Can you reserve a site at Cave Run Dam Tailwater?

Yes, Cave Run Dam Tailwater is reservable through Recreation.gov.

What is the maximum RV length at Cave Run Dam Tailwater?

60 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.

Are pets allowed at Cave Run Dam Tailwater?

Yes, pets are allowed at Cave Run Dam Tailwater.

Cave Run Dam Tailwater, Kentucky — 2 sites, fees and cancellation alerts

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.

The facts

2 bookable sites
2 sites for day use only
2 accessible sites
Vehicles up to 60 ft
Up to 50 people per site

Site types

2 Group Shelter Electric

Amenities

Grills
Pets allowed

Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, campfires allowed, fire pits, picnic tables, shade.

Book on Recreation.gov

2 campsites at Cave Run Dam Tailwater

Check-in 10:00 AM · Check-out 10:00 PM

Accessible only

Site	Loop	Type	Entry	Surface	Water	Max rig	People
Brown Shelter	—	Group Shelter Electric	—	Paved	Riverfront	60 ft	50	♿ 🐾
Green Shelter	—	Group Shelter Electric	—	Paved	Riverfront	60 ft	50	♿ 🐾

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.

38.11630, -83.53700 · 38°6'58.7"N 83°32'13.2"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 86°F in Jul, down to 41°F in Jan.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °F	41	46	55	67	75	82	86	85	79	68	56	45
Low °F	25	27	33	42	52	61	65	63	56	45	35	29
Precip in	3.6	3.6	4.6	4.7	5.2	4.8	5.9	3.9	3.9	3.4	3.2	4.1

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 0.5 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Common questions about Cave Run Dam Tailwater

Can you reserve a site at Cave Run Dam Tailwater?: Yes, Cave Run Dam Tailwater is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Cave Run Dam Tailwater have?: 2 sites.
What is the maximum RV length at Cave Run Dam Tailwater?: 60 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at Cave Run Dam Tailwater?: Yes, pets are allowed at Cave Run Dam Tailwater.

Camping near Cave Run Dam Tailwater

Twin Knobs Campground 1.8 mi · Campground · we watch it
Boat Gunnel Group Campground 2.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
Zilpo - Daniel Boone Nat. For. 3.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
Claylick Boat-In Campground 5.3 mi · Campground · we watch it
Cumberland District 0.8 mi · Facility
Billy Branch Picnic Area Day Use 1.6 mi · Activity pass
Twin Knobs Recreation Area 2.4 mi · Campground
Zilpo Recreation Area 3.7 mi · Campground
Clear Creek Campground 5.5 mi · Campground
Claylick Boat Ramp 5.6 mi · Facility
Clear Creek Shooting Range Day Use 6 mi · Activity pass
Paragon Dispersed Camping Area 9 mi · Campground

Contact

Phone 606-784-9709
Book Recreation.gov

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Cave Run Dam Tailwater