Tailwater Campground in Kentucky on map
Tailwater Campground
This campground offers a variety of environments near Barren River Lake.
I was determined to go tent camping on a certain summer weekend. The thermometer was hovering around 909F, so water was a necessary component of any campground. I just couldn't decide between a lake or a river, so I headed to Tailwater Campground on Barren River Lake, where there was a little bit of both. The added benefit of Tailwater was its relaxed pace. It's a quiet campground, but it has plenty of action. It gets its name from its location along the tailwater of the Barren River Dam, which is in sight of the campground; Barren River Lake is just on the other side of the dam. "Barren" describes the way early settlers perceived the region. American Indians had kept the area around the river burned off, forming grasslands that attracted game for them to hunt. This lack of trees in the great Kentucky forests of the time made the area seem barren to early settlers, and the name stuck. After a night at Tail-water, you may be sticking around for a few more nights.
Drive beyond the dam's stilling basin (the outflow of water from a concrete tunnel beneath the dam) and come to the campground. Pass the entrance station and come to the first set of sites, located on a bluff overlooking the stilling basin and the Barren River. The road lies between the river and the campsites, save for one direct riverside site. But the large, shady sites here are appealing, nonetheless. After the road turns, the rest of the campsites are directly riverside beneath maple, sweetgum, and other hardwood trees. Grass forms the main understory Near campsite 22 is an interesting contraption: a metal cable strung across the river. Attached to the cable is a box for getting folks across the river if they become stranded on the far side. This is for emergency use only. A few more sites are strung along the river bluff before reaching the campground boat ramp. Begin another string of well-shaded sites that overlook the clear, green Barren River. Then come to a gravel auto turnaround and two sites away from the river. A full-time campground attendant makes for a safe and enjoyable stay. Tailwater rarely fills, even on holiday weekends, but to ensure yourself a spot, just hop online and grab a reservation.
A large, grassy area runs parallel to the campground road. Here, you'll find a Softball field, a play area, horseshoe pits, a campground amphitheater, and a new bathhouse with hot showers. There are also a couple of cold showers open to the sun and the world. Keep your clothes on if you get under these nozzles.
This is an angler's campground. Folks will be seen fishing the stilling basin, going for big striped bass. But there are other fish in these bone-chilling cold waters, such as trout, which are periodically stocked, along with bass and catfish. Most folks bank-fish from the river's edge along the campground. Being on the river keeps most boaters away, but there is a boat ramp for those so inclined. Boaters can also head up to Peninsula Recreation Area on Barren River Lake for some lake boating in warmer waters. Swimming is not allowed at Tailwater Campground because of the super-cold water coming from below the dam and the fact that water releases from the dam may catch swimmers unaware. So do like I did and just make the short drive to Quarry Recreation Area, less than a mile distant on the lake, to enjoy the swim beach and fishing piers there. While heading that way, stop at the dam overlook, where you can peer down on Tailwater Campground and over at the scenic lake. If the fish aren't biting, try a hike. A Boy Scout-built trail leaves the campground and makes a loop into the forest, crossing wooden bridges and a wildlife-viewing area. When you do come to Tailwater, make sure you explore not only this trail but also Barren River Lake. It is a very attractive place, with plenty of water for a cooling dip on a hot summer day.
Getting to Tailwater Campground
From Exit 22 on 1-65 near Bowling Green, head south on US 231 for 18 miles to US 31 East. Turn left on US 31 East, and follow it 8.2 miles north to KY 252. Turn left on KY 252, and follow it 4.1 miles to Tailwater Campground, which will be on your left. If you cross the Barren River Lake Dam, you've gone too far.
GPS COORDINATES N36° 53.724' W86° 7.841'
Key Information about Tailwater Campground
ADDRESS: 1055 Tailwater Rd., Scottsville, KY 42164
OPERATED BY: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
CONTACT: 270-622-7732, www. lrl. usace . army. mil; reservations: 877-444-6777, reserveamerica . com
OPEN: Mid-May-September SITES: 48
SITE AMENITIES: Picnic table, fire grate, lantern post, cooking table
ASSIGNMENT: First come, first served and by reservation
REGISTRATION: At campground registration station
FACILITIES: Hot showers, flush toilets, water spigots
PARKING: At campsites only FEE: $19
ELEVATION: 500 feet
RESTRICTIONS in Tailwater Campground
¦ Pets: On 6-foot leash only M Fires: In fire rings only
Alcohol: At campsites only
¦ Vehicles: No more than 2 per site
¦ Other: 14-day stay limit; no more than 6 campers per site
