Tailwater
Tailwater is an Army Corps of Engineers campground in Kentucky. Hookups: electric & water.
- Type
- Army Corps of Engineers campground
- Location
- Kentucky
- Coordinates
- 36.89444, -86.13306
- Hookups
- Electric & Water
- Activities
- Camping, Day Use Area, Fishing, Hiking, Wildlife Viewing
- Map
- Open in OpenStreetMap
- Phone
- 270-622-7732
Amenities
- Reservable sites
Only amenities a source confirms are listed; an amenity missing here is unknown, not absent.
About Tailwater
Overview 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. 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. Facilities 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
Cell coverage
No coverage data for this location yet.
Nearby RV services
- Dump station
- None mapped within 50 mi
- Water fill
- None mapped within 50 mi
- Propane
- Propane Energy Partners · 27 mi
- Low clearances
- None mapped within 10 mi
Other places to stay nearby
| Name | Type | Distance | Fee | Hookups |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baileys Point | Army Corps of Engineers campground | 2.1 mi | — | Electric & Water |
| The Narrows | Army Corps of Engineers campground | 3.5 mi | — | Electric & Water |
| Barren River Lake State Resort Park Campground | RV park | 4.8 mi | — | — |
| Diamond Caverns RV Resort | RV park | 15 mi | — | — |
| Cracker Barrel #86 | Overnight parking | 16 mi | — | — |
| Bowling Green KOA Holiday | Private campground | 17 mi | — | — |
Open Tailwater in DryRig
Save it offline, check your rig's clearance on the drive in, and see what's nearby on the map.
Sources. Recreation.gov (RIDB). Updated June 2026. Facility facts only; DryRig does not publish ratings or reviews on this page.