Kentucky is a southeastern state bordering the Ohio River and the Appalachian Mountain range. Along the banks of many of the state’s best lakes are huge state parks and resorts. Many of Kentucky’s best lakes are huge reservoirs. Flood control and electricity production are both provided by these massive water systems. Their recreational activities, on the other hand, tend to attract the most attention. Of course, boating is one of the most popular pastimes on Kentucky’s lakes. Visitors to Kentucky’s greatest lakes are drawn by more than simply the water. Land-based activities such as hiking and bicycling are also available at park units along the coastlines. If you want to stay on land at the state parks and resorts, there’s camping, cottages, and hotels with views of the water. So, let’s move on and see the best boating lakes in Kentucky!

Lake Cumberland, Clinton, Pulaski, McCreary, Laurel, and Russell Counties

Every year, millions of people come to this lake for fishing, personal vacations, or powerboat events on the lake. As one of the largest human-made lakes in the nation, Lake Cumberland extends into many southern Kentucky counties. Rentals of fishing, ski, and pontoon boats are available, and Lake Cumberland State Resort Park has a marina and a restaurant. There’s also a lodge with rental cottages if you wish to boat during the day and stay onshore at night.

The Wolf Creek Dam, which impounds the Cumberland River, has two purposes: flood control and energy production. There’s plenty of room for additional vessels like powerboats, kayaks, and houseboats on the 65,000-acre lake. Waterskiing, casting a line, and mooring in hidden coves are all common boating pastimes. The shoreline has also a variety of exciting locations to visit and anchor. The Lake Cumberland State Resort Park, near Jamestown on the northern coast, is one such interesting location.

Kentucky Lake, Marshall and Livingston Counties

On the Tennessee River, Kentucky Lake is a huge reservoir. It runs south across state boundaries into Tennessee, covering about 250 square miles. Over 2,300 kilometers of shoreline dot the lake, accented by recreation areas, campgrounds, and public access points. There are more boat launches, docks, and marinas on the west side of the lake. Water activities are available on both sides of the National Recreation Area, with over 500 miles of multi-use trails in between.

Kentucky Lake, in addition to being a substantial source of hydroelectricity, is a popular destination for relaxation and lake vacations. As part of the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, the eastern shoreline is more natural. Lake Barkley, to the east, is the other lake that makes this recreation area the “land between lakes.” Boats like powerboats, playboats, and pontoons all have plenty of room to generate a wake. The waterway is used by commercial barges, so you have to be cautious around these massive vessels.

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Lake Barkley, Lyon, Livingston and Trigg Counties

Cadiz, about a three-hour drive southwest of Louisville, is home to Lake Barkley. It’s a man-made lake with a surface area of around 58,000 acres. It’s directly across the street from Kentucky Lake, with the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area sandwiched in between. Note that lake Barkley is open to boaters all year. Birders visit the area in hopes of catching a sight of one of the more than 200 species that call the lakefront home.

The eastern seashore is home to a number of towns. These lakeside destinations include traditional vacation amenities such as shopping, dining, and lodging. Lake Barkley Resort State Park is one of those places that has something for everyone. In Lake Barkley State Resort Park you will find boats to rent as well as a lodge to stay on the land. Note that the lodge is about a half-mile away from a marina with a launch ramp. The Lake Barclay Marina is located within the Resort State Park limits and provides access to the water. The marina offers pontoon and fishing boat rentals in addition to gasoline and fishing licenses.

Laurel River Lake, Whitley and Laurel Counties

If you like beautiful natural sights, then a trip to Laurel River Lake is a must! Not only do people go boating, fishing, and water skiing here, but they also go scuba diving to see the underwater rock formations. If fishing is your hobby, the waters of the Laurel River Lake can provide you with anything from rainbow trout to black bass, and crappie. During the summer, many people flock to Laurel River Lake to go trout fishing at night.

This 5,700-acre lake, located amid the magnificent Daniel Boone National Forest, is a favorite spot for boating, scuba diving, and swimming. The Daniel Boone National Forest’s London Ranger District contains Laurel River Lake, which has miles of shoreline bordered with trees and natural beauty. Moreover, there are numerous boat ramps for launching, as well as a handful of boat-in campgrounds with moorings at the water’s edge.

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Barren River Lake, Barren, Allen and Monroe Counties

Barren River Lake, located 20 miles southeast of Bowling Green, is another famous lake in Southern Kentucky. This 10,000-acre reservoir is managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Separate from the State Park Resort, the Army Corps of Engineers administers four campgrounds. These campgrounds provide a little more privacy and separation from the crowds. Boat ramps and swimming beaches are available at two of the campgrounds, Bailey’s Point and Tailwater.

The Barren River Lake State Resort Park in Lucas, however, is the most popular spot for recreation. Within the State Park Resort, the Barren River State Dock offers boat slips, launches, and rentals. A large portion of the marina has pontoon boats, as well as other fishing vessels such as Jon boats. The Barren River Lake State Resort Park stretches along the lake’s shoreline for 227 kilometers. The park’s major draw is fishing, although it also offers boating and water skiing. If you want to engage in land activities then hiking and biking are very popular along the Lewis Hill Trail.

Buckhorn Lake, Perry and Leslie Counties

This 1,200-acre reservoir is located in the Appalachian foothills and the Daniel Boone National Forest in southeast Kentucky. Many people choose to do their vacation in Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park on the northeast shore. This is mainly because it has a lot of lakes to explore. This famous state park resort offers a broad range of family-friendly attractions. Also, Buckhorn Lake has lodge rooms and cabins available for overnight stays.

With a full-service marina, the resort caters to water activities. The marina contains a number of boat docks available for visitors, as well as pontoon and fishing boat rentals. The public is also welcome to visit the marina’s sandy and seasonal beaches. Guests at the resort can also participate in a variety of land activities along the water’s edge. Miniature golf, horseshoes, and a playground are just a few of the activities available during the day.

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Herrington Lake, Garrard, Mercer and Boyle Counties

A 30-mile trip from Lexington takes you to Herrington Lake, Kentucky’s deepest lake. A dam on the Dix River created this approximately 2,300-acre reservoir. This is the deepest lake in Kentucky and reaches a maximum depth of 76 meters. Plus, at the time the lake was built, its dam was the world’s largest earth-filled dam.

Unlike many of the state’s best lakes, there is no state park or state park resort on the shoreline of this one. However, Herrington Lake, on the other hand, is a favorite spot for water enthusiasts. The Herrington Lake marina, located towards the lake’s center, is a popular recreation spot for water enthusiasts. The marina has covered and uncovered boat berths, as well as a boat launch, in addition to the pontoon boat and kayak rentals.

Green River Lake, Taylor, Adair and Casey Counties

Green River Lake is located 90 miles east of Bowling Green, in Central Kentucky. The 8,000-acre reservoir has multiple public access spots and is a staple natural scenery in this adventurous section of the state. The main attraction for the hundreds of tourists who visit the lake each year is Green River Lake State Park. There are 150 campsites, 200 boat slips, and 45 kilometers of paths in the 539-acre park. Around the lake, there are a variety of different recreational sites with fishing piers, boat ramps, picnic spaces, and beaches. The marina also has a large rental boat fleet, which includes houseboats, powerboats, pontoon boats, fishing boats, and Jet Skis.

Green River Lake State Park, a 10-minute drive from Campbellsville, is a great place to start exploring. Green River Lake is worth visiting just for the town of Campbellsville. This laid-back city has evolved into a state-wide outdoor mecca. Note that Campbellsville’s exterior aesthetics are influenced by the nearby Bluegrass region. This welcoming community is also rich in history, which is fascinating to learn about.

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Grayson Lake, Carter and Elliott Counties

Grayson Lake, located east of Louisville near the West Virginia border, offers fishing and boat rentals, as well as a boat ramp if you have your own boat. The marina, located 3 miles from the campground, has all you need for a fun day on the lake. Grayson Lake State Park’s 1,512 acres are known for their sheer sandstone canyons and gentle slopes. Former indigenous people, the Shawnee and Cherokee Native Americans, used the park’s site as a favored camping spot.

Grayson Lake is also an excellent site to combine boating and golfing interests. The Hidden Cove Golf Course measures 7,155 yards from the back tees and boasts breathtaking views all around. Note that Grayson Lake is accessible to boats via a launching ramp. Lastly, the lake’s shoreline stretches for 74.2 kilometers and includes everything from moderate slopes to magnificent canyons.

Taylorsville Lake, Spencer County

Another leisure reservoir that runs through Spencer County is Taylorsville Lake. Taylorsville Lake has a total area of nearly 3,000 acres. On weekends, the lake, which is roughly midway between Louisville and Lexington, gets a lot of traffic. On the northeast shore, Taylorsville Lake State Park attracts a large number of people. The state park offers a variety of land-based activities in addition to water access. Hikers, bicyclists, and horseback riders can enjoy a 24-mile trail system that runs throughout the public space. A campground with 42 full-service RV sites is also available within the state park.

Nearby, the Taylorsville Lake Marina offers a variety of rentals, including pontoon boats and waterskiing equipment. The Possum Ridge and Settlers Trace boat ramps at the state park are two of the more popular launching points. Fishing at Taylorsville Lake is a popular purpose for visitors, whether they launch from the state park or other locations. Several fish species, including bass, bluegill, and crappie, thrive in the lake’s ecosystem. All of the necessary fishing equipment is available at the Taylorville Lake Marina.