A recreational paradise in Campbellsville, Kentucky, lying in Highland Rim, with scenic surroundings and an endless list of recreational activities, Green River Lake is a brilliant destination for outdoor lovers. Constructed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers in 1969 for flood control purposes, the lake has since become one of the Bluegrass State's major attractions.
Construction of the dam initially began in 1964, with the area then opened to the public for recreation when Green River Lake State Park opened in 1969. Although the major purpose of the lake has always been flood control, the lake now serves other purposes such as flood control, water supply, hydroelectricity, and public recreation.
Visitors to the lake will have a host of activities to keep them busy. The park has nearly 30 miles of multipurpose trails for biking and hiking, while fishing and boating are also popular activities at the lake. The park has a virtual tour which takes you to its many attractions as well as a miniature golf course and playgrounds for kids. Kentucky isn't known for beautiful beaches and breathtaking scenery, but it has a lot of captivating attractions and Green River Lake, being one of its major selling points, is a wonderful blend of scenic views and serene surroundings. It's a perfect spot for recreation and relaxation.
Green River Lake is located south of Campbellsville Kentucky and is easily accessible by vehicle. Most highways in central Kentucky have links to the park road although there is often heavy traffic on roadways leading to the lake. Narrow Kentucky highways require drivers to maintain speed limits for safety. Once you get to the park, signposts direct you around the area easily. There are parking spots near the equestrian trailhead and boat launch.
Green River Lake Campground has 157 pet-friendly campsites available. Sites have water, electric and sewer hookups. Amenities at the ground include picnic tables, fire rings, showers, restrooms, and a dump station. A few trails are nearby, with a kid's playground and a camp store also within walking distance. The mini-golf course, marina restaurant, and swimming area are all within easy walking distance of the RV campground. Visitors are to abide by campground regulations. Reservations are advised and can be made 12 months in advance.
Pike Ridge Campground has 60 campsites available, 20 of which offer both water and electrical hookups. There are no sewer hookups at this campground, and shower facilities and picnic tables are also unavailable. Nearby amenities include a boat ramp, fishing pier, and vault toilets. There is a kid's playground as well as hiking trails and a swimming beach to give campers extra recreational options. There are also a few waterfront campsites that provide convenient lake access to campers. Reservations for the campground can be made online or in-person
Smith Ridge Campground has 80 campsites. Sixty-two have electric hookups, of which 31 also have water hookups. The other 31 sites have electric hookup only. There are no sewer hookups available at this ground. Amenities include showers, fire rings, dump station, and water pumps. There is a playground for kids nearby with the Smith Ridge Recreation Area nearby offering brilliant views of the lake. A boating ramp and fishing pier are close to the campground which also has a few hiking trails. This ground is also open to reservations.
Holmes Bend is the second largest campground at the park, offering 125 pet-friendly sites. Fifty-two sites have water and electric hookup, with 50 electric-only sites available. The campground is neat and serene, with amenities like flush toilets, showers, fire rings and drinking water available. There is a playground nearby, with several trails and a swim beach giving campers recreational options. A fishing pier, boat ramp, and marina are all within one mile of the campground. This site is also open for customer reservations.
There are about 28 miles of multi-use trails at the park, offering scenic views of the lake and its surroundings. Hikers should bring their boots and some binoculars to the lake to experience its nature fully. The North Trail takes you through some very scenic areas, and Deer Creek Trail and the Shipp Trail also offer brilliant views. Marina Main Trail is also a popular route for hikers.
There is a large marina at the park, with several boat launches that give visitors a brilliant lake experience. Visitors can explore the lake on a boat with the wide lake area providing fishing, birding, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Motorized boats are allowed only at the lower lake area with jet skis and personal watercrafts banned at the lake altogether. Boat and marina rentals are available at the park.
Fishing season at Green River Lake starts when the water temperature reaches the 50s, usually in late March where the sport fish population at Green River Lake is at its highest. The lake is known for quality crappie fishing, with smallmouth bass, trout and walleye also having rich populations at the lake. Visitors can either fish from the shore or take a boat further into the lake for better fishing opportunities.
Green River State Park has the most extensive bird species list in the entire area and also one of the most diverse in Kentucky. Hiking trails and roadways offer perfect spots to observe some of the species that reside at the park. The large trees of the resort provide habitat for woodpeckers, goldfinch, owls, blue heron, and many other species. Waterfowl can be spotted at the lake, with upland birds species like grouse and turkeys also common.
The swimming area at the resort is flanked by two children's play areas and has a wide sandy beach. Swimming is not advised during late hours as there are no lifeguards on duty, but swimming with a friend or companion is encouraged if visitors insist on swimming at night. The swimming area is generally open from March through November.
Green River Lake is a very scenic site and visitors with cameras can capture the lake's beauty from the trails or while boating. Some of the unique plant and animal life can also be photographed, and it's a brilliant way to capture the memory of your time at the resort.
