Best Beaches in Kentucky

Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park is nestled in the heart of Western Kentucky, offering a serene escape amidst rolling hills and a picturesque lake. The park spans over 863 acres, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, horseback riding, and water sports. The beach area is a highlight, featuring a beautiful sandy shoreline along Pennyrile Lake, perfect for swimming and sunbathing during the warmer months.
The park's natural beauty is complemented by its rustic wood and stone lodge, which overlooks the lake and offers comfortable accommodations. Visitors can enjoy guided hikes, bird watching, and various recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and families alike.
With its blend of natural beauty and recreational facilities, Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park is a haven for those seeking a tranquil retreat from urban life.

Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park is nestled in the picturesque foothills of the Cumberland Plateau, offering a serene getaway amidst lush Kentucky mountain landscapes. Located at 4441 Kentucky Highway 1833, Buckhorn, KY, this resort combines natural beauty with modern amenities. The park features a beachfront location, allowing guests to enjoy activities like swimming, fishing, and boating on Buckhorn Lake. The resort itself offers a range of accommodations, including rooms with balconies overlooking the lake, making it an ideal spot for family vacations or romantic retreats.
The surrounding area is rich in wildlife and history, with opportunities for hiking, biking, and exploring the Daniel Boone National Forest. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful stay with access to a seasonal outdoor pool, a children's pool, and a variety of outdoor activities like basketball and mini golf.
The park's history dates back to the construction of the dam in 1938, which created Buckhorn Lake for flood control purposes. Today, it is a beloved destination for those seeking both relaxation and adventure in a stunning natural setting.

Lake Barkley, located in Cadiz, Kentucky, is a stunning man-made lake offering a serene escape for those seeking relaxation and adventure. It is renowned as a year-round boating paradise with nearly 60,000 acres of water, perfect for activities like boating, fishing, and kayaking. The surrounding area features beautiful hiking trails and a variety of wildlife, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers. The lake's public beach and swimming pool provide additional recreational options during the warmer months.
Lake Barkley State Resort Park is a key attraction, offering luxurious accommodations, a golf course, and a fitness center. The park's scenic views and modern amenities make it a popular destination for both leisure and professional gatherings.
Visitors can enjoy the local cuisine at nearby restaurants, explore the surrounding natural beauty, or engage in water sports, ensuring there's something for everyone at Lake Barkley.

Green River Lake State Park, located in Hatcher, Kentucky, offers a serene and scenic getaway amidst rolling hills and steep bluffs. The park spans 1,331 acres along the 8,210-acre Green River Lake shoreline, providing a variety of outdoor activities such as swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, and horseback riding. The beach area is perfect for sunbathing and swimming, though it can be quite rocky, making water shoes advisable. Visitors can enjoy the 18-hole miniature golf course, volleyball courts, and picnic areas, making it an ideal spot for family outings. The park also hosts several annual events, including Camper Appreciation Weekend and Halloween in the Park.
The surrounding landscape offers breathtaking views, with boats and water-skiers adding to the vibrant atmosphere. Campers can choose from 229 campsites, including both electric and tent options, with amenities like a grocery store and laundry facilities nearby.
For those interested in exploring beyond the park, the nearby town offers a mix of local culture and natural beauty, with attractions like the Green River Gift Shop for Kentucky handcrafts and souvenirs.

Lake Malone State Park Beach is nestled within the 338-acre Lake Malone State Park in Dunmor, Kentucky. The park is renowned for its picturesque 788-acre lake, offering a serene setting amidst hardwood forests, mountain laurel, and sandstone cliffs. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including swimming, boating, and fishing, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
The beach area provides a tranquil spot for relaxation and sunbathing, while the surrounding landscape offers opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing. The park's natural beauty and diverse recreational options make it an ideal getaway for families and nature lovers alike.
With its unique blend of natural scenery and outdoor activities, Lake Malone State Park Beach is a must-visit for anyone seeking a peaceful retreat in Kentucky's countryside.

Barren River Lake State Resort Park is nestled in Barren County, Kentucky, offering a serene getaway with its 10,000-acre lake and picturesque surroundings. The park features a three-story resort lodge, cottages, and a variety of recreational activities such as boating, fishing, golfing, and horseback riding. Visitors can enjoy stunning sunsets from the lodge and cottages, which curve around the lake. The park is also close to Mammoth Cave National Park, making it an ideal base for exploring both natural wonders.

The resort park provides a range of amenities, including a public beach, marina, tennis courts, and hiking trails, catering to diverse interests. It is located about 44 miles southeast of Bowling Green, accessible via I-65 and the Cumberland Parkway East.

The park's scenic beauty and rich recreational opportunities make it a popular destination for family vacations and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Carr Creek State Park is nestled in the mountainous region of southeastern Kentucky, offering a serene escape with its 750-acre lake and the longest sand beach in the Kentucky State Parks system. The park is located along Kentucky Route 15 in Knott County, about 15 miles southeast of Hazard. It features a 39-site campground, a full-service marina, and a variety of recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming. The area's history dates back to early pioneer settlements and Native American hunting grounds, adding a rich cultural layer to its natural beauty.

The park's surroundings are characterized by tree-covered hills, showcasing a variety of Kentucky's trees and plant life. This setting provides a picturesque backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Visitors can enjoy picnics, hiking, and wildlife viewing, making it a popular destination for families and adventure seekers.

Carr Creek State Park is also known for its marsh environment, which supports a diverse range of wildlife, including wood ducks, great blue herons, and wild turkeys. This unique ecosystem adds to the park's appeal as a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

Twin Knobs Campground/Beach is nestled within the Daniel Boone National Forest in Morehead, Kentucky, offering a serene escape surrounded by nature. The beach itself is a beautiful stretch of about 1,000 feet of soft golden sand, perfect for relaxation and sunbathing. Located on the shores of Cave Run Lake, this area provides ample opportunities for water activities such as swimming, fishing, and boating. The campground is well-equipped with amenities like picnic tables, fire pits, and clean restrooms, making it an ideal spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts. The surrounding forest offers scenic hiking trails, including the Twin Knobs Shoreline Trail and the Knob Overlook Trail, allowing visitors to explore the rugged terrain of the Cumberland Plateau.
The campground is pet-friendly, though pets must be kept on a leash. It caters to both tent campers and RV enthusiasts with various site options, including some with electric hookups. The peaceful atmosphere and mature trees provide ample shade, making it a comfortable spot even during warmer days.
Twin Knobs Recreation Area also features volleyball courts, basketball hoops, and horseshoe pits, offering a fun-filled experience for all visitors.

Karst Beach, located in Cave City, Kentucky, offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere, stretching about half a mile along a scenic lake. It is part of Jellystone Park Mammoth Cave, featuring a unique floating waterpark that includes an inflatable obstacle course, making it a fun-filled destination for families and adventure seekers alike. The beach is surrounded by the beautiful karst landscape, which is characterized by soluble rocks like limestone, creating a fascinating geological backdrop. Visitors can enjoy activities like swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding, making it an ideal spot for those looking for a mix of relaxation and adventure.
Karst Beach is particularly popular during the summer months when the waterpark is open, offering a refreshing escape from the heat. The surrounding area is rich in natural attractions, including Mammoth Cave National Park, which offers extensive cave systems and hiking trails for exploration.
Whether you're interested in water activities or exploring the natural beauty of Kentucky, Karst Beach provides a unique experience that combines fun and nature.

Located in Grayson County, Kentucky, Rough River Dam State Resort Park offers a scenic setting with a 5,000-acre lake as its centerpiece. The park is known for its exceptional fishing opportunities, attracting enthusiasts from all over. The rolling countryside around the park provides a picturesque backdrop for outdoor activities.

The resort is fully equipped with amenities such as rooms, cottages, a restaurant, and recreational facilities, making it an ideal getaway for families and nature lovers. It is close to cities like Louisville and Elizabethtown, yet far enough to provide a peaceful retreat.

The park's history dates back to the construction of the Rough River Dam between 1955 and 1961, which created the vast lake that now occupies the heart of the park.

Cave Run Lake is an 8,270-acre reservoir located in the northern part of the Daniel Boone National Forest, south of Morehead, Kentucky. It was built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and completed in 1973, providing flood protection and water supply to the surrounding areas. The lake offers a variety of recreational activities such as swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The scenic Zilpo Road and Twin Knobs beaches are notable attractions, offering beautiful views and opportunities for relaxation and adventure.
The lake's diverse wildlife and aquatic species, including crappie, largemouth bass, and musky, make it a haven for fishing enthusiasts. With its picturesque surroundings and numerous amenities, Cave Run Lake is an ideal spot for family vacations and nature lovers alike.
Visitors can enjoy the serene beauty of the lake while engaging in various activities or simply taking in the breathtaking views from designated beaches and hiking trails.

Kentucky Lake, located near Hamlin, Kentucky, offers a serene and picturesque setting with over 300 miles of shoreline. It is part of the Land Between The Lakes region, which includes both Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. The area is known for its natural beauty, with opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing. Popular spots include Moss Creek Day Use Area, which features a pebble beach, and 'The Sands,' a natural sandy beach accessible only by boat. The lake's water is generally cleaner and less muddy than Lake Barkley, making it a preferred spot for water activities.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking and exploring the surrounding forests. The region is also rich in wildlife, offering opportunities for birdwatching and spotting other local species.
Overall, Kentucky Lake provides a tranquil and adventurous getaway for those looking to connect with nature and enjoy water sports.