Summertime in Kentucky means the temperatures and humidity can soar, which means you need to have a place to cool off when you still want to be outside. Even though Kentucky is landlocked, we still have many bodies of water that offer sandy beaches and swimmable areas. Some Kentucky State Parks, in particular, offer these relaxing destinations and a few of them are now open. Plan a visit to one of these five pristine beaches in Kentucky for a beautiful and memorable summer outing.
- Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park
Facebook/Kentucky State Parks Buckhorn Lake is a picturesque spot in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Eastern Kentucky. The park has so much to offer, including a sandy beach that sits just below the lodge. The beach is open to the public and offers restrooms and beautiful scenery. Learn more by checking out our previous article, and don’t forget to check out the park’s website for any updates.
- Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park
Facebook/KY Dam Village State Resort Park The next beach is located on the other side of the state on massive Kentucky Lake. Another resort state park, KY Dam Village also offers many activities for visitors, including a rare public beach on Kentucky’s largest lake. There are also several hiking trails that will please any nature lover. Plan a visit with the park’s website.
- Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park
Facebook/Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park Also in the western region of our state, Pennyrile offers what may just be the most scenic sandy beach in Kentucky. The sand is white and clean and the turquoise waters, surrounded by thick forest, is like nothing else in the Bluegrass. This is one of the few public beaches that is now open and you can learn more on the park’s website. The park is also home to some truly majestic Bald Cypress Trees.
- Lake Malone State Park
Google/Scott Kesler About an hour east of Pennyrile Forest is lovely Lake Malone State Park. It’s all about the water here and the sandy beach is ideal for relaxing. Bring a blanket or chair and rest here for the day while cooling off in the lake. Plan a visit by first checking out the park’s website.
- Lake Barkley State Resort Park
Facebook/Lake Barkley State Resort Park It makes sense that many of these beaches are in the western part of our state, given the abundance of lakes. Lake Barkley State Resort Park is a nature lovers paradise and you should include a visit to the beach during your time here. See more of this park and learn about the beach on the park’s website.
We may not live near the ocean, but we can still enjoy a sandy beach here in Kentucky.
Facebook/Lake Barkley State Resort Park The scene above is from Lake Barkley State Resort Park where you can wrap up your day with a tropical drink and views of the lake. It’ll feel like a true beach vacation after a day spent at one of these pristine beaches in Kentucky.
Summer in the Bluegrass brings the heat, so thankfully we can retreat to a few pristine beaches in Kentucky that offer sand and a relaxing place to cool off. Have you been to any beaches in Kentucky? Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
Facebook/Kentucky State Parks
Buckhorn Lake is a picturesque spot in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Eastern Kentucky. The park has so much to offer, including a sandy beach that sits just below the lodge. The beach is open to the public and offers restrooms and beautiful scenery. Learn more by checking out our previous article, and don’t forget to check out the park’s website for any updates.
Facebook/KY Dam Village State Resort Park
The next beach is located on the other side of the state on massive Kentucky Lake. Another resort state park, KY Dam Village also offers many activities for visitors, including a rare public beach on Kentucky’s largest lake. There are also several hiking trails that will please any nature lover. Plan a visit with the park’s website.
Facebook/Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park
Also in the western region of our state, Pennyrile offers what may just be the most scenic sandy beach in Kentucky. The sand is white and clean and the turquoise waters, surrounded by thick forest, is like nothing else in the Bluegrass. This is one of the few public beaches that is now open and you can learn more on the park’s website. The park is also home to some truly majestic Bald Cypress Trees.
Google/Scott Kesler
About an hour east of Pennyrile Forest is lovely Lake Malone State Park. It’s all about the water here and the sandy beach is ideal for relaxing. Bring a blanket or chair and rest here for the day while cooling off in the lake. Plan a visit by first checking out the park’s website.
Facebook/Lake Barkley State Resort Park
It makes sense that many of these beaches are in the western part of our state, given the abundance of lakes. Lake Barkley State Resort Park is a nature lovers paradise and you should include a visit to the beach during your time here. See more of this park and learn about the beach on the park’s website.
The scene above is from Lake Barkley State Resort Park where you can wrap up your day with a tropical drink and views of the lake. It’ll feel like a true beach vacation after a day spent at one of these pristine beaches in Kentucky.
For more information on all of the Kentucky State Parks and what is currently open, visit the Parks website.
And for another swimming spot in Kentucky, check out this adults-only quarry that is as relaxing as it gets.
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Address: Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, 4441 KY-1833, Buckhorn, KY 41721, USAAddress: Kentucky Dam Village, 166 Upper Village Dr, Gilbertsville, KY 42044, USAAddress: Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park, 20781 Pennyrile Forest State Park Rd, Dawson Springs, KY 42408, USAAddress: Lake Malone State Park, 331 Ic-8001A, Dunmor, KY 42339, USAAddress: Lake Barkley State Resort Park, 3500 State Park Rd, Cadiz, KY 42211, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
pristine beaches in Kentucky April 01, 2021 Jackie Ann What are the best beaches in Kentucky? Just because Kentucky is a landlocked state doesn’t mean it’s lacking in beautiful beaches. On the contrary, our gorgeous lakes and rivers offer a range of options for beach-lovers seeking a day in the sun. Outside of Louisville, the Rough River Dam State Resort Park has been a beloved destination for tourists and locals since 1962. There is plenty of outdoor fun to be had here, from exciting fishing adventures to birdwatching or just soaking up some rays relaxing on the lakeshore. In Mammoth Cave, the sandy beach of Nolin Lake State Park is a great home base for exploring the area’s many recreational activities. Venture out to spot waterfalls on the Briar Creek Trail, get your adrenaline pumping on the mountain biking paths, or explore the wildlife displays at the site’s nature center. Are there any good swimming holes in Kentucky? Finding a great swimming hole is like discovering a secret treasure and the Bluegrass State is rich in these refreshing hidden gems. Along the Russell Fork River, Ratliff Hole is the perfect spot to spend a warm summer day. To find it, just follow the path from the sandy beach and head downstream to Pool Point. In western Kentucky, Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area is a remote area to relax on the beach and take a dip in one of the many tree-shaded swimming holes across the park. For thrill-seekers, Clifty Creek has a reputation for being a popular site for some heart-racing cliff jumping. If you prefer your outing to be a little less extreme, this idyllic creek is a great destination to swim and take in the lush natural scenery. Where can I find the bluest water in Kentucky? When thinking of outdoor adventures in Kentucky, you may not expect to discover a natural scuba diving destination. However, Laurel River Lake boasts the clearest waters in our state, making it a popular recreation area for scuba enthusiasts to explore the unique underwater rock formations. Located in the Daniel Boone National Forest region of London, Kentucky, this lake spans 5,600 acres of rocky coves and forests full of native plants and wildlife. Visitors have an abundance of ways to enjoy the stunning clear waters of Laurel River Lake with refreshing swimming areas, fishing spots on the rugged lakeshore, and canoeing or kayaking adventures.
The OIYS Visitor Center
pristine beaches in Kentucky
April 01, 2021
Jackie Ann
What are the best beaches in Kentucky? Just because Kentucky is a landlocked state doesn’t mean it’s lacking in beautiful beaches. On the contrary, our gorgeous lakes and rivers offer a range of options for beach-lovers seeking a day in the sun. Outside of Louisville, the Rough River Dam State Resort Park has been a beloved destination for tourists and locals since 1962. There is plenty of outdoor fun to be had here, from exciting fishing adventures to birdwatching or just soaking up some rays relaxing on the lakeshore. In Mammoth Cave, the sandy beach of Nolin Lake State Park is a great home base for exploring the area’s many recreational activities. Venture out to spot waterfalls on the Briar Creek Trail, get your adrenaline pumping on the mountain biking paths, or explore the wildlife displays at the site’s nature center. Are there any good swimming holes in Kentucky? Finding a great swimming hole is like discovering a secret treasure and the Bluegrass State is rich in these refreshing hidden gems. Along the Russell Fork River, Ratliff Hole is the perfect spot to spend a warm summer day. To find it, just follow the path from the sandy beach and head downstream to Pool Point. In western Kentucky, Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area is a remote area to relax on the beach and take a dip in one of the many tree-shaded swimming holes across the park. For thrill-seekers, Clifty Creek has a reputation for being a popular site for some heart-racing cliff jumping. If you prefer your outing to be a little less extreme, this idyllic creek is a great destination to swim and take in the lush natural scenery. Where can I find the bluest water in Kentucky? When thinking of outdoor adventures in Kentucky, you may not expect to discover a natural scuba diving destination. However, Laurel River Lake boasts the clearest waters in our state, making it a popular recreation area for scuba enthusiasts to explore the unique underwater rock formations. Located in the Daniel Boone National Forest region of London, Kentucky, this lake spans 5,600 acres of rocky coves and forests full of native plants and wildlife. Visitors have an abundance of ways to enjoy the stunning clear waters of Laurel River Lake with refreshing swimming areas, fishing spots on the rugged lakeshore, and canoeing or kayaking adventures.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Just because Kentucky is a landlocked state doesn’t mean it’s lacking in beautiful beaches. On the contrary, our gorgeous lakes and rivers offer a range of options for beach-lovers seeking a day in the sun. Outside of Louisville, the Rough River Dam State Resort Park has been a beloved destination for tourists and locals since 1962. There is plenty of outdoor fun to be had here, from exciting fishing adventures to birdwatching or just soaking up some rays relaxing on the lakeshore. In Mammoth Cave, the sandy beach of Nolin Lake State Park is a great home base for exploring the area’s many recreational activities. Venture out to spot waterfalls on the Briar Creek Trail, get your adrenaline pumping on the mountain biking paths, or explore the wildlife displays at the site’s nature center.
Are there any good swimming holes in Kentucky?
Finding a great swimming hole is like discovering a secret treasure and the Bluegrass State is rich in these refreshing hidden gems. Along the Russell Fork River, Ratliff Hole is the perfect spot to spend a warm summer day. To find it, just follow the path from the sandy beach and head downstream to Pool Point. In western Kentucky, Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area is a remote area to relax on the beach and take a dip in one of the many tree-shaded swimming holes across the park. For thrill-seekers, Clifty Creek has a reputation for being a popular site for some heart-racing cliff jumping. If you prefer your outing to be a little less extreme, this idyllic creek is a great destination to swim and take in the lush natural scenery.
Where can I find the bluest water in Kentucky?
When thinking of outdoor adventures in Kentucky, you may not expect to discover a natural scuba diving destination. However, Laurel River Lake boasts the clearest waters in our state, making it a popular recreation area for scuba enthusiasts to explore the unique underwater rock formations. Located in the Daniel Boone National Forest region of London, Kentucky, this lake spans 5,600 acres of rocky coves and forests full of native plants and wildlife. Visitors have an abundance of ways to enjoy the stunning clear waters of Laurel River Lake with refreshing swimming areas, fishing spots on the rugged lakeshore, and canoeing or kayaking adventures.
