Located on the cool waters of Lake Kentucky, Kenlake State Park is an aquatic nature lover’s paradise. The lake has some of the state’s best swimming and water activities, such as water and jet skiing. And you’ll find incredible fishing out on the well stocked waters.
But you’ll find plenty more once you dry off. There’s a network of trails that lead through the forests surrounding the lake. You’ll be able to spot dozens of species of birds, as well as a variety of mammals. The park also has hundreds of species of plants and trees, with stunning spring wildflowers. And the park has a wide range of recreational activities, such as tennis, basketball, and archery.
The campground found within the park has over 80 RV sites for you to choose from, all with full hookups for your campervan. You can enjoy your camping trip with modern amenities and comforts. Whether you plan on a weekend stay or an extended vacation, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy at Kenlake State Park- both on and off the water.
Located in southwest Kentucky, Kenlake State Park can easily be reached from the state’s major cities, as well as from other towns in the region, such as Nashville.
If you are driving from Louisville, take the Western Kentucky Parkway, and you will reach the park in just over three hours. And if you are driving from Nashville, take I-24 west from the city, and you will arrive at the park in less than two hours.
The roads in the park are all well maintained, and there aren’t any restrictions on RVs. You shouldn’t have to worry about any tight turns, although large rigs will have to be careful when entering the campground. There is occasional ice during the winter, but for most of the year, the roads will have few hazards.
The pet-friendly campground located within the park offers 87 sites. All of the sites have picnic tables, fire pits, and electrical and water hookups. However, water access can vary depending on weather in the winter, and may occasionally be shut off to prevent the pipes from freezing. The campground is open from mid-March to mid-November.
The sites are also quite conveniently located, providing easy access to all of the park’s main areas, including the swimming areas, boat launches, and park office. You’ll also be within a short walk of the park’s hiking trails, tennis courts, and basketball court.
The sites must be booked at least a day before you plan to arrive, but can be booked up to a year in advance. If you plan on visiting during the summer, you should try to reserve your site as soon as possible, as the campground fills up quickly.
Those who want to fish will find well-stocked waters at Kenlake State Park. The bass fishing in the lake is particularly good, but you’ll find a wide range of fish species, including channel and blue catfish, sauger, and crappie.
You can also rent a boat, should you not have your own vessel. The range of boats on offer is excellent, so you can choose from anything from a canoe to a pontoon.
Fishing is excellent year round, but at its best from April through September. The fish tend to be a bit less active during the hottest parts of summer, so use a slower bait if you plan on fishing during this period.
Kentucky Lake is a popular summertime destination for those looking to enjoy the waters and cool off. There are no motor restrictions, so the lake is excellent for water skiing and jet skiing.
There’s a large boat ramp that makes launching easy. The park offers a variety of rentals including pontoon boats, ski boats, and jet skis. And there are over 100 boat slips that you can rent if you want to keep your boat on the water.
With the longest shoreline along a man-made lake that you’ll find anywhere in the United States, there’s plenty of room for swimmers at Kenlake State Park. And there are multiple picnic areas near the lake if you want to relax after a swim. You can also dry off and head to the basketball court that is near the water. There’s also a swimming pool available for those staying in the lodge or a cottage if you want a change from the lake waters.
Kenlake State Park is a popular destination for birdwatchers. There are over 150 species of birds living in the park, so even the most experienced enthusiast will have something new to see.
There’s a Blue Bird trail that’s excellent for birdwatchers. The other two trails also offer a chance to catch a glimpse of the park’s variety of bird species.
Kentucky has many active bird watching societies, many of which produce excellent fields guides. Try to pick one of these up before coming to the park, or go to the park office to find more information on the bird species found in the park.
Although mainly known for its water activities, Kenlake State Park also has a few nice trails for hikers to explore. These trails total a little over two miles, so they’re great for a leisurely stroll through the forest after a day out on the lake. The hiking is scenic during the spring and fall. Come during spring to watch the Kentucky flowers come to life. Or enjoy the cool forests as the leaves begin to turn in autumn.
For those looking to get some exercise throughout their stay at the park, there’s a wide range of sporting facilities found within the park. You’ll have access to multiple tennis courts, as well as a basketball court, archery range, and swimming pool.
There’s also an archery range, for those who want to see how accurate they are with bow and arrow. The park office has rentals, if you don’t have your own gear. The facilities, with the exception of the pool, are open year round.
