About Moutardier Day Use
Overview Moutardier Day Use area is located adjacent to Moutardier Campground and Moutardier Marina on Nolin River Lake. The Day use area has restrooms, playgrounds, picnic tables, boat ramp, courtesy docks, fishing piers, and a reservable group shelter. 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 in the Moutardier Recreation Area, is known for its array of wildflowers and greenery. 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 For facility specific information, please call (270) 286-4511.
How to Get There
From Bowling Green, KY Follow US 31W North from Bowling Green for approximately 14 miles then turn left onto KY 101. In appriximately 6 miles, Hwy 101 becomes Hwy 259 North. Follow Hwy259 North for 16 miles before turning right on KY 2067. Drive approximately 2 miles and you'll see signs for the Moutardier. Go past Moutardier Campground. Total driving distance from Bowling Green is about 37 miles; driving time is around 55 minutes. From Louisville, KY Take I-65 south from Louisville for approximately 45 miles. Take exit 91, Follow WK Pkwy for 29 miles to exit 107(Hwy 259) Follow 259 South for 12 miles. Turn left on KY 2067. Drive approximately 2 miles and you'll see signs for the Moutardier. Go past Moutardier Campground. Total dricing distance from Louisville is about 88 miles; driving time is around 1 hour and 40 minutes. From Nashville, TN Take I65 North for approximately 66 miles. Merge onto KY 446 via exit 28 (towards Hwy 31W) Follow 31W North for approximately 10 miles, then turn left on KY 101. In appriximately 6 miles, Hwy 101 becomes Hwy 259 North. Follow Hwy259 North for 16 miles before turning right on KY 2067. Drive approximately 2 miles and you'll see signs for the Moutardier. Go past Moutardier Campground. Total driving distance from Nashville is about 100 miles; driving time is around 1 hour, 45 minutes.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Moutardier Day Use
Heading to Moutardier Day Use? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Moutardier Day Use?
No central reservation system listed for Moutardier Day Use. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10228626) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Moutardier Day Use?
From Bowling Green, KY Follow US 31W North from Bowling Green for approximately 14 miles then turn left onto KY 101. In appriximately 6 miles, Hwy 101 becomes Hwy 259 North. Follow Hwy259 North for 16 miles before turning right on KY 2067. Drive approximately 2 miles and you'll see signs for the Moutardier. Go past Moutardier Campground. Total driving distance from Bowling Green is about 37 miles;…
How do I contact Moutardier Day Use?
You can reach the park at phone: 270-286-4511 or email: lrl-pagemaster-grn@usace.army.mil.
References & Official Resources
