Tailwater Day Use (Nolin River Lake)
Tailwater Day Use area is located on the Nolin River below Nolin River Lake Dam and Spillway. The day use area has restrooms, playgrounds, a boat ramp, picnic tables, and a reservable group shelter.
Need to Know
Title 36 Rules & Regulations will be enforced.
Events/Activities might require a special event permit in addition to shelter reservation. Contact the Nolin River Lake office to discuss special event permits at 270-286-4511.
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.
Nearby Attractions
Mammoth Cave National Park is located a short drive or ferry ride away.
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.
Contact Information
Physical
2150 Nolin Dam Road Bee Spring KY 42207
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 270-286-4511
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving 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 11 miles before turning right on KY 728. Follow Hwy 728 for 2 miles. Follow signs to Nolin Tailwater on the right. Total driving distance from Bowling Green is about 35 miles; driving time is around 50 minutes.
From Louisville, KY
Follow I-65 south to exit 91 toward Elizabethtown/Paducah. Follow signs for Western Kentucky Pkwy and Leitchfield.
Stay on Western KY Pkwy for 30 miles. Take exit 107 for KY-259. Turn left on 259 toward Brownsville. Continue to follow KY-259S for approx 17 miles. Turn left onto KY-728 Follow Hwy 728 for 2 miles. Follow signs to Nolin Tailwater on the right. Total driving distance is about 95 miles; driving time is about 1 hour, 30 minutes.
From Nashville, TN
Take I65 North for approximately 66 miles. Merge onto KY 446 exit 28. Merge right onto Hwy 31W North. Follow 31W North 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 11 miles before turning right on KY 728. Follow Hwy 728 for 2 miles. Follow signs to Nolin Tailwater on the right. Total driving distance from Nashville is about 96 miles; driving time is around 1 hour, 40 minutes.
