Wax
4.38200 reviews14069 Peonia Road, Clarkson, KY 42726
Wax
$18.00 - $50.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$32.00
Hookup Site Fee$32.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Facility rates vary by site type and season: Peak season rates include Standard Electric sites at $32/night (additional $2 for weekends, $4 for holidays), Standard Non-electric sites at $18/night (additional $2 for weekends, $2 for holidays), and Shelter Electric sites at $50/night. Fees do not reflect discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.
About this campground
Discover 110 pristine campsites at Wax Campground, where the shimmering waters of Nolin River Lake meet the rolling hills of southern Kentucky. Each reservable site offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and modern convenience, with electric hookups and flush toilets ensuring comfort during your lakeside retreat. Whether you're launching your boat at dawn or watching the sunset paint the water gold, this waterfront paradise provides direct access to one of Kentucky's most beloved recreational lakes.
Wax Campground offers diverse camping options, including electric and non-electric sites, primitive sites, and some with water access. The variety caters to tent campers, RVs, and groups.
Historical SignificanceYour stay at Wax Campground places you within reach of one of America's greatest natural wonders - Mammoth Cave National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to the world's longest known cave system, offers a fascinating journey through geological time and human history. While some visitors note the drive requires planning, the opportunity to explore ancient underground passages and learn about thousands of years of human interaction with these caves makes it a worthwhile adventure.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Wax Campground into a vibrant aquatic playground, with warm, humid days perfect for swimming and water sports. The Kentucky climate brings dramatic afternoon thunderstorms that cool the air and create spectacular light shows over the lake. While seasonal patterns vary, visitors consistently praise the summer months for their ideal conditions, though wise campers pack rain gear to enjoy nature's full symphony.
ElevationNestled in the gently undulating terrain of southern Kentucky, the campground's position along the lake offers varied topography that creates unique vantage points throughout the property.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where crystal-clear, blue-green waters stretch across 5,795 acres, framed by verdant forests and gentle hills. This aquatic jewel, created by Nolin Dam, draws over two million nature enthusiasts annually who come to fish for bass and crappie, carve through the water on skis and wakeboards, or simply float beneath Kentucky's endless sky. The surrounding woodlands burst with native flora, creating a tapestry of colors that shift with the seasons.
Geological RegionWax Campground rests in the heart of southern Kentucky's distinctive karst landscape, where ancient limestone has been sculpted by water over millennia. The rolling hills surrounding Nolin River Lake showcase the region's unique geology, with the lake itself nestled like a sapphire among the forested ridges. This terrain, shaped by the same forces that created the nearby cave systems, offers campers a chance to experience the fascinating interplay between water, stone, and time that defines this remarkable corner of Kentucky.
Campsite details
AccessibilityLimited accessibility features were noted. Reviews mention ADA-compliant bathrooms, but there is sparse information about other accessibility accommodations. Some campsites are mentioned to be gravel and level, which may aid accessibility.
Sites SizeCampsites vary in size, with some described as spacious and others as tight. Loop-specific details include the C loop being near the lake and the A loop offering both wooded and open sites.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels vary by loop and site, with some users describing good separation and others noting close proximity between sites.
Total Campsites110 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor waterfront access, choose C Loop sites like C008. For shade and privacy, A Loop sites such as A005 are recommended.
Best CampsitesC Loop is noted for waterfront views, while A Loop offers shaded sites with better access to water features. Specific sites mentioned positively include A005, A012, and C008.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in by 4:30 PM.
Check-out
Check-out by 4:30 PM.
Stay Limit
- Up to 14 consecutive nights during a visit
- 14 nights within a rolling 30 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 6 people per site or members of one family unit.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampground is divided into loops (e.g., A Loop, B Loop, and C Loop). Waterfront sites are primarily found in C Loop.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 16 to August 31 annually.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at www.recreation.gov or by calling the reservation service at 877-444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo details provided about walk-up site availability or fill patterns.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations made before arrival date incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations result in forfeiture of the first night's fee and a $10 fee if applicable. No-shows are charged $20 plus the first night's fee.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Activities you can enjoy
The campground is a hub for water-based recreation and outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, hiking, and swimming, as well as wildlife viewing around Nolin River Lake. The nearby marina enhances access to boating options.
Hiking
Hiking trails are available around Nolin River Lake, providing scenic views of the lake and surrounding greenery. Shady Creek Trail in the nearby Moutardier Recreation Area is noted for its wildflowers.Fishing
Known for its unique blue/green waters, the lake is a popular spot for catching catfish, bass, crappie, and walleye. Access to the lake from many campsites makes it easy to fish.Swimming
Swimming is possible at designated areas along the lake's shoreline, but no dedicated beach is attached to the campground. Some users commented on rockiness and difficulty accessing water near certain campsites.Boating
Boating is a major activity at Wax Campground. Several boat ramps and a marina nearby offer convenient access, and pontoons and jon boats can be rented from the marina.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife such as ducks and fish are common sights. Some visitors have even reported spotting eagles and otters near the lake.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned, as the campground operates seasonally and closes after Labor Day.Water Sports
Water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding are popular activities, with easy lake access from the campground.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires must be contained in fireplaces or grills. Trash, treated lumber, and metallic wood are prohibited.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM - 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsTicks are frequently mentioned in reviews as problematic. Other concerns include narrow roads and occasional surges in electrical hookups.
Active alertsNo specific current alerts have been reported.
Weather forecast
72
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 42%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7.9 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
General emergency service information is provided: Nolin Lake office phone number (270-286-4511). No explicit mentions of nearby hospitals, police stations, or ranger stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 16 - August 31 annually.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available, with dumpsters located at the campground, but specific information about schedules or separation of recyclable materials is not provided.
Proximity to water featuresCampground is located directly on Nolin River Lake shoreline, with features like boat ramps and beaches accessible.
Common complaintsPower and voltage issues are frequent complaints. Other issues noted include proximity of sites, ticks, and occasional cleanliness concerns for bathrooms.
HostHosts are described as helpful and welcoming. Volunteers manage the campground.
Campground Map
14069 Peonia Road, Clarkson, KY 42726
Driving directionsFrom 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.
The campground is accessible via paved roads with adequate signage. Driving conditions are described as challenging in some user reviews due to narrow roads with speeds between 45-55 MPH. Seasonal closures and specific road conditions were not mentioned.Nearby places
Clarkson: Null
Bowling Green: 51 miles (1 hour 20 minutes)
Louisville: 78 miles (1 hour 40 minutes)
Nashville: 114 miles (2 hours 20 minutes).
Nearby supplies
A Dollar General is located close to the campground, confirmed by multiple user reviews. Supplies such as groceries, bait, and camping essentials are available at Wax Marina, which is across the street from the campground.
Camper Reviews
4.4
200 reviews
Wax is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Wax Campground is highly rated for its cleanliness, friendly staff, and lakefront setting. Many users highlight the well-maintained facilities and the variety of recreational opportunities. However, some concerns include electrical issues at certain sites and crowded conditions during peak times.
Review Summaries
Based on 200 reviews
What Campers Love
Highlights include clean and spacious sites, proximity to the lake, and friendly staff. Multiple users have praised the campground for being family-friendly and peaceful.
Based on 200 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common issues identified in reviews include electrical problems in certain loops, tight site spacing, and a lack of a designated beach area. Some reviewers also noted issues with cell service and...
Based on 200 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring a mallet for tent stakes due to hard ground. Explore nearby Moutardier Trail for hiking, and consider renting a pontoon from the marina. Be mindful of limited cell service and prepare for...
Based on 200 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer is the busiest season, with crowded weekends and challenges like electrical surges. Reviews suggest the campground is quieter and more enjoyable during weekdays and non-peak times.
Based on 200 reviewsCamper Quotes
Quotes include: 'The cleanest shower house I've ever seen,' 'Spacious sites and proximity to the lake make this campground a gem,' and 'Electrical issues need to be addressed, but otherwise a...
Based on 200 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Certain sites stand out for their proximity to the lake or privacy. For example, Site C008 is praised for its level ground and convenience, while Site A002 offers lake views but may feel crowded.
Based on 200 reviewsAccessibility Features
Limited reviews mention accessibility features. Bathrooms are noted as ADA compliant, but additional information about site-level accessibility is scarce.
Based on 200 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be leashed. Some users noted the campground's pet-friendly environment, while others expressed frustration with owners not cleaning up after their pets.
Based on 200 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025