Can’t Get to the Ocean? Here are the Best Beaches in Kentucky

Calling all bluegrass beach bunnies! Do you love sunbathing in the sand, but don't want to travel all the way from Kentucky to the coast? Even though we are landlocked, there are some lovely beaches right here within driving driving distance.

Karst Beach in Cave City, Kentucky

At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Mammoth Cave there is a really fun beach that is perfect for families. It's home to an inflatable water sport park on the 2.3 acre lake where kids of all ages can play to their heart's content.  Volleyball, slides, and small Corcl boats, and more provide lots of options for physical activity. If you're looking to relax, sunbathers will enjoy the lounge chairs and Nathan's hot dog stand. The RV resort, primitive camping site, and rental cabins allow for an overnight or weekend trip. Access to the beach is free when you stay at the resort, or you can purchase day passes. This place looks pretty epic!

Land Between the Lakes Area

According to Kentucky Tourism, "As part of America’s great outdoors since 1963, Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area manages over 170,000 acres of forests, wetlands, and open lands on a peninsula between Kentucky and Barkley lakes in Western Kentucky and Tennessee."  Land Between the Lakes offers ways to experience wildlife up close and personal with the bison and elk reserve, there are fishing opportunities galore, hiking, biking, boating and so much more. The two state parks, Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park and Lake Barkley State Resort Park, have swimming beaches and pools for guests visiting the area. Of course, dinner at Patti's in Grand Rivers is a favorite for lots of Kentuckians.

Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park

Open to the public during the week, the beach at Pennyrile Forest State Park is a beautiful little spot. It is kept nice and clean and stays fairly busy during the summer season. With gorgeous hiking trails, fishing goldmines, miniature golf, pedal boats and more, it's a fun place to explore the outdoors. If you want to stay on the weekend and have access to the beach, there are cottages and places to primitive camp or park an RV. They also offer equestrian camping as available. As you can tell from this video, for certain events, there are games for swimmers and clear emerald water.

Barren River Lake State Resort Park

Located in South Central Kentucky about 45 minutes away from Bowling Green, is Barren River Lake State Resort Park. This man-made swimming hole has a big ole sandy beach with lots of room for sandcastles and sunbathing. You can stay in the nearby Louie B Nunn Lodge where they serve up some delicious looking food and drinks and offer events throughout the year for campers and visitors.

You many not see any dolphins or be able to surf the waves, but when you're dying to get away and have some fun in the sun, these destinations are perfect to hold you over until your next trip to "Floribama!" If you want more information on these vacation spots and others, check out Kentucky Tourism. 

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