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
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
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
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 - 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
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
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 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 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, 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
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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