Wax
USACEU.S. Army Corps of Engineers — Clarkson · Kentucky · Nolin River Lake
| Agency | USACEU.S. Army Corps of Engineers |
|---|---|
| Area | Nolin River Lake |
| Location | Clarkson · Kentucky · Nolin River Lake · 37.34167, -86.12917 · Map |
| Sites | 107 public sites counted from the federal listing — 83 standard electric; 24 standard nonelectric |
| Getting a site | First-come, first-served only — this campground takes no reservations. |
| Hookups | Electric at 86 of 107 sites (up to 50 amp where reported) Water hookups at 86 of 107 sites Sewer hookups at 1 of 107 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 1 of 107 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 | Longest reported site fits 120 ft Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 110 sites · 30 ft: 110 sites · 35 ft: 109 sites · 40 ft: 109 sites |
| 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 | No Refunds for recreation use fees may be made at the project or campground. |
| Check-in / out | In 5:00 PM · Out 4:30 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 110 sites, as reported |
| Accessible sites | 2 marked accessible in the listing |
| Accessibility | N |
| Phone | 270-242-7578 |
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 2026-05-26.
From the official listing
Overview 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. 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. 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. Contact Info This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (270) 286-4511. 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. Charges & Cancellations * Once your reservation has been created, there will be a $10.00 fee to cancel and a $10.00 fee to change your site or dates. * Cancellations made the day before, or up to the day after your arrival date will also be charged the first nights use fee. * No-Shows are charged a $20.00 fee plus the first nights use fee. * If your reservation is for 1 night, and you have been charged the first nights use fee, there is no $10.00 service fee.
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 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.
Nearest federal campgrounds
1 mi straight-line · Cub Run KentuckyUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersDog Creek Day Use (KY)
2 mi straight-line · Cub Run KentuckyUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersMoutardier Day Use
6 mi straight-line · Leitchfield KentuckyUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersMoutardier
6 mi straight-line · Leitchfield KentuckyUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersTailwater Day Use (Nolin River Lake)
8 mi straight-line · Bee Spring Kentucky
Trip Card — Wax
Clarkson · Kentucky · Nolin River Lake
| Agency | USACE · U.S. Army Corps of Engineers |
|---|---|
| Location | Clarkson · Kentucky · Nolin River Lake |
| Fees | No Refunds for recreation use fees may be made at the project or campground. |
| Getting a site | First-come only |
| Hookups | Electric at 86 · full hookups at 1 |
| Max RV | Up to 120 ft |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 107 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233670 · 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.