Though the Bluegrass State, Kentucky, earns its name for its unique bluegrass found in the meadows and lawns, it also has many other natural features. From rolling mountains and dense forests to caves and parks, you can witness it all here. Among these, the lakes are worth a special mention. Offering a scenic landscape with numerous recreational opportunities, they are an ideal getaway destination. The state resort parks that sit alongside many lakes also provide golf courses and accommodation facilities. Though most of them are artificial reservoirs, you’ll also find a few natural ones. The marinas of the Kentucky lakes are also a recreation spot having restaurants, boating and fishing amenities, and many more facilities required to have a fun-filled time here.
The state’s largest, Kentucky Lake, is an artificial one that flows along the Tennessee River. Extending to the Tennessee side, it boasts a shoreline of more than 2000 miles. You’ll find the well-known Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park on its northern shore, which also features an 18-hole golf course. In addition, you’ll also see various other golf courses in the lake area. Another key attraction, Kenlake State Resort Park, is the state’s oldest, occupying the lake’s western shore. It also hosts the popular annual event, Hot August Blues Festival.
Of the many swimming spots, the most famous one is the Rock Quarry, also known as Party Cove. You can access the area by boat or by hiking the Hillman Heritage Trail from the campground of the same name. If you prefer the latter one, you will have to register at the gatehouse.
Fishing: Kentucky Lake supports excellent stocks of various fish species like crappie, largemouth bass, catfish, yellow perch, white bass, bluegill, and redear. However, the large population of Asian carp has been a cause of rising concern, as they may out-compete the native fish due to their voracious food habits.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, kayaking, canoeing, water-skiing, camping, golfing, picnicking
Lake Barkley, a neighbor of Lake Kentucky, also shares its waters with Tennessee. Lake Barkley State Resort Park sits on its eastern shore, attracting visitors for its numerous recreational facilities. Bird lovers can have a great time observing the sights and sounds of more than 200 different species here. Moreover, there are many historical attractions, museums, wildlife refuges, and a water park for you to explore. You can choose from the various cabins, campgrounds, and suites according to your preference for an extended stay. You can also head to the nearby Boots Randolph Golf Courses to enjoy a game of golf.
Fishing: This lake is a favorite among anglers to catch many fish species like largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, sauger, white bass, and bluegill. However, Asian carp species are the significant finds of the lake. To access the waters with your pontoon boats or acquire a permit, you can go to the Lake Barclay Marina within the park.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, canoeing, kayaking, tubing, water-skiing, sailing, camping, hiking, golfing, picnicking,
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, canoeing, kayaking, tubing, water-skiing, sailing, camping, hiking, golfing, picnicking, birdwatching
Lake Cumberland in south-central Kentucky is a large reservoir and one of the most visited one. Also, earning the title of the Houseboat Capital of the World, it is pretty appealing to see many such boats dotting the water. You can rent one from any one of the marinas like Cumberland Marina.
To enjoy some fun activities, you can visit Lake Cumberland State Resort Park, located on its northern side close to Jamestown. Another one, General Burnside Island State Park, the state’s only island park, sits in the middle of the lake.
Fishing: Several varieties of bass and trout, along with black crappie, white crappie, and walleye, dwell here.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, kayaking, wakeboarding, water-skiing, camping, hiking, horseback riding
This lake near Bowling Green is a scenic one with surrounding rolling hills and open grasslands. To enjoy a boat ride here, you’ll find a boat launch and a marina within Barren River Lake State Resort Park. Hiking enthusiasts can explore the Lewis Hill Trail for a tranquil experience and wildlife viewing. The lake also houses four campgrounds, two of which have swimming beaches and boat ramps. Apart from this, you can also choose to stay overnight in the state park’s rental cabins or campsites. If you desire to camp in seclusion, away from the crowds, you may choose to stay at any of the four campgrounds that the Army Corps of Engineers manage.
For additional activities, you can try golfing in the 18-hole golf course here. You would even find a well-lit basketball court and hiking trails within the park premises.
Fishing: Anglers can expect to hook various fish species, including crappie, walleye, bass, catfish, hybrid stripers, and sunfish.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, kayaking, canoeing, water-skiing, rafting, camping, hiking, biking, horseback riding, golfing, birdwatching, wildlife viewing, picnicking
This southeastern Kentucky lake sits on the Laurel River within Daniel Boone National Forest. The swimming beach here is a great place to relax and soak in the beauty or enjoy swimming. Also known to be the state’s cleanest lake, its pristine waters attract visitors for scuba diving to explore the rock formations underwater. You can also rent a houseboat to camp overnight or have a quick bite at the nearby Holly Bay Marina, situated near the Holly Bay Campground.
Fishing: You’ll find plenty of fish species here like largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, walleye, rainbow trout, spotted bass, white crappie, black crappie, brown trout, bluegill, and white bass.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, canoeing, kayaking, water-skiing, scuba diving, camping, hiking, wildlife viewing
Green River Lake in south-central Kentucky boasts beautiful landscapes, making it an exceptionally photogenic location. With numerous idyllic and secluded coves, you can enjoy the stunning lake views or swim in the crystal-clear waters. Moreover, Green River Lake State Park provides various recreational amenities like marinas with boat rentals and campsites to attract thousands of visitors. You’ll also find several multi-purpose trails within this area. A get together with your loved ones in the picnic areas would be an excellent way to spend some quality time here.
Fishing: You can enjoy catching a wide variety of fish here, such as crappie, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, walleye, muskellunge, bluegill, and white bass.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, kayaking, canoeing, camping, hiking, cycling, horseback riding, picnicking
Rough River Lake, formed by the spilling of Rough River Dam, extends over three counties in south-central Kentucky. Rough River Dam State Resort Park on its western shore in Grayson County attracts visitors to indulge in recreational activities. With many secluded coves here, you can enjoy a quiet time swimming or boating here. You will find a boat launch and boat rentals at the marina within the park. For an overnight stay, there are four campgrounds available here.
You can also visit the nearby historic Green Farm, where you’ll be able to see a massive ancestral house and an old mill. You can also play a golf match in the new 18-hole golf course called Lafayette Green.
Fishing: This lake is ideal for fishing largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, white crappie, black crappie, and walleye.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, kayaking, camping, hiking, golfing, wildlife viewing
Though a significant part of Dale Hollow Reservoir flows in the Tennessee region, the Kentucky side is no less in providing scenic beauties and recreation. Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park, a key attraction, offers a wide range of pleasurable activities, housing 145 campsites, a lodge with 60 rooms, and even golf courses. You can also enjoy a peaceful experience relaxing on the shores and taking in the lake and surrounding forest views. The adventurous ones can also explore the nearby scenic trails. The state park also provides many campsites and lodges for those wishing to stay overnight here.
Fishing: This lake is known for bass fishing. Other fish to catch include rainbow trout, crappie, muskie, walleye, bluegill, brown trout, and stripers.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, kayaking, canoeing, water-skiing, scuba diving, camping, hiking, cycling, horseback riding
Nolin River Lake is a scenic and family-friendly reservoir in south-central Kentucky. You can enjoy swimming or canoeing in its glistening blue-green waters.
It also flows along the northern edge of Mammoth Cave National Park. You can have fun exploring the caves and scenic beauty here. Moreover, you’ll also find many trails for hiking and biking in Nolin Lake State Park, located at the shore. With primitive and develop campsites near the waters, you can spend a peaceful night here. The sandy beach remains Memorial Day-Labor Day span.
Fishing: Anglers have several fish species to target, including black crappie, white crappie, smallmouth bass, white bass, walleye, and bluegill.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, canoeing, kayaking, camping, hiking, picnicking, biking
Encompassed by the Daniel Boone National Forest, Cave Run Lake offers a serene and fun experience to its visitors. You can cherish viewing the picturesque beauty and wildlife in the surroundings. If you want to spend some time in the water, you can enjoy a mesmerizing kayak ride. Moreover, you can indulge yourself in a wide variety of other water sports. The lake also provides two marinas, Scott’s Creek Marina and Long Bow Marina, where you can rent a boat of your choice. In addition, you can also head to the sandy beaches for extra fun, though it requires a minimum fee.
Fishing: A stock of various fish species like crappie, muskie, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, catfish, white bass, and bluegill are abundant.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, tubing, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, water-skiing, jet-skiing, camping, hiking, horseback riding, cycling, picnicking, wildlife viewing, hunting
Yatesville Lake, a serpentine reservoir, is a clean and ideal getaway spot for relaxation. The natural surroundings and wildlife like deer and turkey provide an excellent picturesque vista. You can visit the Yatesville Lake State Park on the lake’s southern part to enjoy recreational activities. With two boat launches, you can have easy access to the waters. Apart from the abundant water activities, you can also hike the many trails here, including Mary Ingles Trail near the marina and Pleasant Ridge Trail near the campground.
Fishing: Fish species like crappie, largemouth bass, redear sunfish, flathead catfish, channel catfish, and bluegill are available in plenty here. Don’t forget to carry your Kentucky Fishing License here.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, tubing, canoeing, kayaking, jet-skiing, camping, hiking, birdwatching, picnicking, golfing
This small human-made lake flows in the middle of mountains and dense forests. Its main attraction, Fishtrap Lake State Park, is at its western edge. With a wide array of amenities here, like a visitor center, campground, playground, picnic areas, boat ramps, and so on, you’ll undoubtedly have a busy time. Moreover, you can head to the Waves Waterpark or the Landslide Inflatables at the lake’s East Kentucky Marina, which features a 20-foot high water slide for bonus enjoyment.
Fishing: Various fish species inhabit the lake, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, muskie, catfish, walleye, white bass, bluegill, and hybrid striped bass. You would require a fishing license here.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, kayaking, water-skiing, picnicking, camping, hiking, horseback riding, wildlife watching
Located in the Appalachian Mountains’ base and flowing along Daniel Boone National Forest’s northern portion, this lake is a nature lover’s favorite. You’ll also find many things to do and see in Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, located at its northeast shore. With a marina and boat launch, you can enjoy a serene boat ride here. Next to it is the sandy beach where you can take a refreshing dip. If you’re hungry, you can check out the Bowlingtown Country Kitchen, a restaurant inside the state resort park offering hot meals and beautiful lake views. You can also hike the trails to enjoy mountain vistas and wildlife here. Moreover, if you’re interested to know about the area’s history, you can visit the park’s museum.
Fishing: You’ll be able to catch many fish species, including largemouth bass, bluegill, white crappie, channel catfish, white bass, and muskie.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, camping, sightseeing, picnicking, horseback riding, wildlife watching
Sourced by the Salt River, Taylorsville Lake is a well-known artificial reservoir among locals and tourists alike. You can visit the state park of the same name on its northeastern shore. In addition to the plenty of water activities, you can also find several trails for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. You’ll also find other boat launching sites near the park, like Settlers Trace and Possum Ridge. The neighboring Taylorsville Lake Marina also supplies various lake amenities and boat rentals. Whether you prefer to pitch your tent in primitive camping style or enjoy the facilities of modern camping, you’ll get it all here.
Fishing: Fish species commonly found here are largemouth bass, channel catfish, white crappie, black crappie, hybrid striped bass, and perch.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, kayaking, canoeing, water-skiing, jet-skiing, tubing, wakeboarding, camping, hiking, horseback riding
Known to be the state’s deepest lake, Herrington Lake is an artificial lake with a depth of 249 feet. Though there are no state parks at its shore, you can head to the Herrington Lake Marina that offers various boat rentals. You can also access the waters from the boat launch here. It also features lakeside dining at Idler’s Cove, along with stunning lake views. You can also witness from your boats the annual firework event, Lights over Herrington, held on Independence Day.
At the lake’s northern edge, Peninsula Lake Resort provides a golf course where you can enjoy playing a game.
Fishing: Anglers can catch plenty of fish species like crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass, spotted bass, catfish, hybrid striped bass, and white bass.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, tubing, kayaking, camping, hiking, wildlife watching, golfing
Cedar Creek Lake is the state’s newest body of water. With three boat ramps, one of which is the John Sims Boat Ramp, you can enjoy a lovely time in the waters. The lake also provides numerous bird and wildlife watching opportunities. You can also visit the neighboring William Whitley House State Historic Site to see the home of Kentucky pioneer William Whitey. You can also enjoy a picnic there in the picnic areas.
Fishing: Plenty of fish species like largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish, and redear sunfish are available in this lake.
Other Activities: Swimming, boating, kayaking, camping, hiking, wildlife viewing, birdwatching
TOP PICKS
Best Lakes for Fishing: Cedar Creek Lake, Lake Barkley, Rough River Lake
Best Lakes for Boating: Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley, Laurel River Lake
Best Lakes for Camping: Cave Run Lake, Rough River Lake, Taylorsville Lake
Best Lakes for Vacation: Kentucky Lake, Laurel River Lake, Dale Hollow Reservoir
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