Kentucky is probably the last place people would think they’d find a beach — but The Bluegrass State is full of surprises. We may not have tropical trees and fruits, but we have some amazing beaches bordering on some of our beautiful lakes. Kentuckians and visitors to our fair state can relax, fish, sun, camp in cabins or a tent, swim, and just plain enjoy the beauty of The Bluegrass State.

Here are 10 of our favorite beautiful beaches in Kentucky:

1. Cherokee State Park/Kenlake State Resort Park
Kenlake State Resort Park, 542 Kenlake Rd, Hardin, KY 42048, USA
Steve Beshear/Flickr
This lovely spot is a family-oriented resort park located inside a bigger resort park, known as Kenlake State Park, on Kentucky Lake. It offers entire afternoons of swimming, fishing, hiking, sunning, and other family-friendly activities.
Address: 542 Kenlake Road, Hardin, Kentucky, 42048
2. Rough River Dam State Park
Rough River Dam Resort State Park, 450 Ic-1003, Falls of Rough, KY 40119, USA
WineGuy/Wikimedia
The gorgeous Rough River Dam State Park offers more than just beaches; there are also rental cabins, camping spots, RV parking areas, grilling to be done, and chilling in the sunshine, of course.
Address: 450 Ic-1003, Falls of Rough, Kentucky, 40119
3. The Green River
Green River, Kentucky, USA
Orange Suede Sofa/Wikimedia
The Green River in eastern Kentucky has a beautiful beach surrounding calm waters, perfect for swimming or fishing - most people don't think "beach" when they think "river," but perhaps they should. When it comes to beautiful beaches in Kentucky, the Green River offers plenty of natural wonder.
4. Lake Barkley State Resort Park
Lake Barkley State Resort Park, 3500 State Park Rd, Cadiz, KY 42211, USA
wbrentprice/Flickr
Lake Barkley State Resort Park - a home-away-from-home getaway in Cadiz, has some of the nicest cabins you will ever sleep in and an incredibly serene environment. Sunrises on the lake are simply magical.
Address: 3500 State Park Road, Cadiz, Kentucky, 42211
5. The Moors Resort and Marina
Moors Resort & Marina, 570 Moors Rd, Gilbertsville, KY 42044, USA
Moors Resort & Marina/Facebook
The Moors Resort and Marina is a little slice of heaven in the Gilbertsville section of Kentucky Lake. It offers camping, swimming, fishing, and plenty of relaxation for families and friends!
Address: 570 Moors Road, Gilbertsville, Kentucky, 42044
6. Lake Malone State Park
Lake Malone State Park Beach, 100 Beachview Ln, Dunmor, KY 42339, USA
Kentucky State Parks
Next up on our list of the best beaches in Kentucky is Lake Malone State Park. This can't-miss state treasure in Muhlenberg County has a beach surrounding a pristine lake that offers a beach house for changing and plenty of fresh water and warm sunshine for swimming and fishing. It's all the best of the ocean without the saltwater!
Address: 331 Ic-8001A, Dunmor, Kentucky, 42339
7. Barren River Lake
Barren River Lake, Kentucky, USA
Ichabod/Wikimedia
Barren River Lake is a little piece o' paradise in southern Kentucky that is actually a reservoir, and it offers both lake and pool swimming, plus cabins, camping, fishing, and family fun. This one is a must-do on a hot day.
Address: 1149 State Park Road, Lucas, Kentucky, 42156
8. Pennyrile State Park
Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park, 20781 Pennyrile Forest State Park Rd, Dawson Springs, KY 42408, USA
Kentucky Photo File/Flickr
Pennyrile State Park is an awe-inspiring state park and lake in Dawson Springs that has cabins and camping for guests, along with all the beach-side fun you can probably handle.
Address: 20781 Pennyrile Forest State Park Road, Dawson Springs, Kentucky, 42408
9. Buckhorn State Park
Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, 4441 KY-1833, Buckhorn, KY 41721, USA
LouisvilleUSACE/Flickr
Buckhorn Lake, nestled inside Buckhorn State Park in eastern Kentucky, offers a lakeside beach house with changing quarters and restrooms. It's the perfect blend of nature and comfort.
Address: 4441 KY-1833, Buckhorn, Kentucky, 41721
10. Carr Creek State Park
Carr Creek State Park, 2086 Smithboro Rd., HWY 15, Sassafras, KY 41759, USA
PEO ACWA/Flickr
This beautiful lake in Carr Creek State Park has a marshy ecosystem that's unique to the area. The 700-acre lake has plenty of space for fishing, swimming, or just sunning. Much like the other entries on this list, it's all up to you and how you relax.
Address: 2086 Smithboro Road, Highway 15, Sassafras, Kentucky, 41759

Kentucky isn’t exactly well-known for its beautiful beaches, but perhaps it should be! The Bluegrass State has a lot to offer its residents and visitors. Whether you enjoy swimming, fishing, camping, or simply relaxing in the serenity of nature, there’s a beautiful beach in Kentucky for you. Most are surrounded by lush green forestry and colorful natural rock formations, but some have unique cave systems as well! If you were to do a search for “beaches near me,” some of these would undoubtedly rise to the top of the list!

If any of you know of any other beautiful beaches in Kentucky we missed, or if you would like to share images of your own Kentucky beach adventures, please write a post to share your experiences with us in the comments section below!

Planning a Kentucky staycation soon? You might consider checking out these 9 spectacular places in Kentucky for inspiration!

If you’re still in the mood for more Bluegrass State adventures, take a look at this video:

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More to Explore

More adventures in Kentucky

Tori Jane | April 08, 2021

Where can we find other beaches in Kentucky?

  • Nolin Lake State Park near Mammoth Cave is a somewhat hidden gem surrounded by beautiful, forested hills.
  • Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park in Gilbertsville not only has a beautiful beach but several hiking trails and other recreational activities.
  • The Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area in has beautiful beaches, campgrounds, and hiking trails. It is also dog friendly.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other wonderful beaches in Kentucky.

Where can we find distilleries in Kentucky?

  • The Old Forester Distilling Co. in Louisville offers guided tours that include the barrel-making process.
  • The Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience in Bardstown is one of the largest single-site bourbon distilleries in the world.
  • Maker's Mark Distillery in Loretto offers tours, has an onsite restaurant, and hosts many special events.

Read on to learn about some of the many other amazing distilleries in Kentucky.

Where can we find hiking trails in Kentucky?

  • The Eagle Falls Trail in Parkers Lake takes you to Cumberland Falls as well as Eagle Falls.
  • The Honker Lake Trail in Golden Pond is a scenic five-mile loop popular with avid hikers.
  • The Pilot Knob Trail in Powell County leads to what is called "Boone's Overlook." This is where explorer Daniel Boone is thought to have traversed during his travels.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other wonderful hiking trails in Kentucky.

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