Lakes in Kentucky are favorite destinations in our state for a wide array of activities. There are swimming and boating in the summer, there’s fishing all year long, and of course, the Kentucky lakes are perfectly picturesque any time of year. If you’re interested in dipping your toes in the clearest lake in Kentucky, start planning a visit to Laurel River Lake in London. This stunning lake is very likely the best lake in Kentucky, so much so that it is almost too beautiful to be real. Don’t believe us? Read on to see for yourself!

Laurel River Lake is located in the beautiful Daniel Boone National Forest region in Laurel and Whitley Counties. This 5,600-acre lake has water like nowhere else in Kentucky, which makes it a popular destination, especially in the summertime.
Clearest Lake In Kentucky
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Laurel River Lake Spillway Beach, 86-98 Robert E.Blair Memorial Highway, Corbin, KY 40701, USA
Steve M/TripAdvisor
As one of the cleanest, deepest, and clearest lakes in Kentucky, its waters attract all sorts of activities. Visitors enjoy boating, swimming, fishing, kayaking, and even scuba diving along its rocky shores.
The best way to experience the clear waters of Laurel River Lake is to get out there and see it up close.
Steve M/TripAdvisor
By boat or kayak, head on out and seek out one of the many rocky coves and dip your toes in the clear blue water. Its color and cleanliness are quite remarkable and make for a unique lake experience in Kentucky.
If you need access to a boat to get out on the water, one of your options is Holly Bay Marina in London. Here you can not only rent a boat to take out for a few hours, but also a houseboat to extend your stay at this pristine lake!
Facebook/Holly Bay Marina

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Clearest Lake In Kentucky
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Another way to get in the water is at the beautiful beach near the spillway of the Laurel River Dam. The curved sandy beach is perfect for relaxing and you can cool off in the crystal-clear water that has plenty of picturesque scenery surrounding it.
Due to the clear water and submerged rock formations, Laurel River Lake is a popular scuba diving destination - something you probably never thought about doing in a lake in Kentucky!
Facebook/Laurel River Lake
Laurel River Lake/Facebook
No matter how you decide to spend your time at Laurel River Lake, just be sure to get close enough to experience the clearest lake in Kentucky. The bright blue water is stunning and a relaxing day on this lake will show you just another highlight of Kentucky's incredible natural beauty.

Laurel River Lake is a beautiful gem, and its pristine water makes it too pretty for words. For more information on the marina, check out the Holly Bay Marina website. Have you spent time at the clearest lake in Kentucky? Is there another spot with crystal clear water in Kentucky we should check out? Let us know!

And for more of the best of the best of Kentucky lakes, check out our previous article featuring this magnificent mountain lake in Kentucky and make a splash at this outdoor water playground in Kentucky! After a day of fun on the water, why not spend the night in the area? Here’s a hotel near London that’s only minutes away from the lake.

This Outdoor Water Playground In Kentucky Will Be Your New Favorite Destination

 

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Clearest Lake In Kentucky

Daniella DiRienzo | June 13, 2023

What are the most beautiful lakes in Kentucky?

There are several stunning lakes in Kentucky. Here are a few of the most beautiful lakes in Kentucky:

  • Kentucky Lake: Located in western Kentucky, this lake spans across the Kentucky-Tennessee border, boasting stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Thanks to its expansive waters, hidden coves, and diverse wildlife, Kentucky Lake has grown into a haven for boaters and nature enthusiasts alike.
  • Dale Hollow Lake: Straddling the Kentucky-Tennessee border, this lake is known for its crystal-clear water and scenic beauty. The surroundings, which include rolling hills and abundant forests, are nearly as stunning as the lake itself.
  • Barren River Lake: Located in south-central Kentucky, this lake offers a peaceful retreat – complete with clear water and tree-lined shores.

 

Where can I find clear water in Kentucky?

Kentucky is known for its beautiful lakes, rivers, and natural springs, offering plenty of opportunities for swimming in clear water. Here are a few places with clear water in Kentucky:

  • Cumberland Falls State Resort Park: Located near Corbin, Kentucky, this state park is home to Cumberland Falls, which is also known as the "Niagara of the South." At the bottom of the falls, you’ll find a large pool of clear water, which is, not surprisingly, a popular swimming hole.
  • Natural Bridge State Resort Park: Located near Slade, Kentucky, this resort park boasts plenty of amenities, including hiking trails that lead to several small swimming holes as well as the Natural Bridge, an expansive sandstone arch.
  • Red River Gorge Geological Area: Located within the Daniel Boone National Forest, this scenic area is teeming with towering sandstone cliffs, rock formations, and several swimming holes with some of the clearest water in Kentucky.

Are there state parks in Kentucky that have lakes?

Absolutely, there are many state parks in Kentucky with lakes, and these are the ones we like the best:

  • Nolin Lake State Park, Mammoth Cave,
  • Kincaid Lake State Park, Falmouth
  • Taylorsville Lake State Park, Mt. Eden
  • Paintsville Lake State Park, Staffordsville
  • Green River Lake State Park, Campbellsville
  • Grayson Lake State Park, Olive Hill
  • Yatesville Lake State Park, Louisa
  • Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, Buckhorn
  • Lake Cumberland State Resort Park, Jamestown

Be sure to visit our website to discover more about these state parks in Kentucky that have lakes.

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Laurel River Lake, Kentucky, USA