Closed
— Closed for the season. Typically operates April through October.
About
Dog Creek Day Use area is located on the shores of Nolin River Lake in Hart County, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Louisville District. The day-use facility offers a reservable group shelter, boat ramp with courtesy dock, fishing pier, playground, and restroom facilities. Nolin River Lake, created by Nolin Dam, spans 5,795 acres and draws over two million visitors annually to enjoy water sports and outdoor recreation in the surrounding rolling forest landscape.
The lake is renowned for its distinctive blue-green water and provides excellent fishing opportunities for catfish, bass, crappie, and walleye. Visitors can enjoy boating, canoeing, kayaking, and scenic water trips along the river, part of which flows through Mammoth Cave National Park. Several marinas around the lake, including Moutardier, Ponderosa, and Wax, offer boat rentals, slips, groceries, bait, and fuel.
Dog Creek Day Use area is situated near Mammoth Cave National Park, accessible by a short drive or ferry ride. The facility requires reservations for the group shelter, and some activities may require special event permits in addition to shelter reservations. Contact the Nolin River Lake office for permit information.
Directions
From Bowling Green: Follow US 31W North for 14 miles, turn left onto KY 101. In 6 miles, KY 101 becomes KY 259 North. Follow KY 259 North for 11 miles, turn right on KY 728. Follow KY 728 for 8 miles, turn left on Union Light Road. Stay on Union Light Road for 5 miles, turn left into Dog Creek Day Use Area. From Louisville: Take I-65 south to exit 76, turn west onto Highway 224. Follow Hwy 224 for 10 miles, turn left onto Highway 479. In 8 miles, turn left on Hwy 88. In 2 miles turn right on KY 2015/Union Light Road. The day use area is on the right about 1 mile down Union Light Road.
Nearby Campgrounds
