Minnesota might be known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, but Kentucky is the South's very own lake country. Home to 45 lakes, 13 major rivers and reservoirs, and countless smaller streams, creeks, and brooks, you can pretty much point to any place on a map and you'll be on, or near, one of the best lakes in Kentucky. There is a most remote lake in Kentucky, however, that requires a bit more effort and planning to access. But as the saying goes, all good things require effort and believe us when we say that this one is well worth seeking out. Of all the natural lakes in Kentucky, we adore this one the most.
Nestled in the heart of the rolling hills and lush landscape of the Daniel Boone National Forest, there is a hidden oasis that can best be described as heaven on earth.
Cave Run Lake is almost completely surrounded by the northernmost section of the Daniel Boone National Forest, so it takes a bit of effort to reach. But, it's also one of the most gorgeous lakes in Kentucky. In fact, I consider this one of the best lakes near me.
This 8,270-acre lake is jointly operated and managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Forest Service. It's celebrated for its breathtaking beauty and varied outdoor recreation opportunities.
The lake is perfect for all sorts of water recreation, from paddling and kayaking to swimming and fishing. For those looking to spend a truly relaxing and rejuvenating day on the water in Kentucky (read: no crowds!), there's certainly no better place.
Cave Run Lake is an incredibly scenic lake in Kentucky that has pristine water, wonderful access, amazing camping, and scenic hiking. It undoubtedly has pretty much everything you need for a relaxing getaway. It's admittedly a bit remote, but once you discover this lovely lake in Kentucky for yourself, you'll be wholly enchanted and agree it's worth seeking out.
Have you been to Cave Run Lake in Kentucky before? What other natural lakes in Kentucky would you recommend as the best lakes in Kentucky? If you have any tips and tricks for making visiting extra special, we'd love to hear them in the comments. Since Cave Run Lake is a bit remote, you might want to spend a night or two at a vacation rental in the region.
If you're curious to see more of this jaw-dropping, breathtakingly beautiful lake in Kentucky, you're in luck! Photographer Ben Childers took this amazing video footage of Cave Run Lake that highlights just how special and beautiful this Kentucky lake truly is:
Have you ever seen anything so beautiful? The Bluegrass State truly is such a stunning and sublime place. Check out some more of the best lakes in Kentucky:
A summer day in the Bluegrass State is best enjoyed near the water, or better yet, in the water cooling off! There's nothing better than an afternoon spent enjoying lazy river tubing in Kentucky. There are many places to do this in the Bluegrass State, from our natural Kentucky lazy rivers and pristine lakes to our state parks, and even some epic man-made water parks. But in terms of a top tubing outfitter in Kentucky, Awesome Lazy River, well, you can't beat this attraction that's quite literally the most awesome for tubing in KY!
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Summer heat in Kentucky means you'll need to track down the nearest body of water where you can cool off.
Because man, when summer sets in here in the Bluegrass, with the oppressive heat and hazy humidity, the best and really only course of action is to plan for an epic afternoon spent lazy river tubing in Kentucky!
The Awesome Lazy River in Shepherdsville is arguably the best spot to enjoy lazy river tubing in Kentucky. As its name suggests, this adventure outfitter is quite literally awe-inspiring!
This spot for river tubing in Kentucky is actually located adjacent to the popular Awesome Flea Market, which can easily be spotted from I-71, south of Louisville. The lazy river typically opens for the summer season around Memorial Day.
During the dog days of summer, it always feels so amazing to float down a river with nothing but fresh air and open water ahead of you. Leave the phones behind, and embrace a day immersed in the beautiful Bluegrass naturescape.
The Awesome Lazy River is typically very crowded on summer weekends, as you'd expect, so if it's possible to plan a little "summer staycation" mid-week, you can beat the crowds and enjoy a more relaxing experience!
Because really, doesn't this look like what we all need? Who doesn't need a little R&R from time to time?
So even if you can't make it by for lazy river tubing in Kentucky, start hunting down the best swimming holes in the state now... they can get quite crowded, too!
In the heat of the summer and the heart of the Bluegrass, Awesome Lazy River is here to make your afternoon spent river tubing in Kentucky one for the books. Let's get out and enjoy this fleeting season, shall we?!
When that hot sun arrives in the Bluegrass, hopefully, we can all cool off with an afternoon lazy river tubing in Kentucky. Tubing is just one of those activities that is the very definition of summer in Kentucky. What are your favorite things to do in summer in Kentucky? Have you been tubing in Kentucky on the Awesome Lazy River? Let us know in the comments!
For current updates and to stay up-to-date on what will happen this year, follow along with the Awesome Lazy River on Facebook. If you've missed bargain hunting in Kentucky, hopefully, you can also look forward to afternoons of shopping at the adjacent, massive Awesome Flea Market:
Late spring and during the summer we are often looking for ways to cool down in the heat, and there's no better way to do that than on one of the numerous beautiful Kentucky lakes. Fortunately for residents and visitors, our state has more miles of navigable water than anywhere in the U.S., excluding Alaska and Hawaii. You can go boating, swimming, hiking, wading, stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and pretty much any other water activity you desire. The hardest part was choosing the best lakes in Kentucky to visit, so we tried to narrow it down. Here are 12 of the best lakes in Kentucky that you must add to your summer bucket list!
There is nothing like relaxing and watching a sunrise or a sunset on Kentucky Lake. The serenity of the water as it reflects the fire of the sun is mesmerizing. Swimming, hiking, camping, boating, fishing, and other water activities are also highly encouraged. Kentucky Lake is a great place to spend a few days alone or with friends and family. It has more than 2,380 miles of shore, 160,000 acres of water at normal levels, and is near the cities of New Concord, Benton, Murray, Aurora, Grand Rivers, and Gilbertville. It's also an excellent place to go stargazing!
2. Taylorsville Lake at 1320 Park Road in Mt. Eden
For decades, Taylorsville Lake has been a favored fishing spot for catfish, largemouth bass, bluegill, and sunfish. It also provides great camping areas for primitive campers and 42 full-service RV campsites, including water and electric. You can hang out on the water or on land for fishing and horseback riding. There are some amazing fishing spots under the trees along the large flat rocks. This is one of the prettiest lakes in Kentucky.
Shanty Hollow has a gorgeous waterfall at the end of an easy mile-long trail, easily accessible by beginners. The lake itself is perfect for swimming, boating, and fishing. The waterfall offers a real treat in serenity and is perfect for a picnic. Shanty Hollow Lake is a quiet little oasis that isn’t overcrowded.
You can get lost in nature at Rough River Lake, one of the most beautiful hidden gem Kentucky lakes. This area has a variety of spots for hiking and camping. Rough River Lake also has a cozy lodge and some fine cooking and takeout available at local restaurants. If you prefer to catch your own… you’ll be pleased with the fresh fish just waiting to see the hook dangle.
Paintsville Lake is a beautiful area with an abundance of trees and a lake bustling with fish. The campground isn’t huge but it can accommodate 32 RVs and around 10 primitive tents. The best part of the park is the canopy of trees that surrounds the lake, providing the perfect atmosphere for catfish, or privacy.
6. Nolin River Lake at 2998 Briar Creek Road in Mammoth Cave
Nolin River Lake has cabins, campsites, roomy roads, and plenty of places to enjoy. You can bring a boat or rent one to spend an afternoon fishing or swimming. Some people just sun and enjoy the sound of the water from the shore or docks.
Martins Fork has its own lake, and it is a beautiful spot to take a day or three and relax. If you love to fish, the locals find this to be a favored spot, especially along the pier. It depends on what you want to catch, but once you drop in you likely won’t complain. There are a few good swimming spots and the lake is a great place to putt around and relax. A paddle boat really makes for a good time, especially if you bring a pole along.
Laurel River Lake is a place where you can rent a cabin and get away from civilization. You can camp out, fish, boat, swim in parts, and enjoy the serenity of the lake and surrounding environment. Laurel is favored by those looking for a spot a little less crowded than Land Between the Lakes, but with all the charm and serenity. This is a great place to just get away from it all and fish or relax... in some of the most clear-blue waters in Kentucky!
Lake Cumberland might be one of the most famous lakes in KY just because of the moonbow at the Falls. The incredible beauty, reasonable cabin rentals, abundant camp grounds, and acres of gorgeous water filled with fish are all an added bonus. This is the perfect spot to have a romantic getaway, a family weekend, or a get-together with friends. There is something to do for everyone in this haven for nature and water lovers.
At lovely Lake Barkley, you will find amazing deals on cabin rentals, and fresh fish is readily available. There are campsites offering water and electric and primitive sites for those who like to really sink into nature. You will also find boat rentals in varying sizes at your disposal, just in case you don’t have one of your own. Caspian Terns is another great spot on Lake Barkley to relax and watch beautiful waterfowl going about their daily activities.
Green River Lake is an 8,200-acre lake that has everything from hiking to horseback riding trails. The camping sites are plentiful and the gorgeous woodlands offer an abundance of spots for primitive camping. If you have a boat, you can just spend all your time on the lake during the day or the night. Green River Lake is a haven for those who love swimming and water sports.
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12. Barren River Lake at 1149 State Park Road in Lucas
Contrary to its name, there's nothing "barren" about Barren River Lake. This man-made lake was created in 1964 and occupies portions of Monroe, Allen, and Barren Counties. It offers a wondrous summer getaway for any and all right down to a manmade beach. Barren River Lake State Resort Park is a lush oasis of verdant foliage, rolling blue hills, pristine waters, and an abundance of wildlife that's peak Bluegrass #lakelife.
When it comes to beating the heat, the best lakes in Kentucky make for a perfect adventure. You can take a hike, come back, and cool off in the water. In some spots, you can camp out near the lake and let the soothing water ease you off to sleep. What is your favorite lake to visit in the summertime?
Heading out on a road trip to one of the above Kentucky lakes? Take a look at our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List for everything you need before you hit the road!
