendations on where to hike in the mornings. Because we came in the summer, it was pretty busy. The Barren River is right next to the campground and makes for a beautiful day to head down to the river and cool off. The campground is fairly large- I believe it has close to 50 spots. Campground was easy to find, and the signage for the campground was great. Cost was $20 a night per site, so for us it was $40 sense we had 2 sites but we split it 8 ways so it was super cheap. We brought tons of food, and snacks, so at night we just hung around each other- some in hammocks or in chairs and just talked. The hiking was really great- super awesome views. The trails were in such great condition!! Would definitely come back.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Barren River Tailwater by Analia F., October 31, 2018
  • Review photo of Barren River Tailwater by Analia F., October 31, 2018
  • Review photo of Barren River Tailwater by Analia F., October 31, 2018
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Aug. 14, 2017

Watch for the water

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.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Barren River Tailwater by Shelly S., August 14, 2017
  • The boat ramp in the middle of the campground
    Play button icon
  • Review photo of Barren River Tailwater by Shelly S., August 14, 2017
  • (9) View All
Reviewed Aug. 14, 2017

Pretty

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".

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Barren River Tailwater by Shelly S., August 14, 2017
  • Review photo of Barren River Tailwater by Shelly S., August 14, 2017
  • Review photo of Barren River Tailwater by Shelly S., August 14, 2017
  • (8) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Tailwater Campground located on Barren River Lake?

Tailwater Campground is located below Barren River Lake Dam, on the far side of the dam from the main park area. It's situated in Glasco, Kentucky, approximately 40 minutes from Interstate 65 when towing a trailer. The campground is positioned along the tailwater section of the Barren River that flows from the dam, offering water access and views from many sites. Its location below the dam provides a more secluded experience compared to the main lake recreation areas.

Are there photos or a virtual tour of Tailwater Campground?

While there isn't an official virtual tour of Tailwater Campground, you can find photos online through camping websites and forums. The campground features picturesque views of the tailwater section of Barren River with several sites directly on the water. The area is known for its well-maintained grounds and scenic setting below the dam. For the most current images, check the official Army Corps of Engineers website or contact the campground office directly before your visit.

What facilities and amenities are available at Tailwater Campground in Kentucky?

Tailwater Campground offers water and 50-amp electrical hookups at each campsite, but no sewer connections (a dump station is available). The campground features level sites, some with direct water views. Facilities include restrooms and reservable picnic shelters. The grounds are typically well-maintained with partially shaded areas. Cell service is limited throughout the campground. During winter months, water may be limited to a community spigot, and fees are reduced. A campground host is stationed at the entrance for assistance. Be aware that electricity can occasionally be unreliable during peak seasons.

What activities can visitors enjoy at the Barren River Lake spillway near Tailwater Campground?

Fishing is the premier activity at the Barren River spillway area, with abundant opportunities directly from many campsites. The tailwater section is known for excellent catches, particularly popular among local fishing enthusiasts. Beyond fishing, visitors can enjoy hiking at the nearby Port Oliver and Twisted Oliver Trail just across the road. The well-maintained grounds provide pleasant areas for relaxing, picnicking, and enjoying water views. Wildlife observation is also popular in this scenic location below the dam. The multiple recreation areas in the vicinity offer additional outdoor activities to explore during your stay.