Posted in Kentucky Nature, On The Water June 03, 2022 by

This Man Made Swimming Hole In Kentucky Will Make You Feel Like A Kid On Summer Vacation

You’ll find plenty of places to cool off and splash in the water throughout the Bluegrass State, but there is nowhere quite like Barren River Lake in Kentucky. Located in southern Kentucky, Barren River Lake State Resort Park is home to rolling blue hills, a pristine lake, and abundant wildlife. Don’t let its name deter you; contrary to its name, this lush oasis in Kentucky is absolutely spectacular. When the temperatures soar this summer, head to this man-made reservoir in Kentucky that has its own sweet beach and swimming area.

Barren River Lake is a 10,100-acre reservoir that was created in 1964 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The dam across the river is 146 feet high, and this beautiful reservoir has 141 miles of shoreline.
Chris Booker/Google
Barren River Lake State Resort Park was created not long after the reservoir was built. It's the perfect place to spend the day, or even an entire weekend.
Christopher Wilkinson/Google
Address: 1149 State Park Road, Lucas, KY, 42156
Head for the sandy beach on the lake, where you can splash, swim, and bask in the sun to your heart's content.
Barren River Lake State Resort Park/Facebook
Lifeguards are on duty to keep you safe, but you'll want to make sure that kids have life vests, too.
Ichabod/Wikimedia
Bring a picnic lunch and play all day long! Build a sandcastle, have a water fight, and make some family memories that will last a lifetime.
Barren River Lake State Park/Google
On sunny summer weekends, the beach can get pretty crowded...
Renee Raymond/Google
...but if you can visit on a weekday, or during late spring/early fall months, you might find that you have it all to yourself!
Barren River State Resort Park/Facebook
For more splashing fun, stay overnight at the Louie B. Nunn Lodge, which offers 51 rooms and 22 cottages. The lodge overlooks the lake, and you'll have some great views from your room.
Barren River State Resort Park/Facebook
The resort's swimming pool opens for guests of the lodge and cottages every morning at 10 a.m.
Barren River State Resort Park/Facebook
Whether you're just visiting the beach for the day, or staying at the lodge overnight, you'll want to stop in at the Driftwood Restaurant or Highlands Pub.
Barren River Lake State Park/Google
Enjoy a Kentucky hot brown, burger, salad, or entree for lunch or dinner, or visit for breakfast before you play at the park.

Check out Barren River Lake State Park’s website for more information, and follow its Facebook page to see what’s new there. Have you visited this pretty beach? Tell us about your day at beautiful Barren River Lake in Kentucky!

If you’re looking for more great places to go swimming this summer, check out this old-school water park in Kentucky that’s the most fun you’ve had in ages.

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Address: Barren River Lake, Kentucky, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

Barren River Lake in Kentucky

June 08, 2022
Sarah M.

What are some other beautiful lakes in Kentucky?

Barren River Lake is beautiful, but it's certainly not the only stunning lake in Kentucky. For starters, there's the Bluegrass State's namesake, Kentucky Lake. Formed by the completion of Kentucky Dam, Kentucky Lake harnesses history and beauty. Known as the South's very own Great Lake, Kentucky Lake is the largest artificial lake by surface area in the U.S. east of the Mississippi River. The nearby Lake Barkely is another Bluegrass gem, its waters long attracting all sorts of folks seeking R&R. And between this duo of divine waters, Land Between the Lakes is one of the state's most visited attractions and with 170,000 acres of play land to escape to, it's no wonder why! It's squeezed between Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake, and offers some of the best stargazing in the South. 

What is the most beautiful blue lake in Kentucky?

If you’re looking for cerulean blue waters that rival the Caribbean, definitely head to Jenny Wiley State Resort Park. This 2,800-acre park is pure Bluegrass State paradise, and at the center of the park, you’ll find Dewey Lake, one of the most glorious bodies of water in the entire state. This pristine lake is a shockingly, startlingly bright blue; a resplendent body of water that perfectly reflects Kentucky’s endless rolling hills and skies. Dewey Lake has been a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts since the park opened in 1954, in fact, its turquoise waters proving to be undeniably alluring!