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

The Underrated Beach With The Whitest, Most Pristine Sand In Kentucky

As a landlocked state, you may not think of Kentucky as the home of beautiful beaches. But it turns out, our state has a plethora of spots to dig your toes into the sand and look out over sparkling water. One of those places arguably has the most pristine sand you’ll find in Kentucky, along with breathtaking surroundings and a lake ready for you to cool off. Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park is probably the most beautiful white sand beach in Kentucky

In Dawson Springs, you'll find the hidden gem that is Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park.
Facebook/Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park
As one of the 17 resorts in Kentucky, its picturesque landscape is a favorite among travelers and visitors. But one feature stands out as unique - the pristine beach along Pennyrile Lake.
While the beach itself is not overly large, it makes up for it in scenery and charm.
Facebook/Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park
The sand is such that you may even forget you're in Kentucky and imagine yourself someplace more exotic. But it's not necessary to travel far to enjoy the relaxation and escape of a gorgeous beach.
You'll find the public beach is well-kept by the amazing staff and volunteers of the park -- and Mother Nature provides the rest.
Facebook/Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park
As you lounge on the sand, the lake will sparkle in front of you, surrounded by towering trees and rocky ridges. You'll feel as if you've disappeared a million miles away.
Pennyrile offers more than its pristine beach.
Facebook/Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park
The park has countless hiking, mountain bike and horse trails, and has plenty of lodging options including the resort lodge, cozy cottages overlooking the lake and camp sites. A favorite among guests is the Clifty Creek Restaurant, that serves up traditional meals in a lovely room that hovers above the lake.
Pennyrile is also known for its weekend getaways, including photography, scrap booking and more.
Facebook/Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park
The park is also a favored destination for holiday weekends, family gatherings or just a place to lose yourself for a few hours.
The beach is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day and is free to the public.
Facebook/Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park
There's a volleyball court and various events throughout the summer. Plan to visit this idyllic Kentucky spot this summer, or enjoy its other features and pure beauty any time of the year. Pennyrile is known as one of the friendliest parks in the state and the pure, warm sand is calling your name.

The next time you’re planning a vacation to one of the beautiful beaches in Kentucky, or even just want a day in the sand, look no further than Pennyrile in Western Kentucky. Have you spent a day at this beautiful beach in Kentucky? Do you have other favorite Kentucky beaches? Let us know in the comments below! Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park is located at 20781 Pennyrile Lodge Rd. Dawson Springs, KY, 42408. The beach opens for the season on Memorial Day weekend. For more info on the park, visit their website here, and check out this commercial for the park!

And for an epic road trip that stops at several of the state’s most beautiful beaches, check out this hidden beaches in Kentucky road trip.

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Address: 20781 Pennyrile Lodge Rd, Dawson Springs, KY 42408, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

Beautiful Kentucky Beach

March 11, 2021
Sarah

What are some of the best Kentucky beaches?

There are a variety of beautiful beaches in Kentucky. Many beaches offer incredible mountain views, and one of the best is Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park in Kentucky. This underrated sandy beach is ideal for relaxing, playing, and soaking up the sun -- and it's absolutely one of the best beaches in Kentucky! If you’d like to combine camping with the best sandy beach in Kentucky, head to Zilpo Campground at Cave Run Lake. This gorgeous lake is best viewed when lounging on this scenic, beautiful beach.

What are the best beach towns in Kentucky?

Despite being a landlocked state, Kentucky is full of beautiful beaches, resplendent rivers, and stunning lakes! And if you want to embrace beach town vibes, there are a few beaches in Kentucky that are close to charming, small towns. Gilbertsville is located adjacent to Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park and a sandy beach. For a true coastal feel, Grand Rivers is absolutely delightful; this lakefront beach town in Kentucky has its very own lighthouse, a charming bed and breakfast, boat rentals, and beautiful hiking. You can visit more adorable beach towns in Kentucky on this epic road trip.

Where are some lakeside campgrounds in Kentucky?

It’s always camping season in Kentucky, and if the weather is warm, you may want to find a campsite that is right on the water. The Bluegrass State is full of gorgeous lakes, with several offering lakeside camping, in fact. Some of our favorite lakeside campgrounds in Kentucky include:

  • Nolin Lake State Park in Mammoth Cave, KY. If you're looking for a quiet campground with an abundance of natural surroundings, this is a spectacular option.
  • If you want unlimited amenities by the lake and some of the best family camping in Kentucky, Kentucky Lake/Prizer Point KOA is the campground for you. Situated on the Intracoastal Waterway, they have just about everything you'd want in a camping experience, including beautiful waterfront sites for both tents and RVs.
  • On Laurel River Lake, Holly Bay boasts 28 wooded sites right near the water. This is beachside camping at its finest!