Kentucky may be a landlocked state, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have our fair share of beautiful beaches. Kentucky’s vast lakes and fabulous state parks play host to numerous sandy shores, hidden throughout the state. If you want the ultimate summer road trip and to track down the best hidden beaches in Kentucky, look no further than this secret beach adventure that will have you digging your toes in the sand all around the Bluegrass State.
- Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park
Kentucky State Parks Relax on the beach of the lovely 1,200-acre Buckhorn Lake. This public beach has a bathhouse for visitors to use, which is great since you’ll want to spend several hours admiring the views. You may even see a boat sail your way from the other side of the lake. 4441 Kentucky Highway 1833, Buckhorn, KY, 41721
- Carr Creek State Park
Kentucky State Parks Carr Creek is a family-friendly oasis and the longest beach in the Kentucky State Parks system, and in the entire state. Spend time on the beach and then explore this unique park in Eastern Kentucky, filled with interesting wildlife and landscape. 2086 Smithboro Road Highway 15, Sassafras, KY, 41759
- Barren River Lake State Resort Park
Facebook/Barren River Lake State Resort Park If you’re looking for the best sandy beach in Kentucky, head west toward Barren River Lake for a pristine beach, with more sweeping views of beautiful Kentucky. There is a designated swimming area and bathrooms are also available. 1149 State Park Rd, Lucas, KY 42156, USA 1149 State Park Road, Lucas, KY, 42156
- Lake Barkley State Resort Park
Kentucky State Parks Next, in the southwest corner of Kentucky, you’ll find the sandy beach of Lake Barkley. This public beach has volleyball courts and a bathhouse for a day of fun in and out of the water. 3500 State Park Road, Cadiz, KY, 42211
- Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park
Facebook/Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park Not too far away, you’ll find the sparkling sands of Pennyrile Beach. This spot is arguably one of the most beautiful for its clean sand, cool water and stunning views of the lakeshore. It may also be the beach with the clearest water in Kentucky. 20781 Pennyrile Lodge Road, Dawson Springs, KY, 42408
- Lake Malone State Park
Kentucky State Parks Head back east and check out the beach of Lake Malone. Also set up for a day of fun with a bathhouse, showers, restroom and vending area, you’ll enjoy a day at the beach at this hidden gem. 331 State Route Road 8001, Dunmor, KY, 42339
- Rough River Dam State Resort Park - Address:
Facebook/Rough River Dam State Resort Park Our furthest north location, the beach at Rough River Dam is another delightful beach in central Kentucky. As with all of these beaches, it’s very important to check ahead and be sure that weather has not affected the area. This beach, as well as others, do close from time to time for this reason. 450 Lodge Road, Falls Of Rough, KY, 40119
- Nolin Lake State Park
Facebook/Nolin Lake State Park Near popular Mammoth Cave, Nolin Lake State Park beach in Kentucky is the perfect escape from the crowds. Surrounded by hills of forest, endless water and big skies, it’s a relaxing spot to explore. 2998 Brier Creek Road, Mammoth Cave, KY, 42259
- Green River Lake State Park
Facebook/Green River Lake - Visit Campbellsville KY The last stop on our road trip, Green River Lake State Park beach in Kentucky is unique in that you can camp right at the beach! Play a game of volleyball or just sit back and enjoy the fun you’ve had at Kentucky’s hidden beaches. 179 Park Office Road, Campbellsville, KY, 42718
Quick Hits: Best Beaches In Kentucky
Kentucky State Parks
Relax on the beach of the lovely 1,200-acre Buckhorn Lake. This public beach has a bathhouse for visitors to use, which is great since you’ll want to spend several hours admiring the views. You may even see a boat sail your way from the other side of the lake.
4441 Kentucky Highway 1833, Buckhorn, KY, 41721
Carr Creek is a family-friendly oasis and the longest beach in the Kentucky State Parks system, and in the entire state. Spend time on the beach and then explore this unique park in Eastern Kentucky, filled with interesting wildlife and landscape.
2086 Smithboro Road Highway 15, Sassafras, KY, 41759
Facebook/Barren River Lake State Resort Park
If you’re looking for the best sandy beach in Kentucky, head west toward Barren River Lake for a pristine beach, with more sweeping views of beautiful Kentucky. There is a designated swimming area and bathrooms are also available.
1149 State Park Rd, Lucas, KY 42156, USA 1149 State Park Road, Lucas, KY, 42156
Next, in the southwest corner of Kentucky, you’ll find the sandy beach of Lake Barkley. This public beach has volleyball courts and a bathhouse for a day of fun in and out of the water.
3500 State Park Road, Cadiz, KY, 42211
Facebook/Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park
Not too far away, you’ll find the sparkling sands of Pennyrile Beach. This spot is arguably one of the most beautiful for its clean sand, cool water and stunning views of the lakeshore. It may also be the beach with the clearest water in Kentucky.
20781 Pennyrile Lodge Road, Dawson Springs, KY, 42408
Kentucky State Parks
Head back east and check out the beach of Lake Malone. Also set up for a day of fun with a bathhouse, showers, restroom and vending area, you’ll enjoy a day at the beach at this hidden gem.
331 State Route Road 8001, Dunmor, KY, 42339
Facebook/Rough River Dam State Resort Park
Our furthest north location, the beach at Rough River Dam is another delightful beach in central Kentucky. As with all of these beaches, it’s very important to check ahead and be sure that weather has not affected the area. This beach, as well as others, do close from time to time for this reason.
450 Lodge Road, Falls Of Rough, KY, 40119
Facebook/Nolin Lake State Park
Near popular Mammoth Cave, Nolin Lake State Park beach in Kentucky is the perfect escape from the crowds. Surrounded by hills of forest, endless water and big skies, it’s a relaxing spot to explore.
2998 Brier Creek Road, Mammoth Cave, KY, 42259
Facebook/Green River Lake - Visit Campbellsville KY
The last stop on our road trip, Green River Lake State Park beach in Kentucky is unique in that you can camp right at the beach! Play a game of volleyball or just sit back and enjoy the fun you’ve had at Kentucky’s hidden beaches.
179 Park Office Road, Campbellsville, KY, 42718
What are the prettiest beaches in Kentucky? There are a variety of beautiful beaches in Kentucky. Many beaches offer incredible mountain views, and one of the best is Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park in Kentucky. Kentucky beaches are not always known for their pure, white sand, but Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park offers a pristine, lakefront beach. If you’d like to combine camping with the best sandy beach in Kentucky, head to Zilpo Campground at Cave Run Lake. This gorgeous lake is best viewed when lounging on this scenic, beautiful beach.
What are the best beach towns in Kentucky? There are a few beaches in Kentucky that are close to small towns. Gilbertsville is located adjacent to Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park and a sandy beach. For a true coastal feel, visit Grand Rivers which is a lakefront town with its very own lighthouse. In this waterfront town, you can stay in a charming bed and breakfast, rent a boat for an afternoon, and hike along the lake’s rocky shores.
What beaches have the clearest water in Kentucky? Crystal clear water is not very common in the Bluegrass State, but you can find it at some beaches in Kentucky. Pennyrile, mentioned above for its white sand, also offers clear, turquoise water. Dale Hollow Lake is not well known for beaches in Kentucky, but this pristine lake has incredibly clear water that you’ll love to enjoy.
Pack up your beach towel, sunscreen and a change of clothes and head out on this epic summer road trip to visit these hidden beaches in Kentucky. How many of these have you visited? Did we miss any of your favorites? Kentucky beaches are great spots to spend a summer day and we’d love for you to share your experience with us in the comments!
To view this trip, along with specific addresses and directions, check out our custom map.
And for more info on all of these amazing parks, visit the Kentucky State Parks website.
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Address: 179 Park Office Rd.Campbellsville, KY 42718Address: 2998 Brier Creek Road Mammoth Cave, KY 42259Address: 450 Lodge Rd. Falls Of Rough, KY 40119Address: 331 S.R. Rd. 8001 Dunmor, KY 42339Address: 3500 State Park Rd.Cadiz, KY 42211Address: 1149 State Park Road Lucas, KY 42156Address: 2086 Smithboro Rd., HWY 15 Sassafras, KY 41759Address: 4441 Ky Hwy. 1833 Buckhorn, KY 41721Address: 20781 Pennyrile Lodge Rd. Dawson Springs, KY 42408
