Established Camping
Wax - Nolin River Lake
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Nolin River Lake anticipates being able to open USACE managed campgrounds for Memorial Day weekend, 23 May 2025. This includes Moutardier, Wax, and Dog Creek Campgrounds. However, all facilities and campsites in these campgrounds may not be opened on this date due to continued cleanup and repair efforts. The extent of repair and cleanup efforts are largely unknown at this time since areas are still flooded. It should also be noted that additional rainfall could delay the drawdown of current flood storage. Because of this, the open date will continue to be reassessed as we get closer to 23 May. If opening dates for campgrounds or individual campsites need to be extended beyond 23 May we will make every effort to provide notice 5 business days prior to a visitors arrival. If you have a camping reservation arriving prior to 23 May, your reservation will be cancelled and you will receive a full refund. If your reservation begins prior to 23 May and extends beyond 23 May you will receive an email from Recreation.gov which will require you to take action to modify or cancel your reservation. Taking no action when you receive this email will result in your reservation being automatically cancelled. Please note that the standard text in this email may also inform a customer about what would happen if a facility opened prior to the projected opening date. Customers should understand that we will not open these facilities prior to 23 May. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
Wax - Nolin River Lake, near Clarkson, Kentucky, is a scenic campground that offers a fantastic escape for those looking to enjoy nature and water activities. With spacious sites that come equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, it’s a perfect spot for evening gatherings and roasting marshmallows.
This campground is known for its beautiful waterfront views and access to the lake, making it a hit with campers who love kayaking and fishing. Visitors have raved about the cleanliness of the facilities and the peaceful atmosphere, with one camper noting, “This is one of the cleanest campgrounds with excellent water views.”
If you’re a birdwatcher, you’ll appreciate the variety of wildlife around, including sightings of Redheaded Woodpeckers and Northern Flickers. The sunsets over the lake are also a highlight, providing a stunning backdrop for your camping experience.
Located about an hour from Mammoth Cave National Park, Wax - Nolin River Lake is a great base for exploring the park’s famous caves and trails. Just keep in mind that the roads leading in can be a bit narrow, so plan accordingly if you're bringing a larger RV. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer stay, this campground offers a relaxing retreat with plenty of natural beauty to enjoy.
Description
Army Corps of Engineers
Nolin Rv Recreation Area
Overview
Wax Campground sits on the shores of Nolin River Lake in the rolling landscape of southern Kentucky. The large lake and surrounding greenery create a recreational oasis for outdoor enthusiasts. Click here for a tour of the lake.
Recreation
Known for its unique blue/green water, Nolin Lake is one of the top lakes in Kentucky for catfish, bass, crappie, and walleye fishing. Visitors can enjoy scenic canoe and boat trips along the river, part of which is located within Mammoth Cave National Park. Boat ramps are provided around the lake for campers' convenience. The Moutardier, Ponderosa and Wax Marinas are located around the lake and offer pontoon and john boat rentals, as well as boat slips and groceries, bait, gas and more. Several hiking trails also wind along the shoreline and into the surrounding forest. Shady Creek Trail, located within the Moutardier Recreation Area, is known for its array of wildflowers and greenery.
Natural Features
Nolin Dam creates a 5,795-acre lake that draws more than two million visitors each year to enjoy water sports and camping in the surrounding expanse of rolling forest.
Contact Info
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (270) 286-4511.
Nearby Attractions
Mammoth Cave National Park is located a short drive or ferry ride away from the campground, and several golf courses and riding stables are located around the lake.
Charges & Cancellations
* Once your reservation has been created, there will be a $10.00 fee to cancel and a $10.00 fee to change your site or dates.* Cancellations made the day before, or up to the day after your arrival date will also be charged the first nights use fee.* No-Shows are charged a $20.00 fee plus the first nights use fee.* If your reservation is for 1 night, and you have been charged the first nights use fee, there is no $10.00 service fee.
Fee Info
No Refunds for recreation use fees may be made at the project or campground.
Location
Wax - Nolin River Lake is located in Kentucky
Directions
From Bowling Green, KY Follow US 31W North from Bowling Green for approximately 14 miles then turn left onto KY 101. In approximately 6 miles, Hwy 101 becomes Hwy 259 North. Follow Hwy 259 North for about 22 miles. Stay straight at the intersection of Hwy 259 and Hwy 226; follow Hwy 226 for about 2 miles. Turn right on Hwy 88 and follow it for approximately 7 miles. The Wax campground will be on your right. Total driving distance from Bowling Green is about 51 miles; driving time is around 1 hour, 20 minutes. From Louisville, KY Take I-65 south for approximately 59 miles to exit 76. Follow Hwy 224 for approximately 10 miles before turning left on Hwy 479. In approximately 8 miles turn left on Highway 88. Signs for Wax campground will be less than 1/2 miles down Hwy 88, on your right. Total driving distance is about 78 miles, driving time is about 1 hour, 40 minutes. From Nashville, KY Take I65 North for approximately 66 miles. Merge onto KY 446 via exit 28. Merge right onto Hwy 31W North and follow it for approximately 10 miles, then turn left onto KY 101. In approximately 6 miles, Hwy 101 becomes Hwy 259 North. Follow Hwy 259 North for about 22 miles. Stay straight at the intersection of Hwy 259 and Hwy 226; follow Hwy 226 for about 2 miles. Turn right on Hwy 88 and follow it for approximately 7 miles. The Wax campground will be on the right. Total driving distance from Nashville is about 114 miles; driving time is around 2 hours, 20 minutes.
Address
14069 Peonia Road
Clarkson, KY 42726
Coordinates
37.3416667 N
86.1291667 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonGood
- AT&TGood
- T-MobilePoor
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 40 min from Elizabethtown
- 56 min from Bowling Green
- 1 hr 11 min from Owensboro
- 1 hr 13 min from Louisville