Kentucky may have the best lake-camping system in the country – a network of state resort parks with lodges, cottages and campgrounds right on the water, plus Corps of Engineers campgrounds and the vast Land Between the Lakes. From houseboats on Lake Cumberland to lakeside cabins at Dale Hollow, this guide rounds up the best Kentucky lakes for camping and cabins. Each links to our full lake guide. This page is part of our Kentucky Lakes Database.
The best Kentucky lakes for camping & cabins
- Lake Cumberland. The houseboat capital of the world, Cumberland pairs Lake Cumberland State Resort Park (lodge, cottages, campground) with several marinas renting houseboats – the ultimate Kentucky lake stay.
- Kentucky Lake. Flanked by Kenlake and Kentucky Dam Village state resort parks and bordering Land Between the Lakes, Kentucky Lake offers lodges, cottages, big campgrounds and endless shoreline.
- Lake Barkley. Kentucky Lake’s twin is home to Lake Barkley State Resort Park – a lakeside lodge, cottages and campground – plus LBL camping just across the water.
- Dale Hollow Lake. The clear, deep smallmouth lake has Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park with a lodge, cottages and a campground, plus marinas and houseboats.
- Barren River Lake. Barren River Lake State Resort Park offers a lodge, cottages, campground and beach, with easy access from I-65 in southern Kentucky.
- Rough River Lake. Rough River Dam State Resort Park provides a lakeside lodge, cottages and campground – a family favorite within easy reach of Louisville.
- Greenbo Lake. Greenbo Lake State Resort Park in northeastern Kentucky has the Jesse Stuart Lodge, cottages, a campground and quiet fishing.
- Buckhorn Lake. Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park offers a lodge, cottages and campground deep in the eastern Kentucky mountains.
- Green River Lake. Green River Lake State Park has a large lakeside campground, beach and boat ramps in central Kentucky.
- Grayson Lake. Grayson Lake State Park offers a scenic campground beneath sandstone bluffs, with great paddling and bass fishing.
More lakes with camping include Nolin River Lake, Paintsville Lake and Cave Run Lake.
Resort parks, cabins or campgrounds?
Kentucky’s signature option is the state resort park – a lakeside lodge with rooms, plus cottages and a campground, all in one place (Cumberland, Barkley, Dale Hollow, Barren River, Rough River, Greenbo and Buckhorn all have one). For a classic campground, choose state parks like Green River Lake or Grayson Lake, or Corps of Engineers campgrounds around most reservoirs. And for a one-of-a-kind trip, rent a houseboat on Lake Cumberland or Dale Hollow. Reserve early for summer weekends.
Frequently asked questions
Which Kentucky lake is best for camping?
Lake Cumberland is the top all-around choice, with a state resort park, campgrounds, marinas and houseboat rentals. Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley (with their resort parks and Land Between the Lakes) are close behind.
Which Kentucky lakes have cabins or lodges?
The state resort park lakes – Cumberland, Barkley, Dale Hollow, Barren River, Rough River, Greenbo and Buckhorn – all offer lakeside lodges and cottages alongside campgrounds.
Where can you rent a houseboat in Kentucky?
Lake Cumberland is the houseboat capital of the world, with Dale Hollow Lake and Kentucky Lake also offering houseboat rentals through their marinas.
Related: see the largest lakes in Kentucky, the Lake Cumberland houseboating guide, or head back to the Kentucky Lakes Database.
