Kentucky Lake, Kentucky

The Ultimate Destination for Boating, Fishing, and Outdoor Adventure

As the largest man-made lake by surface area east of the Mississippi River, Kentucky Lake is a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts, spanning 160,300 acres across western Kentucky and Tennessee. With over 2,000 miles of shoreline, this breathtaking lake offers world-class fishing, boating, hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a fishing trip, or a relaxing lakeside retreat, Kentucky Lake has something for everyone.

Things to Do at Kentucky Lake

Boating & Water Activities

Kentucky Lake is a boater’s paradise, offering plenty of space for water sports, scenic cruises, and peaceful paddling. With multiple marinas, boat ramps, and rental services, it’s easy to hit the water.

🚤 Pontooning & Powerboating – Cruise across the vast lake, explore hidden coves, and enjoy breathtaking sunsets.
🛶 Kayaking & Canoeing – Paddle through quiet inlets and the scenic backwaters of the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area (LBL).
🏄 Jet Skiing & Water Sports – Perfect for wakeboarding, tubing, and high-speed fun.

Popular marinas with boat rentals and services include:

• Moors Resort & Marina
• Kenlake Marina
• Lighthouse Landing Marina
• Big Bear Resort

Fishing – A World-Class Destination

Kentucky Lake is one of the top fishing lakes in the country, drawing anglers from across the U.S. for its diverse fish populations. Common catches include:
🎣 Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass
🎣 Crappie (Black & White Crappie)
🎣 Bluegill & Sunfish
🎣 Catfish (Channel, Flathead, and Blue Catfish)
🎣 Sauger & Walleye

The lake’s structure, featuring submerged river channels, ledges, and brush piles, creates the perfect environment for excellent year-round fishing.

Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area (LBL)

Kentucky Lake borders the Land Between the Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area, a 170,000-acre outdoor paradise offering:
🌲 Scenic Hiking & Biking Trails – Over 500 miles of trails, including the North/South Trail.
🦌 Wildlife Viewing – Spot bald eagles, deer, elk, bison, and more.
🌄 Golden Pond Planetarium & Observatory – A great place to explore the night sky.

Hiking & Outdoor Exploration

For those who love to explore on foot, the Kentucky Lake area offers beautiful hiking trails with scenic views of the lake and surrounding forests. Popular trails include:
🌿 Hematite Lake Trail – A scenic loop around a small lake in LBL.
🏞 Canal Loop Trail – A popular multi-use trail with breathtaking lake views.
🌲 Moss Creek Day Use Area – A great spot for short hikes and wildlife photography.

Camping & Lodging

Visitors to Kentucky Lake can choose from a wide range of accommodations, from campgrounds to lakeside resorts.

🏕 Kentucky Lake Campgrounds – Multiple campgrounds for tent and RV camping, including Hillman Ferry Campground and Kenlake State Park Campground.
🏡 Lakeside Cabins & Resorts – Stay in cozy cabins or luxury lakeside lodges at resorts like Green Turtle Bay Resort and Moors Resort.
🏨 Hotels & Inns in Nearby Towns – Convenient lodging in Murray, Benton, and Grand Rivers.

Golfing & Other Activities

Golf lovers can tee off at Kentucky Dam Village State Park Golf Course, one of the best public golf courses in the state. Other activities around the lake include:
🎣 Guided Fishing Tours – Get expert help from local fishing guides.
🚴 Mountain Biking – Explore rugged trails in LBL.
🛶 Paddleboarding & Canoeing – Rent equipment and paddle through quiet coves.