Kentucky is better known for its expansive acres of green horse farms and rolling hills stretching as far as the eye can see. The last thing that comes to mind when you think of the Bluegrass State is—beaches. Make no mistake about it, though—they are there.
Granted, they are not the bleach-white sandy kind you would expect to find in Florida, but they are beautiful in their own regard. Here’s a roundup of the 10 best beaches in Kentucky that will take your breath away.
1. Barren River Lake Beach
Located off State Park Road in Lucas, south Kentucky, Barren River Lake Beach is a popular getaway for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The characteristic lush greenery and rolling blue hills add to its rural charm.
Barren River Lake Beach has a well-maintained shoreline and several amenities, making it a popular holiday destination for family beach vacations. You can picnic by the river’s shores, sunbathe, or take a quick dip to cool off.
Barren River Lake Beach has been dubbed the safest beach in the state. Several lifeguards are stationed at various points along the clean-cut shoreline, and the deeper parts of the river are well-cordoned off. The river waters are also calm, so you don’t have to worry about drifting off into the deep.
Barren River can get pretty crowded during the weekends and peak seasons, so keep that in mind when planning your trip. You’ll have a great time if you can make it there on a weekday.
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2. Carr Creek State Park Beach
Carr Creek State Park is on Smithboro Road, off Highway 15 in Sassafras, Kentucky. The beach is hardly ever crowded and does not have noisy vendors persistently trying to get you to buy things. You will enjoy your time here if you’re looking for a quiet spot to unwind alone or with loved ones.
Whether you want a serene environment to get a tan, read a book, fish, or build sandcastles with your children, Carr Creek State Park is the place to do it. You can hire a pontoon boat to cruise through the lake’s tranquil waters and enjoy the refreshing breeze for a change of scenery. You can then grab a bite at any of the nearby eateries.
Recommended nearby stay in Wolfe County: View listing
3. Cherokee State Park
Kentucky Lake is home to some of the state’s best beaches. Some feature sandy expanses, while others have lush grassy coverings, ideal for picnicking. A favorite for many is Cherokee State Park. Everything about it screams fun and relaxation from the moment you set foot inside.
Cherokee State Park offers visitors a wide range of recreational activities. You can strap on your hiking boots and hit the network of trails stretching for miles, hire a boat and go on a fishing expedition, or just lay around with a good book and get a tan. Whatever you decide to do, you’ll love the spectacular views of the surrounding greenery.
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4. Green River Lake State Park Beach
Located off Park Office Road in Campbellsville, central Kentucky, Green River Lake State Park Beach is a sight to behold. It is perched on 1,300 acres of parkland overlooking the 8,200-acre Green River Lake.
The State Park boasts an 18-hole golf course, numerous hiking trails, children’s playgrounds, and picnic sites. The lake is home to several fish species, such as muskie, walleye, crappie, catfish, bluegill, and bass, all native to the region.
Green River Lake has a massive dock – the Green River Marina – where you can hire a boat to go fishing or cruise the still lake waters.
There’s no shortage of things to do here. You can go horseback riding, indulge in beach volleyball, splash around in the water, go kayaking, tubing, or jet skiing, or simply enjoy the sun’s warm rays as you tan. If you have young kids, you’ll be happy to know that the water is shallow. The deeper parts have been cordoned off with ropes as a safety precaution.
Bring your aqua shoes with you if you intend to do any water activities. The lake floor is peppered with sharp rocks that might injure you if you wade through the water barefoot.
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5. Kentucky Dam Village State Beach
Located off Upper Village Drive, Gilbertsville, Kentucky, is the scenic Kentucky Dam Village State Beach. Perched on the shores of Kentucky Lake, the park beach is one of the most popular recreational sites in the state.
It is family-friendly, with many amenities to ensure you and your loved ones have a great time there. When you’re not sunbathing, you can enjoy a relaxing dip in the water or get your adrenaline pumping with a game of beach volleyball. Once sufficiently tired, you can retreat into one of the several pavilions and devour your packed meals away from the scorching sun.
If swimming and volleyball aren’t your vibe, you can hire a pontoon boat and cruise the serene lake water or go jet skiing on the water. You could also find a quiet fishing spot and enjoy the refreshing breeze and stunning views Kentucky Dam Village has to offer.
Before you leave, stop by the gift shop and grab some souvenirs you can bring home.
Recommended nearby stay in Caldwell County: View listing
6. Lake Barkley Park Beach
Located eight and a half miles west of Cadiz, off State Park Road, Kentucky, is Lake Barkley Park. It boasts a tranquil coastline with picturesque views that look like they’re straight out of a magazine. The beach is perfect for anyone looking for a fun getaway to relax and reconnect with nature.
Everything from the clear blue waters of Lake Barkley to the lush green backdrop of the surrounding trees and vegetation is breathtaking. The park beach has plenty of amenities, including restrooms and shower facilities, ideal for lovers of the great outdoors.
There’s a court you can use to play beach volleyball and a marina close by where you can hire equipment and gear for tubing, boarding, and skiing. You can even rent a pontoon boat to cruise the lake waters and do some fishing.
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7. Lake Malone State Park Beach
If you’re looking for a kid-friendly beach destination, check out Lake Malone State Park Beach in Dunmore, Kentucky. The waters are calm with virtually no waves and shallow around the shoreline. There’s also usually a lifeguard on duty all year round, so you know your children are safe while playing in the water.
You can do plenty of fun activities with your children during your visit. You can build sandcastles on the beach or splash around the gentle waters. Once you’re through with your activities, you can unwind on the shores and soak up some sun or enjoy a nice picnic while taking in the stunning views of Lake Malone.
If you’re up for an adventure, you can hire a pontoon boat and cruise the serene waters and enjoy the refreshing breeze. Lake Malone State Park Beach also has beautiful hiking trails you can go on with your family and explore all that nature has to offer.
Recommended nearby stay in Caldwell County: View listing
8. Nolin Lake Park Beach
If you’re looking for an ocean-like beach experience in Kentucky, Nolin Lake State Park is as close as it gets. Located off Brier Creek Road in Mammoth Cave, Kentucky, the park beach is covered with soft, fine, golden sand and has an expansive shoreline where you can picnic, sunbathe, or sit in your lounge chair and enjoy a good book. You can even go swimming or snorkeling to explore marine life underwater.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, you can use any of the on-site grills for barbecuing as you let the kids go wild in the nearby playground. For all the bird lovers in the house, Nolin Lake State Park is full of exotic species native to the region. It’s a birdwatcher’s haven. Expect to see bald eagles, sandhill cranes, the great blue heron, and several other unique birds.
While there, stop by Mammoth Cave National Park on your way home and explore the world’s longest cave system. You’ll be thankful you did.
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9. Pennyrile Forest Beach
Tucked away in western Kentucky is the pristine shoreline of Pennyrile Forest Beach. It is located in Dawson Springs, one of the most beautiful beach destinations in the Bluegrass State.
There are so many fun things you can do while you’re there. You can relax by the beach and soak up the sun or swim in the clear waters of Pennyrile Lake. You can even indulge in a game of beach volleyball or enjoy a delicious picnic with your friends and loved ones. The resort park beach also has camping grounds nearby where you can spend the night and enjoy the serenity of Mother Nature.
The list of things to do at Pennyrile Forest Park is never-ending, so you’re in for a good time. If you schedule your trip during peak seasons, you can hire watercraft such as pedal boats, kayaks, and canoes and tour the lake. For the golfers in the house, you can enjoy a round at the 18-hole golf course nearby.
Recommended nearby stay in Caldwell County: View listing
10. Rough River Dam State Resort Park
Located in Falls of Rough, Kentucky, is the Rough River Dam State Resort Park, which opens out to a 5,000-acre lake. The views from the shoreline are spectacular. The crystal clear lake waters set against the backdrop of the lush green forest along the shores are magical.
Rough River Dam State Park attracts visitors from all parts of the country who can’t get enough of its scenic beauty. From its name, you might be forgiven for thinking the lake has rough waters. On the contrary, the water is calm, with few waves, making it perfect for swimming and fishing.
The fine, golden sand on the beach is perfect for picnicking, playing a game of beach volleyball, having a picnic, or sunbathing. The beach has no shortage of basketball courts, miniature golf courses, and children’s playgrounds conveniently located close by to make sure the fun never stops.
If you’re up for an adventure, you can hike through the forest and explore nature in all her majesty.
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In the meantime, check out our top picks for the best beaches in Los Angeles.