Elk Lake is a roughly 250-acre private lake at the heart of the gated Elk Lake Shores community in Owen County, Kentucky, near Owenton between Louisville, Lexington and Cincinnati. With some 14 miles of wooded shoreline, it’s one of the larger private recreational lakes in the region — a members’ playground for boating, skiing, swimming and fishing. This guide is part of our growing Kentucky Lakes Database.
Elk Lake at a glance
- Size: about 250 acres of water with roughly 14 miles of shoreline
- Location: near Owenton, Owen County, northern Kentucky
- Type: private, gated lake community (Elk Lake Shores)
- On the water: boating, water-skiing, swimming, kayaking and fishing
- Access: members and property owners only — 24/7 gated entry
A private lake community
Elk Lake is the centerpiece of Elk Lake Shores, a gated residential and recreational community near Owenton. The lake and its marina — with fuel, a small store and a private beach — are reserved for members and property owners, who reach the water through a staffed, 24-hour gate. It’s a getaway lake of weekend cabins and full-time homes rather than a public fishing destination.
Is Elk Lake open to the public?
No. Elk Lake is private. The lake, marina and beach are for members of Elk Lake Shores and their guests, and entry is through a security gate. There is no public boat ramp or day-use access. We list it here because it’s a notable Kentucky lake, but you’ll need to be a member, a guest, or exploring property in the community to use the water.
Boating, fishing and amenities
For members, Elk Lake is a full recreation lake — big enough for boating, water-skiing and tubing, with swimming, kayaking and canoeing, plus fishing for largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish. The marina anchors community life, and the wooded, hilly shoreline gives the lake a private, tucked-away feel close to Elk Creek Vineyards and Kentucky River country.
Good to know
- Private access: members and guests only; gated 24/7, with membership and HOA fees.
- Prefer public water? See our guides to Kentucky’s public lakes near Lexington and Louisville.
Frequently asked questions
Is Elk Lake in Kentucky public?
No — Elk Lake is a private, gated community (Elk Lake Shores). The lake is for members and property owners, reached through a 24-hour security gate.
How big is Elk Lake, Kentucky?
About 250 acres of water with roughly 14 miles of shoreline, near Owenton in Owen County.
What can you do on Elk Lake?
For members: boating, water-skiing, swimming, kayaking and fishing for bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish.
Related: explore more Kentucky lakes, or return to the Kentucky Lakes Database.
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