Taylorsville Lake
RV Guide
Introduction
Located just 30 minutes south of Louisville, Taylorsville Lake is one of the best places to escape the noise of the city. The lake has over 3,000 acres of water, where you’ll find a vast array of fish species. Anglers can reel in largemouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, and bluegill throughout the year. There is also a full-service marina, where you can rent fishing boats, pontoons, and skiing and tubing gear.
Taylorsville Lake is man-made, with one of the largest dams in the state sitting nearby. You can learn about the dam’s history at the park’s visitor center, which also features exhibits on the wildlife native to the area. A lookout gives you panoramic views of the lake, and you can also take one of the hiking trails to climb down the side of the dam. Taylorsville Lake Wildlife Management, located just next to the campground, has excellent deer, quail, and rabbit hunting.
The onsite campground has over 40 RV sites, all of which have electrical and water hookups. You’ll be just minutes from the water throughout your stay, with quick access to the marina. The campground also has fully developed horse facilities and trails.
RV Rentals in Taylorsville Lake
Transportation
Driving
Taylorsville Lake is located near Louisville and can be reached in around half an hour from the city. The area has well-developed camping facilities and roads, so RV campers shouldn’t have many problems on their way to the lake.
If you’re driving from Louisville, take I-64 east out of the city to I-265 south, and then exit onto KY-155. This will turn into KY-55 after a few miles. Then, take KY-44, which will take you to the lake’s main access road.
There is a modern RV campground situated right next to the lake. All of the roads are well developed and easy to navigate, so large RVs are welcome. Just make sure to check the individual site details before booking, as driveway length varies widely.
Parking
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Taylorsville Lake
Campsites in Taylorsville Lake
Reservations camping
Taylorsville Lake Campground
The campground located next to the lake offers 45 RV sites with water and electrical hookups, as well as ten equestrian sites. There are two bathhouses in the campground, both of which have hot showers and flush toilets. Dogs are welcome at the campground, although they must be restrained at all times.
The dam and lake are the main attractions in the area. Taylorsville Lake has six boat launches that make it easy to get out onto the water. There’s also a full-service marina near the campground, where you can rent boats and fishing gear. The lake is open for water sports, including water and jet skiing. In addition, the visitor center offers a number of seasonal exhibits, and you’ll also find 2.5 miles of hiking trails weaving up the side of the dam.
The campground recommends that you make a reservation, although you’ll usually find an open spot. Book well in advance if you intend to visit over the weekend during the summer, as the campground gets quite busy.
Seasonal activities in Taylorsville Lake
In-Season
Boating
With over 3,000 acres of water, Taylorsville Lake is a popular local aquatic retreat. The lake has a full-service marina that offers gas pumps, supplies for boating, fishing, tubing, and skiing, as well as deck, pontoon, and fishing boat rentals. There are over 300 slips provided at the marina where you can dock your boat, and multiple launches make it easy to access the water. You can explore the lake itself, or find your way up one of the many creeks that branch off from the lake.
Fishing
Taylorsville Lake is a popular fishing spot for local anglers, with some of the best bluegill, crappie, and largemouth bass in the area. You’ll also find large populations of channel catfish, saugeye, and white bass. The lake’s marina has a bait shop, and you can also rent fishing supplies and boats. There are six boat launches located along the shores of the lake. All Kentucky state fishing limits apply at the lake, and you’ll need to have a state fishing license.
Hiking
Taylorsville Lake offers 25 miles of marked hiking trails that lead along the dam and through the surrounding wildlife management area. The trails are designed with hikers of all abilities in mind, so you can find easy to difficult trails. You’ll also find an interpretive trail right next to the visitor center. The short trail has a reconstructed log cabin and schoolhouse, and also provides more information on the wildlife that lives near the lake.
We recommend hiking in the fall, when temperatures are pleasant and the shores of the lake are coated in rich autumn colors.
Off-Season
Horseback Riding
The park maintains a network of 24 miles of multi-use trails, all of which are open to horseback riding. The campground has ten equestrian sites with water and electrical hookups, and they are located close to many of the park’s trailheads. Take extra caution on the trails, as they are shared with hikers and bikers.
We recommend riding in the fall when the hardwood forests surrounding the lake are fully dressed up in rich vermillion colors.
Exhibits and Displays
Built in the 1980s, Taylorsville Lake project was designed to control flooding in the area without damaging the local ecosystem. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers offers a variety of exhibits and displays at the visitor center that discuss the role that the lake plays in the local ecosystem, as well as the natural history of the area. Once your through with your tour, you can head out back for a beautiful panoramic view of the lake.
Hunting
Hunting can be enjoyed at the 9,000 acre Taylorsville Lake Wildlife Management Area, which surrounds much of the campground. Waterfowl are the most popular game in the area, and you’ll also be able to hunt for deer, quail, and rabbit.
The hunting area is strictly enforced, so make sure to stay within open zones while hunting. Also, be mindful of waterfowl shooting times, and make sure you have the proper Kentucky state hunting licenses.
