One of Kentucky's best fishing lakes, known for its distinct blue/green water, with a diverse and landscape surrounding it, Nolin River Lake is a nature lover's dream. Spanning up to 6,000 acres in the summer, the lake was formed by the impounding of the Nolin River by the United States Army Corps of Engineers in 1963 in accordance with the Flood Control Act.
Located in Edmonson, Hart, and Grayson counties in Kentucky, the impounding of the river was initially approved in 1938, with flood control the primary reason for the project. The lake has since become a major recreational spot, with an annual visitation of over two million and known mostly for its brilliant angling opportunities with an abundant population of walleye, crappie, and catfish. The Corps of Engineers administers the park alongside the Friends of Nolin River Lake.
There are numerous other activities around the lake. Visitors have opportunities for boating, swimming, kayaking, hiking, and lots more activities. The lake is also located very close to Mammoth Cave National Park which offers visitors extra recreational and camping opportunities. Nolin Lake State Park is also nearby, making the region a very promising spot for outdoor recreation, with activities available for every kind of person.
The lake can be reached by vehicle off Kentucky Hwy 729. Signposts are clear and visible throughout the route, giving visitors directions. Roads are mostly paved leading into the park, with more signposts directing you to different parts of the resort. There are also access points from Mammoth Cave National Park, as well as Interstate 65.
Wax Campground sits on the shores of Norlin River offering 110 reservable campsites. 86 sites have water and electric hookups with no sewer option. There is a bathhouse at the ground with flush toilets available, with a dump station and water pumps also available at the campground. Picnic tables and fire rings are also available. Campsites are along the shoreline, giving easy beach access to campers. A few trails also run near the ground for hiking and biking. Reservations are available for this site.
Located in Edmonson County, this campground offers 167 campsites, with 81 offering electric and water hookups. Sites are pet-friendly and offer easy access to the lake. Amenities include showers, flush toilets, a dump station, and water pumps. Picnic tables, fire rings, and barbeque stands are also available. There is a kids playground nearby, as well as a fishing pier and public marina. The Shady Creek Trail also runs close by, giving campers hiking opportunities. Reservations are available at this site.
This campground is located in Hart County, offering 70 campsites with 50 of them having both water and electric hookups. There are no sewer facilities available. The pet-friendly campground offers easy beach access, with scenic lake views one of the benefits of the site. There are showers, a dump station, picnic shelters, vault toilets, and a watchable wildlife area near the campground. Campfires are permitted at this campground and reservations are advised.
The lake is known in the region for its plentiful sport fishing opportunities. Crappie, walleye, and bass, in particular, are common catches at the lake. Largemouth bass fishing is best in March and May, with whitebass and crappie abundant from June all through to October. Fishing regulations apply at the lake, and proper licensing is required to fish here.
Norlin Lake has five separate Corps operated boat ramps. The Arnold Van Meter site located at the dam, Moutardier; and the Wax boat ramps are all open year-round. The Dog Creek and Iberia boat ramps are open from April to October. All ramps are subject to closure depending on weather and other factors that may endanger visitors.
There are several biking trails at the resort offering visitors brilliant, smooth rides with unique lake views. The 2.2-mile Omega Loop is a popular biking and hiking route at the park. The 1.9-mile waterfall loop is also often frequented by bikers. Other trails take visitors through the campgrounds, with the Brier Trail System also a popular trail at the park.
There is a rich collection of birds at the resort. Birders have the chance to spot birds in trees as well as a wide range of upland bird species. Some species include Great Blue Heron, owls, and hawks which are abundant during camping season. Canada Geese, & Wild Turkey can be easily spotted in spring, with grouse, waterfowl, and ducks also common at the park
There is a picnic area at the resort with large picnic tables and grills available. There are restrooms available at the nearby office building with a few stores and a parking lot available nearby too. A picnic shelter can be rented; get more information from the park office.
The Iberia recreation area is the most popular swimming spot at the lake, providing a public access beach with picnic tables and shelters. The beach at Nolin River remains open from Memorial Day all through to Labor Day. Weather can cause impromptu beach closures. Swimming at the lake is open to the public unless indicated otherwise by signposts at the beach.
