Posted in Kentucky On The Water, Summer April 20, 2023 by

These 11 Gorgeous Lakes In Kentucky Are Demanding Your Attention This Summer

The Bluegrass State may be landlocked, but that doesn’t mean its residents can’t enjoy beautiful bodies of water; in particular, there are some truly glorious lakes in Kentucky we simply adore. These bodies of water may not be *the* ocean, but we argue that these Kentucky lakes are just as lovely as their oceanic counterparts. Here’s a compilation of some of the best lakes in Kentucky.

1. Kentucky Lake
Wayne Hsieh/Flickr
Formed by the completion of the 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.
Kentucky Lake, United States
2. Land Between The Lakes
circulating/Flickr




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.
Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, 238 Visitor Center Dr, Golden Pond, KY 42211, USA
3. Lake Barkley
Vikhram Swaminathan/Flickr
Lake Barkley is a pristine place to visit. The body of water runs parallel with the Land Between The Lakes.
Lake Barkley, United States
4. Barren River Lake
Kentucky State Parks
Located near Kentucky's famous cave area, Barren River Lake is truly a water-lover's paradise surrounded by trees and rolling hills.
Barren River Lake, Kentucky, USA
5. Lake Cumberland
jjj56cp/Flickr
Adjacent to the Daniel Boone National Forest, you get the best of both lakes and nature at the lovely Lake Cumberland.
Lake Cumberland, Kentucky, USA
6. Buckhorn Lake
LouisvilleUSACE/Flickr




Tucked away in the Appalachian Mountains, Buckhorn Lake is the perfect escape for those wanting a more secluded water getaway at one of Kentucky's amazing state parks.
Buckhorn Lake, Kentucky, USA
7. Dale Hollow Lake
Kentucky Photo File/Flickr
One of the cleanest and most pristine lakes in the state, this more wilderness-flocked area is a great getaway on Kentucky's southern shorelines. You could even spot some bald eagles above this beautiful lake!
Dale Hollow Lake State Resort, 5970 State Park Rd, Burkesville, KY 42717, USA
8. Taylorsville Lake
LouisvilleUSACE/Flickr
Just about 30 minutes outside Louisville, Taylorsville Lake is a great escape for those nearby city dwellers. Talk about an urban paradise!
Taylorsville Lake, Kentucky 40008, USA
9. Breaks Interstate Park
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
Technically not a lake per se, but Breaks Interstate Park does feature water -- including a secluded lagoon! -- and it's the kind you can white water raft on, which is definitely worth a spot on this list.
Breaks Interstate Park, 627 Commission Cir, Breaks, VA 24607, USA
10. Natural Bridge State Resort Park
Eric Fidler/Flickr
This natural wonder in Kentucky has made several of our lists, and good reason why, with tons of trails, overlooks and 35 acres of lake access, this park in Slade, Kentucky, is always a hit.
Natural Bridge State Resort Park, 2135 Natural Bridge Rd, Slade, KY 40376, USA
11. Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park
Kentucky Photo File/Flickr




This western Kentucky retreat really is a picturesque escape on more than 14,000 acres. Dewey Lake truly is a real-life paradise in Kentucky!
Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park, 20781 Pennyrile Forest State Park Rd, Dawson Springs, KY 42408, USA

With Kentucky encompassing the two largest man-made lakes east of the Mississippi River, it’s no surprise there are plenty of lakes to flock to get your water fix. Who needs a beach when these gorgeous lakes will do the trick? Which lake in Kentucky will you be visiting first this summer?

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Lakes in Kentucky

May 15, 2022
Sarah M.

What are some beautiful swimming lakes in Kentucky?

In addition to some of the beaches at the above list of lakes in Kentucky, we put together this list of amazing swimming holes and beaches in the Bluegrass State:

  • Blue Heron is a swimming hole located under the footbridge in the picnic and camping area off Mine 18 Road leading towards South Fork. This is a part of the Daniel Boone National Forest near Stearns. The swimming hole is a pretty deep, surprisingly clear pool that was created via Big South Fork.
  • Grassy Creek is a total hidden gem swimming pole in Kentucky; this little slice of heaven is just off Route 80 inside Breaks Interstate Park. At the parking and picnic area, look for the Center Creek Trail, which is visible and easy to find. Center Creek flows into Grassy Creek. There are several swimming holes along the way, but the rocks can be slick, so use caution and wear closed-toed shoes!
  • Dog Slaughter Falls is actually part of the Cumberland Falls Resort Park. You will find this waterfall and swimming hole off Forest Road, I95, which is unpaved. Cross a small footbridge and continue on foot for about a mile and a half to the Falls. This waterfall swimming pool is a great place to relax, and one of the very best ways to while away a beautiful summer's day in the Bluegrass State!

What is the most beautiful lake in Kentucky?

If you're looking for cerulean blue waters that rival the Caribbean, one of the most beautiful lakes in Kentucky is:

  • Dewey Lake, which has been a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts since the park opened in 1954, in fact, its turquoise waters prove to be undeniably alluring. The best part? Jenny Wiley State Resort Park offers pontoons, canoes, kayaks, and boat rentals at its marina, which is open seasonally, so you can "choose your own adventure" when you visit this beautiful Kentucky lake! (Of course, if you prefer to just camp out on the sand and kick up your feet, that's 100% acceptable, too.)