Map showing campground location near Lucas, Kentucky

Tailwater Below Dam

Campers find this Army Corps of Engineers campground positioned below Barren River Lake Dam, operating from early May through late August. The linear layout runs along the river with sites accommodating RVs up to 65 feet, complete with electric hookups, showers, and a dump station.

Sites toward the river end offer more separation, while middle sections place campers closer together. The campground lacks direct river access from individual sites, though a boat ramp sits midway down the camping area. A day-use area near the spillway includes a pavilion and large open field. Site 14 provides good shade and bank fishing access according to recent visitors. For additional options, consider camping near Barren River Recreation Area. Reservations are available for this seasonal facility.

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Location

Public Campground

Tailwater Below Dam is located in Kentucky

Coordinates

36.88600061 N
86.12800067 W

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Connectivity

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 4/5/26
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage

Connectivity

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 4/5/26
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage

Access

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Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites

Features

For Campers

Reservable
Showers
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Pets

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

21 min from Bowling Green, KY
1 hr 3 min from Elizabethtown, KY
1 hr 12 min from Nashville, TN
1 hr 34 min from Clarksville, TN

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out of 5

2 Reviews

Terry H.

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 4, 2018

Tailwater

Very nice place to camp. It's very peaceful and everyone we met was nice to talk to. We had site 14 which is well shaded and we could fish off of the bank. Recommend to everyone.

Shelly S.

Legend

Reviewed Aug. 14, 2017

Manicured

Tailwater Recreation Area is located below Barren River Lake Dam across from Port Oliver Recreation Area.

A well manicured and kept area. The day use area is right next to the spillway. There is a pavilion, parking area, playground and single picnic areas. There's also a HUGE field, basketball hoop and nature trail.

The Campground is long and runs along the river. At the very end is a group campground in the woods. About halfway down is the Boatramp, there is no direct access to the river from any of the sites.

The sites along the river are a little more private. The middle sites are close and not much privacy. Good jump off area for other activities.

Month of VisitAugust