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 visitor’s 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.

Campground

Wax

Nolin River Lake

Near Clarkson, Kentucky

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.

Facilities

Wax Campground offers 110 reservable campsites, complete with modern amenities like electric hookups and flush toilets. Campsites are located along the shoreline, allowing easy access to the lake and beaches for visitors.

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.

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.

Recreation Sites

Standard Electric
Standard Nonelectric
Management
Overnight

Activities

Hiking
Fishing
Camping
Boating

Amenities

Boat Ramp
Boat Trailer Parking
Day Use Area
Dump Station
Electric Hookups
Fishing Pier
Flush Toilets
Lake Access
Marina
Parking Area
Picnic Shelters
Playground
Showers
Water Hookups
Water Hookup
BBQ
Fire Pit
Electricity Hookup
Picnic Table
Tent Pad
Accessible Occupant Message
Accessibility
Campfire Rings
Picnic Tables

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.

Getting Here

Latitude

37° 20' 30.0001" N

Longitude

86° 7' 45.0001" W

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.

Need to Know

Wax campground is managed with Volunteers (located on A26, A34, B38, and entrance site). When you arrive at campground proceed to your reserved site. The reserved tag and vehicle tags will be on your site post marker. Leave the reserved tag (white) on the site post marker and place vehicle tags (yellow) in your vehicles. If you need to modify your reservation (date change, site change, etc..) , log on to your account on www.recreation.gov and make changes to your reservation or call the reservation service at 877-444-6777. For campground management issues call the Nolin Lake office at 270-286-4511.

Camping is permitted at designated camping areas with not more than six (6) people or the members of one family unit at any one site. A family is considered to be parent(s) and unmarried children living in the same household. Vehicles and personal property are to be placed on the site(s) rented by you, not on adjoining sites. Loaded boat trailers may be parked at nearby parking areas.

Title 36 Rules & Regulations will be enforced.

Checkout time is 4:30 p.m. on the day the permit expires.

Visitor must leave by 9:30 p.m.

Gear, equipment, trash and debris shall be completely removed from the area/campsite upon departure.

Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. - 6:00 a.m. The operation or use of any noise-producing devices that unreasonably disturb others at any time is prohibited. The use of properly muffled generators is permitted between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 10 p.m. Individuals who are boisterus, rowdy, disorderly, or otherwise disturb the peace at any time may be requested to leave the campground and forfeit all camping fees paid.

Vehicles will not be placed on the grass at sites with a defined border. Vehicles must be parked within the railroad timbers or ties surrounding each campsite and not on or over the ties. Empty and loaded boat trailers may be placed on the grass. Tents are allowed to be palced on the grass as long as they are not encroaching on another campsite and are located in the immediate vicinity of the rented campsite.

Fires may be built only in the fireplaces or grills. A responsible person must attend to all fires. Hang lanterns on metal holders provided at campsites. No burning of trash, treated lumber, or wood containing metal is allowed.

Any loaded projectile fire device, ammunition, and explosives of any kind are prohibited in the area except when in the possession of a Government employee, law enforcement officer on official duty, or person who authorized by the written permission of the District Commander. The possession or use of fireworks is prohibited.

Pets shall be kept on a leash not over 6 feet long or under physical control at all times. Pets shall not be left unattended. Pet owners are responsible for the proper removal and disposal of any waste produced by their pets.

The destruction, injury, defacement, removal, or alteration of Government property, vegetation, rocks, or minerals is prohibited. Only the gathering of dead wood on the ground for use in designated recreation areas as firewood is permitted.

Motor vehicles, including mopeds and golf carts, must conform to state licensing laws and their use will be confined to developed roadways by a licensed operator (16 years or older). Constant circling or "joy riding" is not permitted. The speed limit in the campgrounds is 15 M.P.H and all directional arrows must be observed. Motorized or battery-operated toys are not allowed on the roadways or sidewalks. Golf carts must remain on gravel or paved surfaces at all times. Golf carts will not be allowed to drive outside the campgrounds on public roadways.

No bicycles, skateboards, mopeds, or similar equipment are allowed on the sidewalks or steps around showerhouse facilities or other walkways. No bicycles, skateboards, or other similar equipment may be operated after dark.

The possession and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages in recreation areas is prohibited.

Due to the spread of invasive insects like the Emerald Ash Borer, firewood from outside the area is not permitted at Nolin River Lake campgrounds. Help protect our forests by purchasing or collecting firewood at or near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Click here for more information.