Nolin Lake State Park
Forested lakeside state park with spacious campgrounds, fishing, boating, hiking trails, and a sandy beach.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Nolin Lake State Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Forested lakeside state park with spacious campgrounds, fishing, boating, hiking trails, and a sandy beach.
"The campground offers spacious, well-laid-out sites with lake access and clean facilities."
🏕️ Spacious Sites
Sites are large with ample parking and level pads. Strict rules on grass usage, so plan accordingly.
🏖️ Beach Bliss
The sandy beach is a highlight, but expect crowds on weekends. Arrive early for the best spots.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Spacious Campsites
Campground
Generously sized gravel pads with ample room for RVs, trailers, and vehicles. Many offer lake access.
Sandy Beach
Lakeshore
A well-maintained sandy beach perfect for swimming and relaxing by the water. Can get busy on weekends.
Waterfall Loop Trail
Hiking Trails
A scenic 2-mile loop offering beautiful views and a rewarding waterfall. Great for a moderate hike.
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Planning Your Visit
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Mammoth Cave Proximity
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🏕️ Spacious Sites
Sites are large with ample parking and level pads. Strict rules on grass usage, so plan accordingly.
🏖️ Beach Bliss
The sandy beach is a highlight, but expect crowds on weekends. Arrive early for the best spots.
💧 Water Quality
While sites have water hookups, some campers noted the tap water didn't taste great. Consider bringing your own.
🛒 Camp Store Hours
The camp store has limited hours and supplies. The nearest Dollar General is 15 minutes away.
Tips
from all over the internet
🏕️ Spacious Sites
Sites are large with ample parking and level pads. Strict rules on grass usage, so plan accordingly.
🏖️ Beach Bliss
The sandy beach is a highlight, but expect crowds on weekends. Arrive early for the best spots.
💧 Water Quality
While sites have water hookups, some campers noted the tap water didn't taste great. Consider bringing your own.
🛒 Camp Store Hours
The camp store has limited hours and supplies. The nearest Dollar General is 15 minutes away.
🥾 Waterfall Hike
The Waterfall Loop Trail is highly recommended for its beauty. Longer hike options are also available.
🚗 Mammoth Cave Access
A convenient 40-45 minute drive to Mammoth Cave National Park. Book tours in advance!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Nolin Lake State Park is highly praised for its exceptionally spacious and well-maintained campsites, many offering lake access. Campers appreciate the clean facilities, beautiful beach, and convenient proximity to Mammoth Cave National Park. Some minor drawbacks include limited camp store hours and inconsistent tap water taste.
"Arrived Tuesday afternoon and stayed until Saturday evening. The campground is small, but the sites are huge. Each site has a large gravel pad to park your trailer and then an extended gravel pad for the picnic table. The sites are amazing. I was on site 27 and required no side to side leveling. I had plenty of room to park my truck in front of our 43ft 5th wheel. They have a rule that absolutely nothing can be set up on the grass, and they are strict about it. No tents, canopies, boats, vehicles, nothing. Traffic throughout the park is very light which is nice for the little ones. Most of the sites have lake access, but it can be a little rocky. There is a nice sandy beach that they maintain very well. The beach can get crowded on the weekends though. I did not shower in the bath house but they appeared to be very clean and well kept. The camp store is not always staffed, and they offer very little in the way of supplies. The next closest store is a Dollar General Market fifteen minutes up the road. Cell service inside the park was fine, we have T-Mobile and at times would get 5G. The lake is very nice and clean but can get choppy with heavy boat traffic. They do have a decent playground for kids as well as some activities on the weekends. We did the water fall loop hike at the park and it was very nice. The biggest appeal for me was the small park size, large sites and pads, that required little to no leveling, and each site had 30/50amp and water. The dump station served its purpose and created no issues. I would definitely return. It was a 45 minute drive to Mammoth Cave National Park, well worth it."
Zack Getz
"Arrived Monday afternoon and was going to leave Friday morning but decided to leave Thursday due to the hurricane remnants moving in. 40 minutes from the Mammoth Cave visitor center. Stayed in a tent in site 31. Beautiful spot with a fire pit and a picnic table. The bathrooms were super clean and nice. Perfect hot water in the shower. The walk to the bathhouse from the campsite was really nice too. Noticed staff driving around daily which were friendly along with the staff that manned the store where you get supplies. Good prices on firewood and bags of ice. Everyone was respectful of the quiet time and we made friends with are neighbor campers as well as other campers who were there at the same did. Did the waterfall trail hike that was amazing. All in all, I highly recommend this campground. You’ll love it!"
Tina Booth
"As we drove into the Campground, i quickly realized it was going to be one of my favorite campgrounds. Very clean, well laid out, nice spacious sites etc. When we got to our site, #23, i knew it was my favorite campground so far. For all of the same reasons, plus our site was fairly well shaded, nice and wide, trees for a hammock plus a trail down to the water so my Girl could launch her kayak.
The site was nice and mostly level, the water and electrical connections they have here should be a standard at all campgrounds. That said, we couldn't drink the water from the spigot. It didn't taste good and i tried refilling a bottle we freeze to keep stuff cool, and it foamed up like the head of a beer.
I do have to say, they need more help. The camp check in was only open once as we came in and out. If you needed help, there was a note on the door telling you where you could find them, but if you had a camper and trying to check in, it would have been a real headache.
i know sites 21, 23 & 25 have access to the lake and others were tying their pontoons up during their stay.
For primitive campers, the area behind the main office is one of the coolest tent camping areas we've seen. Very tall evergreen trees, well laid out.
I highly recommend this campground if you're in the area or intend on camping while you visit Mammoth Cave NP."
Scott Giles
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Nolin Lake State Park is located in Kentucky. The closest major city is Louisville, approximately an hour and a half drive away. The park is accessible by car via state highways. GPS is recommended as cell service can be spotty within the park.
Yes, Nolin Lake State Park is a convenient base for visiting Mammoth Cave National Park. It's about a 40-45 minute drive to the Mammoth Cave visitor center, making it a great option for those wanting to explore both attractions.
Specific driving directions will depend on your starting point. It's best to use a GPS or mapping service. The park is generally accessed via KY-259 and other local roads.
Public transportation options to Nolin Lake State Park are very limited. It is primarily a destination for those traveling by personal vehicle.
The park is well-signed for internal navigation. For hiking trails, consider downloading offline maps as cell service can be unreliable.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Nolin Lake State Park does not typically charge an entrance fee for day use. However, camping and specific activities may have associated costs. It's always a good idea to check the official park website for the most current information.
The park grounds are generally open from dawn to dusk for day use. Campground hours and camp store hours may vary. The park office has specific operating times, and it's advisable to check these if you plan to arrive or need assistance outside of typical business hours.
It is highly recommended to book campsites in advance, especially during peak season (summer weekends and holidays), as the park can fill up. Reservations can usually be made through the Kentucky State Parks reservation system.
For general day use and camping, no special permits are typically required. However, if you plan on activities like large group events or specific recreational pursuits, it's best to contact the park office to inquire about any necessary permits.
Pets are generally allowed in Nolin Lake State Park, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. They are typically not permitted in park buildings or certain designated areas like the beach. Always check the park's specific pet policy.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Nolin Lake State Park offers a variety of activities including boating, fishing, swimming at the sandy beach, hiking on trails like the Waterfall Loop, and camping. There's also a playground for children.
Yes, Nolin Lake is popular for boating and fishing. The lake can get choppy with heavy boat traffic, so be mindful of conditions. Boat ramps are available for launching.
Absolutely! Nolin Lake State Park features several hiking trails, including the popular 2-mile Waterfall Loop Trail, which is highly recommended for its scenic beauty. Longer hike options are also available.
The campground offers spacious, well-laid-out sites with gravel pads, 30/50 amp electrical, and water hookups. Some sites have lake access. Primitive camping is also available in a pine forest area.
Yes, Nolin Lake State Park has a decent playground for kids, making it a family-friendly destination.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Nolin Lake State Park has a camp store that offers some basic supplies and snacks. For more substantial meals, you'll need to venture outside the park.
The closest convenient store is a Dollar General Market about 15 minutes away. For a unique dining experience, authentic German food can be found at Blue Holler Cafe in the Mammoth Cave area.
Yes, most campsites are equipped with fire pits and picnic tables, making them ideal for cooking your own meals. Firewood can be purchased at the camp store when staffed.
The nearest grocery option is a Dollar General Market, located about 15 minutes from the park. It offers basic necessities and some food items.
In the Mammoth Cave area, you can find a mix of local eateries. A notable option is Blue Holler Cafe, offering authentic German cuisine.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the lake, especially during sunrise and sunset. The Waterfall Loop Trail offers picturesque scenery, and the spacious campsites provide opportunities for capturing the camping experience.
Yes, the park offers beautiful lake vistas and forested areas that are ideal for landscape photography. The changing seasons also provide diverse photographic subjects.
While not guaranteed, Nolin Lake State Park is home to various wildlife. Keep an eye out for birds and other animals, especially during quieter times of the day. Remember to maintain a safe distance.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage may require special permits. Always check with park management if you have specific plans.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for lake and landscape photography. Midday can be harsh, but good for capturing details on trails.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families planning to visit Mammoth Cave National Park, Nolin Lake provides a comfortable and convenient base. The shorter drive allows for more flexibility in scheduling cave tours and other activities. Remember to pack essentials, as the camp store has limited supplies, and consider bringing water for drinking.
🎣 Anglers and Boaters
Boaters should be aware of potential choppy conditions due to heavy boat traffic, especially on weekends. It's advisable to check weather and lake conditions before setting out. The park provides a good environment for enjoying a day out on the water, whether for fishing, watersports, or simply cruising.
🏕️ Campers Seeking Space
The park's layout and the strict enforcement of rules contribute to a tidy and enjoyable camping experience. Whether you prefer hookups with water and electricity or a more primitive setting in the pine forest, Nolin Lake offers diverse camping options to suit different preferences.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Camping at Nolin Lake State Park
Reviewers highlight the cleanliness and thoughtful layout of the campground. The strict enforcement of rules, such as prohibiting items on the grass, ensures a tidy environment. While the camp store offers some essentials, it's not always staffed, and its selection is limited. Campers are advised to stock up on supplies beforehand or make a short trip to the nearby Dollar General. Cell service within the park can be inconsistent, so downloading offline maps for navigation is a wise precaution.
Overall, the camping experience at Nolin Lake State Park is a major draw, offering comfort, convenience, and a close connection to nature. The combination of large sites, essential amenities, and beautiful surroundings makes it a highly recommended spot for both short stays and longer vacations.
Lake Activities and Water Recreation
The park features a well-maintained sandy beach, which is a popular spot for families and individuals looking to cool off during warmer months. While the beach can become crowded on weekends, it provides a pleasant area for relaxation and sunbathing. Campers with sites offering lake access can enjoy the convenience of stepping right out to the water's edge.
It's worth noting that Nolin Lake can experience choppy conditions due to heavy boat traffic. Visitors should be aware of the weather and lake conditions before heading out on the water, especially for smaller craft. Despite this, the lake remains a significant draw for its recreational potential and scenic beauty.
Proximity to Mammoth Cave National Park
Travelers often choose Nolin Lake as a more tranquil and spacious alternative to staying directly within the more developed areas around Mammoth Cave. After a day of cave tours, which can be physically demanding and require advance booking, returning to the serene environment of Nolin Lake offers a welcome respite. The park's amenities, such as its comfortable campsites and lake access, provide a relaxing base for exploring the region.
When planning a visit, it's crucial to book Mammoth Cave tours well in advance, as they are very popular and can sell out. Nolin Lake State Park's convenient location and its own array of activities make it a well-rounded choice for a trip that includes both above-ground and below-ground adventures.
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