Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Nolin River Lake

Dog Creek Campground is located on Nolin River Lake in the Kentucky countryside. No worries though this part of Kentucky is pretty well settled, Rednecks at the next campsite not withstanding.....

The Army Corp of Engineers maintains Nolin Dam, Nolin River Lake and the Campgrounds around it so the area is very well maintained, staffed by retirees and organized. However...STAY ON YOUR SITE! :) no grass camping allowed here! The whole area is very picturesque and manicured.

I liked the campground and love Nolin River Lake. The sites are level and have tables, fire rings and lantern hooks. The sites are pretty close together so okay nice with the neighbors, or at least realize you will probably get to enjoy their music and conversations with them whether you intend to or not ;)

Moutardier Campground is a fisherman’s paradise. It is located on Nolin River Lake. Our site was lakeside which was beautiful (Site D6). This campsite offered electric/water hookup, fire pit, picnic table, filet table, bathrooms, and showers. There were boat ramps, a marina nearby to rent boats, and also offered a playground. Pets were welcomed (we have a dog and a hiking cat). We also had cell service (Verizon). 

The view of the lake from the teardrop camper was awesome. We kayaked around the lake which was very enjoyable - saw ducks, and birds such as a grey heron. Also lots of fish jumping. There are power boats allowed in the lake. Many people were fishing from their boats, kayaks, or from the shore. 

There is also a two mile hike that is in the campground called Shady Creek Trail. It looked like it had not been hiked in a while but it went through woods, small stream and had a cool rock formation at one part that you would swear is a haven for snakes. Pets enjoyed it but beware if you do not like spiders. This trail was covered in spiders and webs. No exaggeration that we cleared about a hundred spiders out of our path. 

The campground was very well manicured and clean. Many of the sites were right on the lake. They were close together but did not seem it as they were on different levels and angles. Everyone was quiet and courteous. Bathrooms were very clean and well lit. The showers were “dated” - water stains but clean. Great water pressure and hot water. 

There was no store on the campground but 5 minutes away was a great little restaurant called Sherry’s that we had both lunch and breakfast at. Food was delicious (fried dill pickle chips!) and one could buy bags of ice. 

Overall this was a very relaxing campground. We met some wonderful people who have been coming to the campground for years. It is about 30 minutes from Mammoth Caves which was a great place to explore. Overall we gave the campground a 4 - lakeside and if you love to fish - it’s paradise.

Wax Campground is located on Nolin River Lake, which is managed by the Army Corp of Engineers. Translated; well maintained, picturesque and organized.

Off Western Kentucky Parkway or KYI65 depending on where your coming from and an interesting drive through the Kentucky countryside will get you there. Nearby is Mammoth Cave National Park, also worth a visit but reserve your spelunking way ahead or you ain't getting down under;)

Wax Campground is all about the water. It's directly across from the Nolin Lodge and Wax Marina. Some of the sites are right above the lake and easily accessible with your watercraft or fishing rods.

The sites are packed in the loops they are in, you will see a lot of your neighbors when on shore. Some of the sites are better shaded then others.

One thing I learned about The Army Corp of Engineers is that they will close certain loops so that they don't have to carry them on their books. So when you arrive it may be possible to scope out another spot and change sites. I wouldn't rely on that and skip reserving though.

Wax on, Wax Campground. Off Route 88, south of Leitchfield, Ky on Nolin River Lake.

Pack your yak, fishing gear and sunscreen cause it is the perfect water oriented campground. The Army Corp of Engineers do a good job of using all the designated space for campsites but still keep it picturesque and clean.

The facilities are newer and well maintained, more or less centrally located in the loops. The water is accessible from most of the sites but the Corp is a little picky about were you park your canoe and place your tent. Keep it neat.

The retirees that host the campsites are friendly and very informative, including about other campsites and the area. Talk them up for info.

We had a nice weekend enjoying the water and the interesting wild life. Cornelius got bit by a turtle when he got a little too close and we saw a turkey. Plus there are a multitude of vultures, sorta creepy, like don't lay out to sun bath you may wake up to a crowd...

The Nolin Lodge and Marina are right across the road. Dog Creek Campground is nearby. When I went to Rec Gov to reserve a site it said that the campground was full, but when I arrived a bunch of the sites were empty. The Corp closes whole loops I was told so they don't have to "count" them. But the site hosts are able to open them if their needed. Don't rely on that information though, you may want to call if you can't get a reservation and inquire.