While Kentucky is a land-locked state with no traditional beaches, it does have an abundance of lakes. The area near these lakes has been turned into resorts, which means one can enjoy a beach holiday even in Kentucky. These resorts also offer various other facilities.
This is a large park with a wide boating area. There are also biking and hiking paths, a swimming pool, various sports facilities and bird-watchers can spot a variety of birds.
Lake Barkley State Resort Park
This is a good resort to enjoy some family fun. You can stay in one of the rustic cottages on the site. The water is clean and swimmable with paddling also available. Other facilities include a golf course and tennis court.
Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park
Built on the Barren Lake, an artificial lake, the major attraction here is fishing. Particularly, the large bass in the water draws fishers here. In addition, there are hiking and biking trails available.
Another place for large bass fishing is this park.
Rough River Dam State Resort Park
Additionally, this park offers scenic views of the lake (which make it perfect for weddings and other events), spacious lodging, excellent food and Orienteering, which are wood navigation courses.
The sandstone cliffs and the various flora make this park a beautiful sight. One can hike through the park and the park offers camping to take in the whole of the scenery. The beach on the lake itself is quite good too.
Lake Malone State Park
This park has a staggering 28 miles of hiking area. So the activities to be enjoyed here are of course hiking, biking and camping but the park also offers horseback riding on the trail. On the lake, all kinds of boating is done.
Green River Lake State Park
Kenlake is short for Kentucky lake. The lake has a large shoreline so all the usual activities like boating, fishing and hiking can be done here and although swimming in the lake itself isn't allowed, there is a pool nearby.
Kenlake State Resort Park
Another novelty here is the outdoor theatre that hosts concerts and plays.
This park is probably the closest you can get to a full-time beach experience in Kentucky because the shoreline here most resembles a beach.
Carr Creek State Park
This park is also unique because of the marshy conditions near the lake which is rare in Kentucky.
The public beach here has earned the reputation as a romantic getaway and it's easy to see why.
Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park
Surrounded by low hills, this is a very scenic location which makes it perfect for any romantic excursions.