Looking for a lakeside retreat with luxurious amenities and a wide range of activities to spend your getaway vacation? You’ll find exactly that at Lake Barkley State Resort Park. Located in Cadiz, KY, Lake Barkley stands out as one of the largest man-made lakes in the world!
Lake Barkley State Resort Park promises adventure at every turn, from water-sports to golf courses to a luxurious lodge fit for any opulent vacation-seeker. Read more about what makes this location the perfect place to plan your next lake holiday.
Lodging
Lake Barkley Lodge
For those looking for a lavish experience, the Lake Barkley Lodge offers a world-class luxury lodging option. The lodge sits among the wooded shorelines of Lake Barkley and offers 124 rooms available for rental year-round. The hotel’s grand post-and-beam construction and glass side paneling offers an immersive experience as visitors look out onto the lake.
Guests at the lodge will not find themselves short of entertainment, as the hotel also hosts a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, and tennis courts. The Lake Barley Conference Center, along with two private meeting rooms within the lodge, are great locations for accommodating large events and groups.
Cabins
Cabins and cottages within the state resort park offer more secluded options for guests looking for a private getaway on the waters of Lake Barkley.
The park offers 9 two-bed, two-bath cottages with options for wooded or lakeside views. There are also 4 rustic-style log cabins available for rental. The cabins are all unique from one another and offer screened-in porches for guests to enjoy an evening refreshment and watch for wildlife while looking out on the lake.
Camping
Lake Barkley’s campground has 78 sites, complete with a dump station, utility hookups, and two central bathhouses. The sites are open from March to November and do not take reservations ahead of time; plan accordingly.
Water recreation
As one of the biggest man-made lakes in the world, Lake Barkley is a premier location for all things related to water recreation. Explore the 58,000 acres of water as you boat, fish, swim, and more.
Boating
Lake Barkley is deemed as “year-round boating paradise”, with almost 60,000 acres of water open for exploration by pontoon, fishing boat, kayaks and canoes, and more. The Lake Barkley marina, located near the lodge, offers 200 slips and a launching ramp. Visitors can choose from a variety of fishing and pontoon boats to rent for their day on the lake, along with a variety of water sport accessories.
When you’re hungry from your trip on the lake, stop by the grill restaurant next to the marina for a break and a quick bite.
Fishing
While out on the water, fishers can take advantage of the lake’s abundance of catch. Largemouth, white, and Kentucky bass, along with catfish, crappie, and bluegill can be caught in the lake. Fishers must have a KY Fishing Licence, available for purchase online.
The park also offers a loaner program for fishers without their own equipment. Take advantage of this free rental equipment during your stay at the park so you can cast your luck at fishing!
Swimming
Looking for a place to cool off during the heat of Kentucky summer? You’re in luck! Lake Barkley State Resort Park offers multiple swimming options.
The Lake Barkley public beach, open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, offers beachfront access to the lake. Relax on the sandy beach or play a set at the volleyball court in between dips in the lake.
The swimming pool by the lodge offers swimming exclusively for lodge and cottage guests, adding another option for waterplay for those staying at the resort.
Trail Use
Lake Barkley State Resort Park offers 9 miles self-guided trails that invite hikers, bikers, and equestrians to explore the surrounding beauty of the area. Trails range from less than a mile to 5 miles in length and offer views of the lake and surrounding forest.
Hiking
Hikers can take a stroll on 3 self-guiding trails throughout the park, looking for birds and wildlife as they go. Highlights include the Blue Springs Trail, Wilderness Trail, and Lena Madison trail.
While you’re out on the trail, be sure to look for the more than 200 avian species that can the park home. An abundance of warbler species, birds of prey, and waterfowl can be viewed throughout the park. Keep an eye out for migratory species, such as American White Pelicans, that pass through the park during the winter months and look for 60 bluebird nest boxes that can be observed along park roads.
Mountain Biking
Mountain bikers can test their skills on 7 miles of the hiking trails around the park. Make sure to check that the trail is designated for mountain biking before embarking on your ride.
Horseback Riding
The Lake Barkley Riding Stables offer guided horseback rides every day during the summer months. Explore the lake and surrounding wilderness on horseback for a unique experience during your stay at the park!
Other sports and recreation
Aside from the abundance of entertainment the park offers through its waterside and trailside activities, visitors can participate in a range of other sports and recreation. Tee off at the golf course, test your skills at the trap shooting range, and more!
Golfing
The 18-hole Boots Randolph Course at the park is the perfect setting to test your golfing skills. The course, open year-round, also includes a pro shop, pull carts, rental riding carts, and golf clubs.
Trap Shooting
For a small cost, hunters can test their marksmanship at the Lake Barkley trap range. Provide your own shotgun and buy rounds of clay birds provided at the range.
Visit the park website for prices and more details.
Fitness Center
You’ve had a long day fishing on the lake, swimming at the beach, and taking a horseback ride on the park’s wooded trails. What better way to treat yourself than to head to the Lake Barkley Fitness Center for an evening of relaxation at their sauna, steam room, wellness pools and hot tub. Unwind, relax, and prepare for your next day of adventure at Lake Barkley State Resort Park.
