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. And 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 is choosing the best lakes in Kentucky to visit, so we tried to narrow it down. Here are 12 of the best lakes in Kentucky you must add to your summer bucket list!

1. Kentucky Lake
Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, 238 Visitor Center Dr, Golden Pond, KY 42211, USA
Land Between the Lakes KY/TN/Flickr
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, with friends or family. It has more than 2,380 miles of shore, has 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
Taylorsville Lake, Kentucky 40008, USA
USACE/Flickr
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.
3. Shanty Hollow Lake
Shanty Hollow Lake, Kentucky 42101, USA
Jonathan Large/Wikipedia
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.
4. Rough River Lake
Rough River Lake, Kentucky, USA
Ka!zen/Flickr
You can get lost in nature at Rough River Lake, a beautiful hidden gem in Kentucky. This area has a variety of spots for hiking and camping. Rough River Lake also has a cozy lodge and some fine cooking and take out available at local restaurants. If you prefer to catch your own… you’ll be please with the fresh fish just waiting to see the hook dangle.
5. Paintsville Lake
Paintsville Lake, Kentucky, USA
J654567/Wikipedia
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, Kentucky 42207, USA
Louisville USACE/Flickr
Nolin River Lake has cabins, campsites, roomy roads, and plenty of places to enjoy. You can bring a boat of 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.

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7. Martins Fork Lake
Martins Fork Lake, Kentucky 40815, USA
USACE/Wikipedia
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 great to putter around and relax. A paddle boat really makes for a good time, especially if you bring a pole along.
8. Laurel River Lake in Williamsburg
Laurel River Lake, Kentucky, USA
Lee Roberts, USACE/Flickr
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 then 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!
9. Lake Cumberland
Lake Cumberland, Kentucky, USA
Laurie/Flickr
Lake Cumberland might be the most famous lake in our state just because of the moonbow at the Falls. The incredible beauty, reasonable cabin rental, 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, family weekend or get together with friends. There is something to do for everyone in this haven for nature and water lovers.
10. Lake Barkley at 82 Days Inn Drive in Kuttawa
Lake Barkley, United States
LBL/Flickr
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.
11. Green River Lake in Campbellsville
Green River Lake, Kentucky, USA
Louisville USACE/Flickr
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 that love swimming and water sports.
12. Barren River Lake at 1149 State Park Road in Lucas
Barren River Lake State Park, 1149 State Park Rd, Lucas, KY 42156, USA
Louisville USACE/Flickr
Contrary to its name, there's nothing "barren" about Barren River Lake. This man-made lake was created in 1964 and occupying 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?

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Sarah M. | May 28, 2022

What are the most beautiful Kentucky lakes?

While there are endless opportunities for new adventures and experiences in The Bluegrass State, there are certain places you’ll find yourself returning to again and again. Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park is one of those kinds of places. This beautiful beachfront attraction in Kentucky is a knockout, boasting pristine, white-sand shores and cerulean blue waters. Not only that, but this Kentucky State Park also offers an abundance of outdoor recreation, including fishing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and hiking. Once you visit, you’ll understand why Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park is a perennial Bluegrass favorite. The eponymous 56-acre Pennyrile Lake is the perfect place to choose your own outdoor adventure, whether that's stand-up paddleboarding, renting a pedal boat, or enjoying a good, old-fashioned beach day. Seriously -- if you're looking for the Kentucky lake with the bluest and cleanest water, this is it!

What are some other water activities in Kentucky lakes?

Did you know you could go scuba diving in Kentucky? You can! There’s a place in western Kentucky where divers can experience turquoise waters and plenty of adventure. Pennyroyal Scuba Center at Blue Springs Resort in Hopkinsville is a hidden oasis in Kentucky and an epic scuba diving resort that you have to see to believe. The scuba center is family-owned and operated and has been serving the passionate scuba community since 1994. It's highly sought-after by experienced and novice divers alike!

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