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.
Recreation.govKY
Tailwater Day Use (Nolin River Lake)
Nolin River Lake
Upcoming Availability
13 of 14 days currently show available sites.
Sun, Jul 26
None
available
Mon, Jul 27
1
site
Tue, Jul 28
1
site
Wed, Jul 29
1
site
Thu, Jul 30
1
site
Fri, Jul 31
1
site
Sat, Aug 1
1
site
Sun, Aug 2
1
site
Mon, Aug 3
1
site
Tue, Aug 4
1
site
Wed, Aug 5
1
site
Thu, Aug 6
1
site
Fri, Aug 7
1
site
Sat, Aug 8
1
site
Campground guide
What to know before booking
Tailwater Day Use area is located on the Nolin River below Nolin River Lake Dam and Spillway. 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.
Official campground details, summarized
Concise planning notes based on the public Recreation.gov campground information.
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.
Nearby Attractions
Mammoth Cave National Park is located a short drive or ferry ride away.
Important notices
Title 36 Rules & Regulations will be enforced. Events/Activities might require a special event permit in addition to shelter reservation. Contact the Nolin River Lake office to discuss special event permits at 270-286-4511.
More at Nolin River Lake
Other tracked campgrounds from the same park or area.
Active
Tracked page
68 sites open
Scanned 16h ago
Official link
Booking
Active
Tracked page
157 sites open
Scanned 16h ago
Official link
Booking
Active
Tracked page
1 site open
Scanned 15h ago
Official link
Booking
Active
Tracked page
Fully booked
Scanned 16h ago
Official link
Booking
Surrounding campgrounds
Other tracked campgrounds within driving distance, nearest first.
Common questions
Is Tailwater Day Use (Nolin River Lake) available right now?
Kestrel's most recent scan found openings on 13 of the next 14 days, starting Mon, Jul 27. Availability changes constantly — check the calendar above, then confirm on Recreation.gov.
How do I book Tailwater Day Use (Nolin River Lake)?
Reservations are handled by Recreation.gov, not by Kestrel. Use the official reservation link on this page to book. Kestrel only watches availability and tells you when a site frees up.
How quickly will I hear about a cancellation?
Kestrel rescans every two minutes, and every 30 seconds during the provider's daily release window. Alerts go out by email as soon as a matching site appears.