Established Camping
Barren River Tailwater
About
US Army Corps of Engineers
Barren River Lake
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 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.
Location
Barren River Tailwater is located in Kentucky
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
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileAvailable
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
LegendBeautiful campground
Pros Beautiful campground Easy to fish from site 50 AMP Water
Cons No sewer (dump station only) No wifi Limited cell service
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Traveler“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.
GuideNice Picnic area, no campground
This is a nice picnic area near the Cave Run Lake dam.
There are 2 resorbable picnic shelters and restrooms but no camping area.
LegendFish!
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.
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RangerGreat 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.
- (8) View All
ScoutGreat place. Love this area of ky
Books fast during summer weekend. Close to major cities. Great sites and friendly staff.
LegendWatch 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.
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LegendPretty
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".
- (8) View All