Tailwater
The Tailwater Campground offers 48-sites located along the Barren River, just below the dam. This lazy riverside campground is quieter than neighboring campgrounds and seems to have a slower pace since it is set below the lake, yet close enough for easy lake access.
Annually, the campground is host to the Barren River Lake Scout Celebration which began in 1995. Scouts from surrounding states converge at the Tailwater Campground to celebrate, compete, and demonstrate their skills over the weekend. This event occurs every August and is something everyone can be a part of as a participant or on looker.
View a virtual tour of Barren River Lake.
Each site has water hook ups and electric available during the months of May through September. Primitive camping is available during the non-peak season with a dump station, potable water, and pit toilets offered during that time. The campground has an amphitheater, playground, beach volleyball court, horseshoe pit, and an open field for sports like softball or a fun game of tag. Other amenities just outside the campground at the stilling basin recreation area include: picnic sites, a pavilion available for reserving, playground, and basketball court.
Notifications and Alerts
Tailwater Non-Peak Season (October 1, 2024 - April 26, 2025) Camping Season Amenities are as follows: Potable Water, Dump Station, and Garbage Bin Available. The Water & Electric at each campsite is turned off.
Need to Know
- Firewood restrictions are in effect. Due to the spread of invasive insects and disease, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. 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.
- Off-highway vehicles are not permitted
- A fee is charged for day visitors
- Boats must meet all Kentucky boating laws and regulations.
Non-Peak Season Camping is Primitive Only (Dump Station & Potable Water are Available).
Natural Features
Beautiful views of high cliffs and hills are on the other side of the river. Frequently you will see a bald eagle perched waiting for a fish to surface from the stilling basin's discharge. The surrounding woods are a quiet retreat and an opportunity for wildlife viewing at the permanent wildlife blind.
Nearby Attractions
The lake's shoreline is less than a mile away for swimming and boating activities. The premier recreation area, Port Oliver, is just across the dam and Quarry Road Recreation Area offers a reservable pavilion, fishing piers, playground, flush toilets, swimming area with beach, and a variety of picnic sites.
Stop and visit Barren River Lake State Resort Park, host of the Glasgow Highland Games. Peninsula Marina is less than five miles away. Good day trips to other local area attractions include: the National Corvette Museum, Kentucky Down Under, and Diamond Caverns. There are several other family attractions within the Glasgow, Bowling Green, and Cave City region and visitors can explore Mammoth Cave National Park, an hour north of the campground.
Recreation
The Tailwater provides a great location when fishing for catfish or hybrid striped bass, and downstream provides an opportunity to catch several different species of bass, as well as a variety of sunfishes. Try hiking the Steen Bergen Nature Trail for a chance to spot resident great horned owls, a variety of woodpeckers, migrating songbirds, or a family of chipmunks. The river offers a chance to see belted kingfishers, green herons, or maybe even an otter dining on an afternoon snack.
Contact Information
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1055 Tailwater Road Scottsville KY 42164
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 270-622-7732
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From Glasgow, KY: Take 31-E south for 4 mi; turn right on 252, which will cross the dam in 8 mi. The Tailwater entrance road is at the south end of the dam. Follow signs into recreation area. Approximately 19 miles from Bowling Green, KY.
Available Campsites
- Site 06, Loop TAIL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 34, Loop TAIL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 18, Loop TAIL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 29, Loop TAIL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 15, Loop TAIL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 45, Loop TAIL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 14, Loop TAIL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 19, Loop TAIL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 12, Loop TAIL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 47, Loop TAIL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 27, Loop TAIL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 20, Loop TAIL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 21, Loop TAIL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 24, Loop TAIL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 26, Loop TAIL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 09, Loop TAIL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 39, Loop TAIL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 22, Loop TAIL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 33, Loop TAIL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 46, Loop TAIL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 36, Loop TAIL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 13, Loop TAIL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 02, Loop TAIL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 05, Loop TAIL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 42, Loop TAIL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 25, Loop TAIL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 17, Loop TAIL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 43, Loop TAIL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 37, Loop TAIL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 38, Loop TAIL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 28, Loop TAIL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 31, Loop TAIL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 48, Loop TAIL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 07, Loop TAIL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 35, Loop TAIL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 10, Loop TAIL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 30, Loop TAIL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 23, Loop TAIL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 04, Loop TAIL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 40-Host, Loop TAIL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 11, Loop TAIL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 16, Loop TAIL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 41, Loop TAIL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 44, Loop TAIL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 49, Loop TAIL, Type Group Standard Nonelectric
- Site 03, Loop TAIL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 32, Loop TAIL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 08, Loop TAIL, Type Standard Electric
- Site 01, Loop TAIL, Type Standard Electric
