About Tailwater Picnic Shelter
Overview Tailwater Picnic Shelter is located within the Tailwater Recreation Area. The Tailwater Recreation Area is where the downstream portion of the Green River begins. The Green River is one of the most biodiverse rivers in the country. It is home to more than 150 fish species, more than 70 mussel species, and 42 endemic species (species existing nowhere else in the world). Kayaking and canoeing down the Green River, starting at the Tailwater Boat ramp is a popular outdoor activity in the area. Recreation With 8,000 surface acres of water, the lake is an ideal place for boating. With ten boat ramps located around the shoreline, guests have plenty of room for fishing, jet skiing, wake boarding and more. Three full-service marinas are also located around the lake. Fishing is a popular activity at Green River Lake: Walleye, crappie, white bass, channel catfish, muskie and bluegill are all found in abundance. Hunters enjoy the surrounding land, with various habitats supporting deer, turkey, rabbit, quail, squirrel, dove and waterfowl. There are also miles of trails that wind around the lake and along the shore, affording some of the most scenic views in the region. Kayaking and canoeing down the Green River, starting at the Tailwater Boat ramp is a popular outdoor activity in the area. Facilities Tailwater Picnic Shelter is located within theTailwater Recreation Area of Green River Lake. The shelter is located .3 miles off of KY-55 and is 2 miles from the Corps of Engineers Visitor Center. Green River access as well as the Tailwater boat ramp are just a few hundred feet from the shelter. The Stilling Basin, where may like to fish and view the water discharge out of the dam, is located within the same recreation area just a .5 mile up the road. Amenities at the shelter include electricity hookup, 8 picnic tables, grills, parking and access to a playground and restroom. The shelter restroom is only open seasonally (closed over the winter months). If the shelter has be
How to Get There
From Columbia: Head south toward Burkesville St (266 ft). Exit the traffic circle onto Campbellsville St (1.6 mi). Continue onto KY-55 N for about 10.4 miles. Turn right towards the Tailwater Recreation Area (489 ft). Turn right towards the Tailwater Shelter (0.2 mi). From Campbellsville, KY: Head southwest on E Broadway St toward Lebanon Ave (0.6 mi). E Broadway St turns slightly right and becomes US-68 W/Greensburg Rd (0.5 mi). Turn left onto KY-55 S (7.6 mi). Turn left towards the Tailwater Recreation Area (489 ft). Turn right towards the Tailwater Shelter (0.2 mi).
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 Tailwater Picnic Shelter
Heading to Tailwater Picnic Shelter? 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 Tailwater Picnic Shelter?
No central reservation system listed for Tailwater Picnic Shelter. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10228745) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Tailwater Picnic Shelter?
From Columbia: Head south toward Burkesville St (266 ft). Exit the traffic circle onto Campbellsville St (1.6 mi). Continue onto KY-55 N for about 10.4 miles. Turn right towards the Tailwater Recreation Area (489 ft). Turn right towards the Tailwater Shelter (0.2 mi). From Campbellsville, KY: Head southwest on E Broadway St toward Lebanon Ave (0.6 mi). E Broadway St turns slightly right and become…
How do I contact Tailwater Picnic Shelter?
You can reach the park at phone: 270-465-4463 or email: LRL-Pagemaster-GRG@usace.army.mil.
References & Official Resources
