Lakes in Kentucky to Explore This Summer
Kentucky lakes are an abundant feature across the Bluegrass State’s landscape. If you’re asking how many lakes are in Kentucky? Well, there are 45 major lakes in Kentucky. These reservoirs create outdoor recreation across the state, in addition to ample flood control and a source of energy.
SEE ALSO: Best Kentucky Gifts, Souvenirs, Apparel, Gear
These lakes in Kentucky aren’t just random fresh water reservoirs dotted across the state, some of them are prominent at a national level. For example,Lake Cumberland is known as the Houseboat Capital of the World. For the sportsmen types looking for the catch of a lifetime, Cave Run Lake, Dale Hollow Lake or Lake Beshear offer some of the best fishing not only in the state, but the entire United States. Meanwhile, Kentucky Lake is one of the largest lakes east of the Mississippi River. Still, there are dozens of smaller bodies of water that quieter are serene.
Pro tip, grab one of these local lake shirts to have even more fun!
Every Lake in KY
Below we outline a list of lakes and reservoirs of Kentucky.
- Lake Barkley (extends into Tennessee)
- Lake Barkley, spanning 58,000 acres across Livingston County, Lyon County, and Trigg County, KY, reaches into the state of Tennessee. This expansive reservoir, created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1966 with the construction of Barkley Dam, holds historical significance. The dam and the lake are dedicated to Vice President Alben Barkley, a proud native of Kentucky.
- Barren River Lake
- Barren River Lake spans 10,100 acres and is located in portions of Allen, Barren, and Monroe counties. Established in 1964 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers through the impoundment of the Barren River, the reservoir derives its name from the river itself, resulting in the designation Barren River Lake.
- Beaver Lake
- Boltz Lake
- Buckhorn Lake
- Bullock Pen Lake
- Lake Beshear
- Cannon Creek Lake
- Lake Carnico
- Carr Creek Lake (formerly Carr Fork Lake)
- Cave Run Lake
- Cedar Creek Lake
- Cranks Creek Lake
- Lake Cumberland
- Lake Cumberland, located in Clinton, Pulaski, Russell, Wayne, and Laurel counties in Kentucky, is a prominent reservoir renowned for its vast size and popularity in the eastern United States. Encompassing 65,530 acres and featuring a shoreline stretching 1,255 miles, the lake was originally constructed for flood control and hydroelectric power generation. Ranking 8th in size among U.S. reservoirs, Lake Cumberland holds a substantial water capacity of 6,100,000 acre-feet, equivalent to covering the entire state of Kentucky with 3 inches of water. Despite facing challenges such as dam repairs and water level adjustments, the lake has emerged as a thriving recreational hub, offering activities ranging from houseboat rentals to various watercraft options. Boasting two state parks, Lake Cumberland State Resort Park and General Burnside State Park, and serving as a haven for fishing enthusiasts with record-setting catches, Lake Cumberland stands as a multifaceted gem in the Kentucky landscape.
- Dale Hollow Lake (extends into Tennessee)
- Dewey Lake
- Doe Run Lake
- Elk Lake
- Elmer Davis Lake
- Fishtrap Lake
- Grayson Lake
- Green River Lake
- Greenbo Lake
- Guist Creek Lake
- Herrington Lake
- Kentucky Lake (extends into Tennessee)
- Kincaid Lake
- Laurel River Lake
- Lake Linville
- Lake Malone
- Martins Fork Lake
- Nolin River Lake
- Paintsville Lake
- Pan Bowl Lake
- Rough River Lake
- Shanty Hollow Lake
- Shelby Lake
- Swan Lake
- Taylorsville Lake
- Wilgreen Lake
- Williamstown Lake
- Willisburg Lake
- Wood Creek Lake
- Yatesville Lake
SEE ALSO: Hiking in Kentucky? Explore the Best Trails Here
Kentucky Lakes Map
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FAQs
What is the prettiest lake in Kentucky?
When prompted with the common question, what is the prettiest lake in Kentucky? The answer is rather subjective, however Laurel River Lake often gets this label since it’s one of the deepest and cleanest lakes in the state. Clear water and underwater rock formations make it a great spot for scuba diving.
Are there any big lakes in Kentucky?
Kentucky Lake is by far the biggest lake in Kentucky. At 160,309 surface acres, it also takes the crown as the largest man-made lake east of the Mississippi River.
What are the cleanest lakes in KY?
Laurel River Lake, Dale Hollow Lake, FRP-LaGrange Quarry, Cave Run Lake, and Lake Cumberland are some of the cleanest lakes in KY.
