Lake Barkley, Kentucky

A Scenic Outdoor Paradise in Western Kentucky

Stretching 134 miles across Western Kentucky and Northern Tennessee, Lake Barkley is one of the largest and most beautiful lakes in the region. Covering 58,000 acres, this reservoir is a prime destination for boating, fishing, camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Together with Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley forms part of the Land Between the Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area, offering visitors endless outdoor adventures and breathtaking scenery.

Things to Do at Lake Barkley

Boating & Water Activities

Lake Barkley is a boater’s dream, with its vast waters, scenic shoreline, and numerous marinas offering rentals and services. Whether you’re looking for relaxation or high-speed fun, the lake has something for everyone.

🚤 Pontooning & Powerboating – Enjoy a cruise along the winding waterways.
🛶 Kayaking & Canoeing – Paddle through calm inlets and forested shorelines.
🏄 Jet Skiing & Water Sports – Great for tubing, wakeboarding, and high-speed thrills.

Popular marinas offering boat rentals, fuel, and docking services include:

• Lake Barkley Marina
• Buzzard Rock Marina
• Eddy Creek Marina Resort
• Prizer Point Marina & Resort

Fishing

Lake Barkley is one of Kentucky’s top fishing destinations, known for its abundant fish populations and diverse species. Anglers can expect to catch:
🎣 Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass
🎣 Crappie (Black & White Crappie)
🎣 Bluegill & Sunfish
🎣 Catfish (Flathead, Channel, and Blue Catfish)
🎣 Sauger & Walleye

Fishing is great year-round, with plenty of fishing piers, boat access points, and deep water structures to explore.

Land Between the Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area

Lake Barkley borders Land Between the Lakes (LBL), a 170,000-acre outdoor paradise, offering:
🌲 Scenic Hiking & Biking Trails – Over 500 miles of trails, including the North/South Trail.
🦌 Wildlife Viewing – Home to elk, bison, bald eagles, deer, and wild turkeys.
🌄 Golden Pond Planetarium & Observatory – Explore the night sky with interactive exhibits.

Hiking & Outdoor Exploration

For those who love hiking and exploring nature, Lake Barkley offers beautiful trails and wildlife areas. Popular trails include:
🌿 Canal Loop Trail – A scenic trail offering lake views and forested paths.
🌲 Hematite Lake Trail – A peaceful loop trail with wildlife viewing opportunities.
🏞 Honker Lake Trail – A great spot for birdwatching and nature photography.

Camping & Lodging

Lake Barkley provides a variety of accommodations, from state park campgrounds to luxury lakeside resorts.

🏕 Lake Barkley State Resort Park Campground – Tent and RV sites with fire pits, picnic tables, and restrooms.
🏡 Cabins & Vacation Rentals – Cozy lakeside cabins and luxury rentals with private docks.
🏨 Lake Barkley State Resort Park Lodge – A full-service lodge with a pool, restaurant, and stunning lake views.
🏠 Nearby Hotels in Cadiz & Eddyville – Additional lodging options just minutes from the lake.

Golfing & Other Activities

For those who love to golf, Lake Barkley State Resort Park Golf Course offers lush fairways and breathtaking views of the lake. Other activities include:
🚴 Mountain Biking – Explore rugged trails in LBL.
🐴 Horseback Riding – Trails available for riders of all skill levels.
🛶 Paddleboarding & Canoeing – Rent equipment and enjoy a peaceful paddle along the shore.