About TAILWATER SHELTER 1 (BROOKVILLE LAKE)
Overview The Tailwater #1 Shelter is located at the base of the Brookville Lake Dam. Visitors enjoy this site for the accessibility to cold water trout fishing in the tailwater and the river access. Shelter #1 is a day use area only. There is no camping allowed at this site.Recreation Brookville Lake offers excellent boating, water skiing, canoeing, and kayaking opportunities. Canoeing, kayaking, and rafting are popular activities in the Whitewater River located directly below the dam. Other recreation opportunities at the lake include hiking, swimming, camping, fishing, hunting, cabin and boat rentals, gun and archery ranges, and horseback riding. The Overlook Shelter is located a short drive away from the Brookville Visitor Center which offers exhibits, history, and information about the lake and the Corps missions in the Ohio Valley.Facilities The Tailwater #1 Shelter is located near a modern indoor restroom. Electric plug-ins, a water spigot/fountain, and cooking grill are provided with the reservation. Shelter #1 is located near a volleyball court and a playground. Capacity for parking at this site is limited to 98 available parking spaces.Natural Features Tailwater #1 Shelter is located at the base of the Brookville Lake Dam with excellent trout fishing in the tailwater and has access to the Whitewater River. Nearby Attractions Brookville Lake offers 51 miles of hiking, excellent boating, water skiing, canoeing, and kayaking. Brookville's recreation facilities include beaches, boat ramps, campgrounds, fishing piers, an 18 hole golf course, loging, marinas, picnic areas, playgrounds, restaurants, shooting & archery ranges, and trout fishing in the tailwater.
How to Get There
From I-74 head west on Highway 52 for 15 miles to Brookville. Continue to State Route 101 North following signs to the Tailwater.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
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Moisture-wicking T-shirt
Light color, breathable.
- 🩳
Lightweight shorts or pants
Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
- 🧢
Brimmed sun hat
Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
- 🥾
Trail runners
Breathable mesh uppers.
🎒 What to Pack
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Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection (UV 7)
SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to TAILWATER SHELTER 1 (BROOKVILLE LAKE)
Heading to TAILWATER SHELTER 1 (BROOKVILLE LAKE)? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for TAILWATER SHELTER 1 (BROOKVILLE LAKE)?
No central reservation system listed for TAILWATER SHELTER 1 (BROOKVILLE LAKE). Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/273760) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to TAILWATER SHELTER 1 (BROOKVILLE LAKE)?
From I-74 head west on Highway 52 for 15 miles to Brookville. Continue to State Route 101 North following signs to the Tailwater.
How do I contact TAILWATER SHELTER 1 (BROOKVILLE LAKE)?
You can reach the park at phone: (765) 647-6701 or email: http://www.lrl.usace.army.mil/bvl.
References & Official Resources
