About this campground
Overview The Tailwater Recreation Area is located below Cave Run Lake Dam. Located within the scenic Eastern Highlands Region of Kentucky and is almost completely surrounded by the norther-most section of the Daniel Boone National Forest. An earth and rockfill dam built across the Licking River created Cave Run Lake. Recreation The Tailwater area is a general use day use recreation site. Provides boat access to the Licking River and fishing opertunities. The area has two picnic shelters, five first come first serve uncovered picnic sites, and a swing set. The area does not allow hunting. Facilities The shelter facilites are located along the retreat channel of Cave Run Lake Dam seperated by a small stand of maple trees. The shelters have a access road right up to the shelter to allow ease of access upon request. Natural Features The norther-most section of the Daniel Boone National Forest surrounds the Cave Run Lake project and offers visitors many scenic, natural and historic points of interest. Over 300 species of birds, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles can be found in the hardwood-covered hills, forest openings, streams, ponds and caves of the scenic National Forest.
Getting there
The lake is about 60 miles east of Lexington, Ky. Exits 123,133 and 137 off of Interstate 64 provide the primary access routes to the lake.
Nearby federal campgrounds
- Cumberland DistrictDaniel Boone National Forest1 mi
- BOAT GUNNEL GROUP CAMPGROUNDDaniel Boone National Forest2 mi
- TWIN KNOBS CAMPGROUNDDaniel Boone National Forest2 mi
- ZILPO - DANIEL BOONE NAT. FOR.Daniel Boone National Forest3 mi
- Claylick Boat RampKentucky6 mi
- Clifty WildernessDaniel Boone National Forest20 mi
Never miss an opening at Cave Run Dam Tailwater
Popular Kentucky campgrounds book out months ahead — but cancellations happen every day. We watch Cave Run Dam Tailwateraround the clock and alert you the moment a sold-out site reopens for your dates, so you don't have to keep refreshing Recreation.gov.
Details from Recreation.gov's official RIDB catalog. Conditions change — confirm with the managing office or on Recreation.gov before you go. Not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.