Lake Barkley State Resort Park
Established in 1964
Lake Barkley State Resort Park is located near Cadiz in Trigg County. On December 1, 1964, the Kentucky Parks System added Lake Barkley to the list of Kentucky’s state parks. The Secretary of the Army had approved the leasing of 1,800 acres of land along the shores of Lake Barkley for a public park and recreation facility. The state purchased 1,400 acres of surrounding land for a total of 3,200 acres. Presently the park has 3,600 acres. The U.S. Corps of Engineers constructed the earth and concrete dam completing it in July 1966. The dam and reservoir are part of a comprehensive plan for flood control and the development of water resources along the Cumberland River. Lake Barkley covers 58,000 surface acres and is a part of the vast “Land Between the Lakes” development area that includes 170,000 acres located on a peninsula between Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake. The area has more than 1,004 miles of shoreline.
In Kentucky the reservoir covers portions of three Kentucky counties, Caldwell, Lyon, and Trigg. A canal between Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake allows access to both lakes. The Tennessee Valley Authority developed several improvements in the area including a road network, beaches, picnic sites, and other facilities. The potential to make the region one of the premier visitor attractions in Kentucky seemed limitless.
In the spring of 1966 the Economic Development Administration approved the Lake Barkley State Park project and granted $3,987,500 to the Kentucky Department of Parks. This amount covered about half of the proposed amount to complete one of the most elaborate state parks in Kentucky.
Named for United States congressman, senator and vice president, Alben Barkley (1877-1956), Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake make up the largest man-made body of water in the world. Park amenities are plentiful
The Mission of Kentucky State Parks is to provide a sustainable system of parks that delivers quality programs, amenities, and services which create memorable experiences and a sense of place, contributes to the economic growth of the Commonwealth, and preserves the historic and natural integrity, and traditions of our parks for existing and future generations.”
Lake Barkley Things To Do
Wherever you travel in Kentucky, you are never far from one of our 50 Kentucky State Parks. There's no way to pick the best Kentucky State Parks because each park has its own unique attributes, from shorelines to majestic mountains, from winding caves to enchanting woodlands.
Enjoy some of the most striking landscapes in Kentucky, play nationally recognized golf courses in Kentucky, find lakes that stretch as far as the eye can see and stay at state park lodges that combine historic charm with today's conveniences. The best Kentucky State Parks experiences are closer than you think - find a state park now!
http://parks.ky.gov/parks/resortparks/lake-barkley/default.aspx
Biking
Seven miles of trails are open for mountain biking.
Birding
Over 200 avian species can be observed or heard in the park, including an abundance of warbler species including: Prothonotary, Kentucky, Blue-winged, and Worm-eating warblers, Bald Eagles, Ospreys, Wild Turkeys, vultures, Pileated Woodpeckers, Red-Headed Woodpeckers, Wood Thrushes, orioles, tanagers, hawks, owls, Belted Kingfishers, swallows, a wide variety of waterfowl, and many, many others. The park currently has nearly 60 bluebird nest boxes, and most can be observed from the park’s roads. In the fall and winter, large flocks (dozens---sometimes, hundreds) of American White Pelicans and Double-crested Cormorants can be observed from the lodge. Winter is also a great time to view ducks and waterfowl on the lake. Lesser Scaup, Bufflehead, Mergansers, Loons, Grebes, and coots are just a few of the winter visitors. In the spring and summer these birds head north and are replaced by Snowy Egrets, Cattle Egrets, Black-crowned Night-herons, Great Egrets, and other fish eating birds.
Boating
With a 57,920-acre lake, Barkley is a year-round boating paradise. The marina is one-half mile from the lodge and offers 112 covered slips, 60 open slips, and a launching ramp. Rental fishing boats, pontoon boats, and ski boats are available. Open year-round. Fee for rentals. Marina: (270) 924-9954.
Camping
Find delight in the outdoors in the campground. The campground has 78 sites with utility hookups, a dump station, and two central service buildings with showers and rest rooms. Closed Nov 1 - Mar 31.
Eagle Watching
Check our events calendar for Winter Eagle Watching dates.
Fishing
Enjoy hours of fishing pleasure at Lake Barkley. Anglers cast for largemouth, white, and Kentucky bass, bluegill, channel catfish and crappie. Don't have a fishing pole? No problem! Ask at the park about their fishing loaner program where you can check out FREE equipment.
Fitness
Pamper yourself year-round at the Lake Barkley Fitness Center. This indoor facility is equipped with nautilus machines, fitness cycles, Olympic free-weight room, leverage equipment, aerobic classes, glass racquet ball court, sauna, wet-steam room, whirlpool, heated indoor wellness pool and locker rooms. Fitness Center Fee: $2.00 per person, per day.
Individual daily memberships may be purchased by those staying at nearby resorts. These daily fees are discounted for Lake Barkley Resort campground and marina guests.
Open year-round. Fee charged. Age restrictions apply.
Game Room
Entertain yourself and impress your friends. Video games, pool and ping pong tables, checker tables, and a room full of smiles await you in the Lodge’s lower lobby. Operating hours: Sunday – Thursday, 9am – 10pm; Friday – Saturday, 9am – 11pm.
Gift Shop
Our gift shop is lavishly decorated with something for everyone. The Kentucky crafts people represented range from the finest potters to the most intricate woodworkers. Many souvenirs depicting the local wildlife, such as deer, horses, raccoons, frogs and hummingbirds are available. Choose from a wide variety of t-shirts, sweatshirts, mugs, magnets, and postcards.
Golf
Test your golfing skills on the 18-hole Boots Randolph Course. A pro shop, rental riding carts, pull carts, and golf clubs are available. Golf packages are offered.
Course open year-round, weather permitting. Pro Shop: 1-800-295-1878.
Hiking
Enjoy the beauty surrounding Lake Barkley on one of three self-guiding trails, providing 9 miles of nature study. Seven miles are open for mountain biking.
Horseback Riding
Enjoy a guided 45-minute scenic ride through the woods of Lake Barkley State Park. Trail rides depart every hour, on the hour (except for the noontime lunch break) from 9 am to 4pm through Labor Day.
Rides are $18.00 per person, with pony rides available for ages 6 and under
Racquetball
Located at the Fitness Center for lodge & cottage guests.
Swimming
A swimming pool fronting the lodge between the lake and the lodge is for the exclusive seasonal use of lodge and cottage guests.
The public beach, open Memorial Day through Labor Day, offers a volleyball court, bathhouse, and hours of swimming fun in the waters of Lake Barkley.
Tennis
Enjoy a tennis match on one of two lighted courts near the lodge.
Trap Shooting
Test your marksmanship at Lake Barkley’s trap range. The lighted range provides 12-gauge shot guns. $17.00 per round including shotguns and clays. The charge for clays only is $8.00 per round of 25. Supervised trapshooting is seasonal - Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Hours of Operation
Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday - 9:30 am (times subject to change)
The range will remain open for at least one hour. Private shoot can be arranged at other times by contacting Lake Barkley Recreation at least two weeks prior to arrival.
Volleyball
Sand courts at the public beach.
Water Aerobics
Classes offered at the Fitness Center. Call for times.
