Barren River Lake State Resort Park

Barren River Lake State Resort Park is a recreational area centered around a large reservoir in Kentucky with boat docks, marina facilities, and wooded shorelines. The park offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and exploring natural areas throughout its grounds.

The property was established in 1965 when Kentucky acquired farms near the lake and received additional land from the Army Corps of Engineers. This foundation transformed the area into a public recreational destination for the region.

The park hosts annual Highland Games that celebrate Scottish traditions with music, dancing, and athletic competitions that draw visitors from across the region. These gatherings create a strong connection to the heritage that defines the area's cultural identity.

The park offers 22 two-bedroom cottages and a campground with nearly 100 sites, both equipped with amenities for extended stays. Visitors should prepare for varying weather conditions and consider the best seasons for their planned activities.

The lake gets its name from a time when the region featured grassland that was shaped by Indigenous peoples who used controlled fires for hunting. This long-term shaping of the landscape by human practices influenced the area's natural ecology for centuries.

Location: Kentucky

Inception: 1965

Website: http://parks.ky.gov/parks/resortparks/barren-river

GPS coordinates: 36.86550,-86.06920

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:49