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Tailwater Day Use (Nolin River Lake)
USACEU.S. Army Corps of Engineers — Bee Spring · Kentucky · Nolin River Lake
| Agency | USACEU.S. Army Corps of Engineers |
|---|---|
| Area | Nolin River Lake |
| Location | Bee Spring · Kentucky · Nolin River Lake · 37.27498, -86.25101 · Map |
| Sites | 1 public sites counted from the federal listing — 1 group shelter electric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 1 of 1 sites (up to 20 amp where reported) Water hookups at 1 of 1 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 1 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 1 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Not reported in the federal data |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Not reported — the federal listing carries no fee description for this campground. |
| Check-in / out | In 06:00 AM · Out 10:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 1 sites, as reported |
| Amenities, as reported | Boat rampPlaygroundRiver accessWater spigots |
| Phone | 270-286-4511 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-02-25.
From the official listing
Overview 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.
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.
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.
Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (270) 286-4511.
Directions, from the listing
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.
Nearest federal campgrounds
3 mi straight-line · Leitchfield KentuckyUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersMoutardier
3 mi straight-line · Leitchfield KentuckyUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersDog Creek Day Use (KY)
7 mi straight-line · Cub Run KentuckyUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersDog Creek (Ky)
7 mi straight-line · Cub Run KentuckyNPSNational Park ServiceMaple Springs
8 mi straight-line · MAMMOTH CAVE Kentucky
Trip Card — Tailwater Day Use (Nolin River Lake)
Bee Spring · Kentucky · Nolin River Lake
| Agency | USACE · U.S. Army Corps of Engineers |
|---|---|
| Location | Bee Spring · Kentucky · Nolin River Lake |
| Fees | Not reported in the federal data |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | Electric at 1 |
| Max RV | Not reported |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 1 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10228630 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.