On the Tennessee River, there is a sizable reservoir called Kentucky Lake. It extends south over state lines into Tennessee and is roughly 250 square miles in size. Kentucky Lake is an important source of hydroelectricity and a popular destination for relaxation and lakeside getaways. Over 2,300 miles of the lake's shores are dotted with public access sites, camps, and recreation places. There are more marinas, boat launches, and docks on the lake's western shore.

As a portion of the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, the eastern shoreline is more natural. Lake Barkley, to the east, is the other lake that makes this recreation area the "land between lakes." Over 500 miles of multi-use trails run through the National Recreation Area, which offers water activities on both sides and in between.

Every water activity under the sun is catered to at Kentucky Lake. Powerboats, playboats, and pontoon boats may all create a large wake with no difficulty. The waterway is used by commercial barges, thus other boaters should take extra care near them.

One of the state's top fishing spots is the lake, according to legend. Even while various species strike the hook, most fishermen typically land bass or crappie. A valid fishing license is required to throw a line for anyone who is 16 years of age or older.

Location: between the Great Lakes and the Gulf of Mexico

Lake Cumberland, one of the biggest artificial lakes in the country, stretches into numerous counties in southern Kentucky. The Wolf Creek Dam, which impounds the Cumberland River, serves two main purposes: energy generation and flood management. However, during the past 50 years, this public body of water has grown in importance for southern Kentucky tourism.

Due to a sizable fleet that is frequently spotted on the waters, Lake Cumberland is also referred to as the "Houseboating Capital of the World". Rental houseboats range from comfortable floating homes to 90-foot boats that may accommodate up to 18 people. These floating residences can be rented from a number of marinas and hotels near the lake, including Lake Cumberland Marina and Beaver Creek Resort.

Popularity varies across the board on Lake Cumberland, not just houseboats. Powerboats, Jet Skis, and fishing rigs have plenty of room on the lake's nearly 65,000 acres of surface area. Waterskiing, fishing, and anchoring in hidden coves are regular boating activities.

The seashore is lined with exciting destinations. One such interesting location is Lake Cumberland State Resort Park, which lies close to Jamestown on the northern side. There are lodge accommodations, cabins, and campsites available at this state park all-inclusive.

Location: Clinton, Pulaski, Russell, Wayne , Laurel, Counties in Kentucky

The eastern boundary of the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area is made up of Lake Barkley. This 58,000-acre reservoir, which is located across from Kentucky Lake, attracts visitors and lake enthusiasts with its own magnetic pull.

Along the eastern shoreline are several settlements. These lakeside towns provide standard vacation facilities including dining, shopping, and lodging. The options for where to stay the night range from posh hotels to rural cottages and campgrounds. One such location that has a bit of everything to offer is Lake Barkley Resort State Park.

The Lake Barkley Resort State Park offers lodging options including rooms, suites, cottages, and a campsite close to the eastern shore's geographic center. Additionally, the resort offers a variety of activities, such as hiking, golfing, and fishing. A large number of birders visit the region in an effort to spot one of the more than 200 species that are known to frequent the lakeside.

The Lake Barclay Marina is where you can go to the water if you're inside Resort State Park's limits. The marina offers pontoon and fishing boat rentals in addition to gasoline and licenses for fishing. Lake Barkley is one of the best lakes to visit in Kentucky.

Location: Livingston County, Lyon County, and Trigg County in Kentucky

This 1,200-acre reservoir is located in southeast Kentucky, close to the Daniel Boone National Forest and the Appalachian foothills. Many vacations revolve around Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park on the northeast shore because there is so much lake to explore.

This well-known state park resort offers a wealth of family-friendly activities. Buckhorn Lake offers lodge rooms and cabins for overnight stays. Many of the overnight accommodations include stunning patio views of the water. The resort's Bowlingtown Country Kitchen Restaurant offers stunning lake views as well.

The resort has a full-service marina to accommodate water sports. The marina offers pontoon and fishing boat rentals as well as a number of boat berths for passing vessels. The boat launch at the marina is open to everyone. The sandy, seasonal beach next to the marina is open to the general public as well.

The resort's visitors can also partake in a variety of on-land pursuits right by the water. A playground, miniature golf, and horseshoes are just a few of the activities available. Additionally, the property has a 1.5-mile, somewhat difficult hiking track that offers stunning lake views.

Location: Perry / Leslie counties, Kentucky

Barren River Lake, another well-liked vacation lake in Southern Kentucky, is located twenty miles southeast of Bowling Green. This reservoir covers 10,000 acres and is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Barren River Lake State Resort Park, which is close to the village of Lucas, is the most well-liked recreation area.

Within the State Park Resort, the Barren River State Dock offers boat slips, launches, and rentals. The majority of the fleet in the marina is made up of several types of pontoon boats, along with other fishing boats like Jon boats. One of the most well-liked pastimes on the lake is fishing, with bass, walleye, and crappie frequently accepting the bait.

The State Park Resort has 99 campsite units along with lodge rooms, contemporary cabins, and other types of overnight lodging. Self-guided hiking routes and an illuminated outdoor basketball court are two more land-based amenities. A professional 18-hole golf course with club rentals is another amenity of the resort.

Separate from the State Park Resort, the Army Corps of Engineers manages four campgrounds. These campgrounds provide a little more peace and seclusion and separation from the masses. Boat ramps and swimming beaches can be found at Bailey's Point and Tailwater, two of the campgrounds.

Location: Allen, Barren, and Monroe counties, Kentucky

90 miles east of Bowling Green, in Central Kentucky, Green River Lake is close to Campbellsville. In this adventurous region of the state, the lake is a key natural feature, and the reservoir's 8,000 acres are lined with public access sites. Green River Lake State Park is a good starting point for exploration and is about ten minutes from Campbellsville. This 1,300-acre park's marina offers more than 200 covered boat berths. A large fleet of rental boats, including houseboats, powerboats, pontoon boats, fishing boats, and Jet Skis, is also available at the marina.

Green River Lake State Park is rife with activities that take place on land. The park's more than 28 miles of multi-use trails provide access to breathtaking water views. Both cyclists and horseback riders enjoy these trails. There are more than 200 RV and basic tent camping sites in the park's campsite, which is close to the lake.

Visiting Campbellsville alone is a good enough excuse to go to Green River Lake. This laid-back city, which is home to Campbellsville University, has developed into the state's premier outdoor destination. The Bluegrass region that surrounds Campbellsville is what lends the city its natural beauty. This welcoming neighborhood is also rich in history, which is interesting to explore.

Location: Adair / Taylor / Casey counties, Kentucky

Another well-liked leisure reservoir that runs through Spencer County is Taylorsville Lake. The lake, which lies about halfway between Louisville and Lexington, is very busy on weekends. On the northeastern shore, Taylorsville Lake State Park is another popular destination.

More than 3,000 acres make up Taylorsville Lake. The Possum Ridge and Settlers Trace boat ramps close to the state park are a couple of the most well-liked launching locations. The Taylorsville Lake Marina is also close by and provides a range of rentals, such as pontoon boats and equipment for waterskiing.

The state park offers many land-based activities in addition to water access. The public area is covered by a vast 24-mile route network that welcomes hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders. There is a campground with 42 full-service RV sites at the state park as well.

The main attraction in Taylorsville Lake is frequent fishing, whether from the state park or other accessible locations. Bass, bluegill, and crappie are just a few of the many fish species that thrive in the lake's diverse ecology. All the equipment required for fishing is available at the Taylorville Lake Marina.

Location: Spencer County, Kentucky

A 30-mile trip from Lexington will bring you to Herrington Lake, the deepest lake in Kentucky. The Dix River was dammed, resulting in this about 2,300-acre reservoir. No state park or state park resort is adjacent to the coastlines, in contrast to several of the best lakes throughout the state. Herrington Lake is still a well-liked location to enjoy the water, despite this.

A popular destination for recreation, the Herrington Lake Marina is situated close to the lake's center. The marina offers covered and uncovered boat berths, a boat launch, and pontoon boat and kayak rentals. One of the most popular activities in Herrington is fishing, and boaters can easily reach the sea thanks to the marina. Anglers frequently catch bluegill, catfish, crappie, and various types of bass in the regularly supplied lake. Herrington Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Kentucky.

Idler's Cove Restaurant is located in the marina and offers lakeside dining. This laid-back restaurant provides lakeside views and freshly prepared entrees. The Lights over Herrington fireworks display at the marina is a significant annual event that should not be missed. The iconic Fourth of July celebration also features a parade of illuminated boats.

Location: Garrard / Mercer / Boyle counties, Kentucky

Three counties make up Rough River Lake, which is located around 60 miles southeast of Louisville. The Rough River Dam on the extreme western shore produced this enormous reservoir, which spans more than 5,000 acres. On this side of the lake sits the Rough River Dam State Resort Park as well.

Since opening in 1962, The State Resort Park has undergone a number of improvements. It presently serves as the focal point for lake activities. With year-round pontoon boat rentals and a public boat launch, the marina at the state park makes it possible to go on water excursions. Here, land-based activities include orienteering, hiking paths, and disc golf.

The extensive shoreline is punctuated by four campgrounds provided by the Army Corps of Engineers. Three of these campgrounds are adjacent to the McDaniels neighborhood and the lake's northern arm. The second campground, Cave Creek Campground, is located nearer to Falls of Rough and further south.

Location: Breckinridge / Grayson / Hardin counties, Kentucky

In west-central Kentucky, Nolin River Lake is located directly to the north of Mammoth Caves National Park. After exploring the local caves, Nolin Lake State Park makes a fantastic area to visit or spend the night. The state park is also worthwhile as a stand-alone trip due to easy access to the lake's 5,000+ acre size and a number of land-based activities.

Nearly 60 sites are available at the campground, and all of them are along the water. Primitive tent-pitching areas and conventional campsites with hookups are also available at Nolin River State Park for camping. The campground is next to the park's sandy swimming beach, which is open to the public from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

The park has a boat launch that makes it simple to access the water. Numerous land-based activities are also very popular. Over nine miles of singletrack are available for mountain bikers and hikers in the park. The waterfall loop is a suggested trail to check out since halfway along the route, visitors may see a stunning demonstration of gravity. Nolin River Lake is also one of the best lakes to visit in Kentucky.

Location: Edmonson / Grayson / Hart counties, Kentucky