The 5 Best Kentucky Lakes for Swimming

Just start thinking of smooth, refreshing waters and warm, vibrant sunshine. And when you get there, you can begin to feel what it might be like to swim in some of the best Kentucky lakes for swimming. Kentucky’s lakes are truly a beautiful sight for anyone and everyone. From the stunning Cumberland Falls State Resort Park to the magnificent Lake Barkley and the inviting atmosphere of Green River Lake, the lake waters of Kentucky entice visitors year after year. 

Kentucky’s best lakes for swimming offer something unique, fun, and breathtaking for everyone to enjoy. Swimming in any of these five exceptional lakes mentioned below will leave you with a mesmerizing summertime experience. These are the five lakes up for review:

Below is a list of links to official websites and information about these lakes:

• Laurel River Lake
• Dale Hollow Lake
• Lake Cumberland
• Dewey Lake
• Lake Barkley

1. Laurel River Lake

With water so clear you can see straight to the bottom and sand so soft it rivals just about the best of any sandy beach, Laurel River Lake is one of the best lakes for swimming in Kentucky for sure! The lake is located in the Kentucky wilderness, so there are plenty of trails to explore and wildlife to observe and photograph (when you’re not swimming, of course).

Laurel River Lake provides an array of recreational activities that go beyond swimming. The Corps of Engineers maintains the bach at the spillway of the Laurel River Dam. So, it’s not only a soft and sandy beach but also a well-cared-for beach. The spillway is a favorite place for many who spend a lazy summer afternoon in the Bluegrass State.

Key Points about Laurel River Lake

• This 5,600-acre lake has water like nowhere else in Kentucky, which makes it a popular destination, especially in the summertime.
• Laurel River Lake has nearly 200 miles of tree-lined shore.
• The lake itself is located in the Daniel Boone National Forest.
• It is one of the deepest and cleanest lakes in Kentucky.
• Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, kayaking, and more along the rocky shores of the lake.
• Laurel River Lake is a stunning spot for a quick getaway. Kentuckians love it for its gorgeous white sandy beaches and vibrant blue waters.

2. Dale Hallow Lake

Found along the border of Kentucky and Tennessee, Dale Hollow Lake is one of the best places toswimg in Kentucky for several reasons. For starters, the shoreline of the lake offers excellent opportunities for swimming.

The area surrounding the lake also offers visitors great hiking trails and picnic areas. And in addition to camping and other recreational activities, fishing at Dale Hollow Lake is popular with anglers due to its abundance of bass, bluegill, catfish, crappie, and walleye.

So, if you’re on the border of Tennessee and Kentucky, go to take a dip in the beautiful Dale Hollow Lake. Take advantage of the lake’s swimming areas. If you do, you’ll see how fun it is to choose between a beautiful backdrop of rocky shores or sandy beaches for your day at the lake.

Key Points about Dale Hollow Lake

• Dale Hollow Lake shares a border with both Tennessee and Kentucky.
• There are three main recreation areas (Lillydale, Pleasant Grove, and Willow Grove) designated for swimming.
• Originally created for power generation and flood control in 1943, Dale Hollow Lake has now become a popular recreational site for over three million people each year!
• Dale Hollow Lake offers a variety of activities, such as fishing, camping, and boating (just to name a few).
• The lake has 620 miles of shoreline, plenty of shoals, small tributaries, and clear water.
• There are also many surrounding and supporting businesses and services that are available to visitors, including marinas, places to find maps, and shops.

3. Lake Cumberland

Lake Cumberland is one of the most popular spots — and one of the best lakes for swimming — in the state of Kentucky during the summertime. With around 11,200 surface acres of sparkling blue water, the lake is located in southeastern Kentucky, attracting thousands of visitors and tourists every year! Lake visitors can enjoy swimming by taking advantage of two public beaches open from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

A wide variety of recreational opportunities like hiking, rock climbing, fishing, boating, camping, and more surrounds Lake Cumberland. However, one of Lake Cumberland’s best aspects musty be swimming in its crystal-clear waters. Swimming enthusiasts love this lake for its calm, warmer waters, while tourists say it’s perfect for a hot summer day spent with family and friends.

Key Points about Lake Cumberland

• Lake Cumberland is one of the most popular and best lakes for swimming in the state of Kentucky.
• There is a wide variety of recreational opportunities for people to do in addition to swimming. These activities include (but are not limited to) hiking, rock climbing, fishing, boating, camping, and more.
• Swimming enthusiasts love this lake for its calm and warmer waters.
• There are swimming areas with clear water and beautiful rock formations. 
• While swimming, one can take in breathtaking views of nature both in and around the lake.

4. Dewey Lake

Another breathtakingly beautiful beach in Kentucky is found at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, one of the most underrated treasures in the state. Jenny Wiley State Resort Park offers 2,871 acres filled with all kinds of exciting opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Dewey Lake is a cerulean pool with some of the bluest water in the state. You’ll just be dazzled by its waters as you swim, which makes Jenny Wiley State Park’s Dewey Lake truly stand out — even in a state that’s known for its abundance of rivers and lakes. Dewey Lake is one of the best lakes for swimming in Kentucky because of its beautiful and clear waters, and the abundance of fish and wildlife to enjoy. With its abundance of activities, Dewey Lake is an ideal spot for spending time outdoors with your friends and family.

Key Points about Dewey Lake

• Dewey Lake is a man-made lake located in eastern Kentucky.
• It was built in the early 1960s to provide water for agricultural use in the area but quickly became a popular spot for recreational activities such as swimming, fishing, and boating.
• The lake covers an area of over 1,200 acres with lush forests and meadows.
• Swimmers can enjoy the clear waters from the many sandy beaches found around the lake.
• Dewey Lake is also home to an abundance of wildlife, such as deer, beavers, otters, and various birds.
• The lake is well maintained by Kentucky Fish & Wildlife, and visitors are to abide by all local laws while enjoying the area.

5. Lake Barkley

Besides all the water activities the Lake Barkley area offers, there is also biking, hiking, and an abundance of scenic byways great for photographers. It is one of the best lakes for swimming in Kentucky, but with the many interesting attractions around it, it is also a lake for the whole family to enjoy. In the surrounding area of Lake Barkley, there are plenty of historical attractions and museums, along with antique shops and other types of shopping for all members of the group to find enjoyment.

Lake Barkley also has some civil war history to it. The lake reaches and parts pass through the site of a famous Civil War battlefield that is now preserved as the Fort Donelson National Battlefield. In addition to fishing on Lake Barkley, there are also historic relics, marinas, parks, and more to see when you’re done swimming.

Managed by the Corps of Engineers, fishing on Lake Barkley has become a fun tradition and favorite pastime for many people. With over 57,000 thousand surface-acres of water, Lake Barkley supports a diverse and abundant population of wildlife to see as well. Many different species of wildlife live in and around Lake Barkley, including golden and bald eagles. This makes bird watching and nature photography very fun and exciting pastimes for when you’re all done swimming.

Overall, Lake Barkley is one of the best lakes for swimming and a great place to spend a summer vacation. You will find no shortage of activities to keep you busy during your stay. Whether it be fishing, boating, picnicking, or just relaxing, Lake Barkley has something for everyone!

Key Points about Lake Barkley

• Lake Barkley is a 58,000-acre reservoir and is one Kentucky’sy’s biggest and most popular bodies of water.
• Lake Barkley is a great place to swim and enjoy the outdoors because it is surrounded by scenic views and wildlife, providing breathtaking photography.
• Fishing on property managed by the Corps of Engineers for the operation of Lake Barkley has become a fun tradition.
• Lake Barkley provides a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities for millions of visitors each year.
• Boaters have many access points from which to launch their boats and explore the lake. And there is plenty of sandy beach space to go around for swimming and picnicking.
• Swimmers who prefer more secluded spots can explore the shoreline and inlets for spots they may find more pleasing.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Bobby Blanco/Shutterstock.com