Given Kentucky’s wealth of natural wonders and resources, it’s no surprise that it is home to seventeen state resort parks—more than any other state. The Kentucky Department of Parks protects and maintains these destinations for the enjoyment of visitors from all over the world. They are great for a daytrip or longer vacation! Many offer lodging, dining, camping, hiking, and other recreational activities for your enjoyment.
The 17 Kentucky State Resort Parks are:
Barren River Lake: Lucas, Ky
Highlights: 10,000-acre lake, water sports, hiking and biking trails.
Blue Licks Battlefield: Mt. Olivet, Ky
Highlights: Pioneer Museum, Nature Preserve, and canoe trips.
Buckhorn Lake: Buckhorn, Ky.
Highlights: Daniel Boone Forest
Carter Caves: Olive Hill, Ky.
Highlights: Cave tours, canoe trips, trails.
Cumberland Falls: Corbin, Ky
Highlights: Natural falls, whitewater rafting, and other water sports.
Dale Hollow Lake: Burkesville, Ky.
Highlights: 28,000-acre lake, horse camp sites, horse and biking trails, scuba diving.
General Butler: Carrollton, Ky.
Highlights: Variety of rental boats, historic home and other sites.
Greenbo Lake: Greenup, Ky.
Highlights: Water sports, amphitheater.
Jenny Wiley: Prestonsburg, Ky.
Highlights: Summer theatre, elk-sighting tours, trails.
Kenlake: Hardin, Ky.
Highlights: 170,000-acre lake, Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area.
Kentucky Dam Village: Gilbertsville, Ky.
Highlights: 170,000-acre lake, Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area.
Lake Barkley: Cadiz, Ky.
Highlights: Lake region, extensive lodge.
Lake Cumberland: Jamestown, Ky.
Highlights: 60,000 acre lake, water sports.
Natural Bridge: Slade, Ky.
Highlights: Hiking, sightseeing, located near Red River Gorge Geological Area
Pennyrile Forest: Dawson Springs, Ky.
Highlights: Boat rentals, golf course.
Pine Mountain: Pineville, Ky.
Highlights: Hosts the annual Mountain Laurel Festival, golf course.
Rough River: Falls of Rough, Ky.
Highlights: 5,000-acre lake, water sports.
