The Army Corps of Engineers manages this lakefront campground within Nolin River Lake's recreational area, maintaining gravel sites with full hookups that accommodate RVs up to 120 feet. Located in Kentucky's rural countryside, the facility operates from early May through late September with sites priced between $18-$50 per night.
Multiple loops provide direct lake access, with waterfront sites allowing campers to launch kayaks or fish directly from their spots. Aimee H. notes the "clean river lots of fisherman out" and recommends the C loop for prime riverside positioning. Sites feature synthetic timber framing with white gravel fill, fire rings, and picnic tables, though spacing between neighbors remains tight throughout the campground.
The facility maintains newer shower houses with reliable hot water and good pressure. Cell service reaches most areas with Verizon and AT&T coverage, while a few over-the-air television stations come through. A playground serves families, and the dump station area houses centralized trash collection. Late check-in and 5 p.m. checkout accommodate extended lake time.
Access requires navigating winding country roads for approximately 30 minutes from the nearest grocery store, with narrow passages that challenge larger RVs. Gary P. describes sites as "well spaced and spacious with a fire ring and table" despite the initially congested appearance. Some primitive sites lack full hookups, so reservation details require careful review.
The campground sits across from Nolin Lodge and Wax Marina, with Nolin state park providing additional recreation options nearby. Reservations are recommended, particularly for waterfront sites that fill quickly during peak season.
Description
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.
Fee Info
No Refunds for recreation use fees may be made at the project or campground.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Louisville District remains committed to providing high-quality recreation experiences to our visitors while also maintaining a recreation program that is efficient and sustainable. As part of this effort, USACE entered a partnership with a local business and transitioned the operations and management of the Wax Campground Recreation Area at Nolin River Lake to Wax Marina. This change is effective immediately. Any questions regarding fees, pass eligibility, or reservations procedures should be directed to the new managing entityWax Marina. They can be reached at 270-242-7205, or campground reservations can be made by visiting their website at: https://www.campspot.com/book/waxcampground.Read the full news release here: https://www.lrd.usace.army.mil/News/News-Releases/Display/Article/4397712/usace-announces-new-management-of-wax-campground-recreation-area-at-nolin-river/The Louisville District will continue working to ensure a smooth transition for visitors ahead of the 2026 recreation season.
Location
Public CampgroundWax - Nolin River Lake is located in Kentucky
Directions
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.
Address
14069 Peonia Road
Clarkson, KY 42726
Coordinates
37.3416667 N
86.1291667 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/3/26
- Verizon5GExcellent Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/3/26
- Verizon5GExcellent Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 40 min from Elizabethtown, KY
- 56 min from Bowling Green, KY
- 1 hr 11 min from Owensboro, KY
- 1 hr 13 min from Louisville, KY


























