Kentucky is home to numerous amounts of lakes, offering many opportunities for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, skiing and more. Lakes in Kentucky are some of the most beautiful lakes in the country.
In this list below, we’ll go over all the known lakes in Kentucky, look at which ones are the largest and provide a description about each lake.
Lakes of Kentucky
Without further ado, lets start by taking a look at some of Kentucky’s largest lakes.
Largest lakes in Kentucky
Kentucky Lake
Kentucky Lake is the largest lake in Kentucky and located in the western part of the state, spanning into northwestern Tennessee, and covers an impressive surface area of 160,309 acres or 250.48 square miles. It was formed by the construction of the Kentucky Dam on the Tennessee River and has over two thousand miles of shoreline.
Known for its vastness and scenic beauty, Kentucky Lake has become a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering an array of recreational activities such as boating, fishing, water skiing, and camping. Beyond its allure as a recreational paradise, the lake plays a vital role in supporting the region’s agricultural and industrial endeavors, providing crucial irrigation for fertile lands and contributing to the economic prosperity of the surrounding communities.
Embracing history, nature, and leisure, Kentucky Lake remains a treasured gem, symbolizing the enduring harmony between humanity and the natural world.
Lake Cumberland
Lake Cumberland is located in southern Kentucky’s Cumberland Plateau and covers an extensive surface area of 50,250 acres with a shoreline expanding 1,255 miles. This reservoir was formed by the construction of Wolf Creek Dam on the Cumberland River.
Known as one of the largest man made lakes in the United States, Lake Cumberland has become a destination for water enthusiasts, fisherman, and outdoor enthusiasts seeking nature’s beauty in the Bluegrass State. Its significance extends beyond leisure, as the lake also serves as an essential source of hydroelectric power generation, flood control, and supporting the region’s agricultural needs.
With its scenic charm, recreational opportunities, and vital contributions to the local economy and environment, Lake Cumberland remains a gem in the heart of Kentucky.
Lake Barkley
Lake Barkley is a reservoir nestled in western Kentucky near Kentucky Lake, formed by the Barkley Dam on the Cumberland River. It spans across a surface area of 57,900 acres and has 1,004 miles of shoreline.
Lake Barkley has gained fame as a haven for water sports enthusiasts, fishing aficionados, and outdoor lovers seeking tranquility in nature’s embrace in the Land Between the Lakes area. Boasting abundant wildlife and diverse ecosystems, the lake also offers ample opportunities for birdwatching and exploring its scenic surroundings.
Lake Barkley plays a crucial role in supporting the region’s economy by providing essential water resources for agriculture, industry, and recreation. With its rich recreational offerings and vital contributions to the community, Lake Barkley stands as an outdoor destination in Kentucky, attracting thousands of visitors with its natural charm and boundless possibilities.
Barren River Lake
Barren River Lake is located in south central Kentucky and covers approximately 10,100 acres with 141 miles of shoreline. It was formed by the Barren River Dam in 1964.
Barren River Lake is known for its recreational offerings, largemouth bass fishing, attracting visitors and locals alike for boating, fishing, water sports, and camping adventures. Its abundant fish population, including bass, catfish, and crappie, makes it a popular destination for anglers seeking a rewarding catch.
The lake’s surrounding area features forests and wildlife, making it an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers. It’s also close to the nearby Mammoth Cave, the world’s longest cave system.
With its serene ambiance, diverse recreational opportunities, and rich natural offerings, Barren River Lake stands as a cherished gem, inviting all to bask in the tranquility and splendor of Kentucky’s great outdoors.
To recap, here are the largest lakes in Kentucky by surface acres:
- Kentucky Lake – 160,309 acres
- Lake Cumberland – 50,250 acres
- Lake Barkley – 57,900 acres
- Barren River Lake – 10,100 acres
All lakes in Kentucky
Here are the lakes in Kentucky along with their surface area size in acres:
| Lake name | Lake size in acres |
|---|---|
| Barren River Lake | 10,100 |
| Beaver Lake | 158 |
| Boltz Lake | 92 |
| Buckhorn Lake | 1,230 |
| Bullock Pen Lake | 134 |
| Cannon Creek Lake | 243 |
| Carr Creek Lake | 710 |
| Cave Run Lake | 8,270 |
| Cedar Creek Lake | 792 |
| Cranks Creek Lake | 219 |
| Dale Hollow Lake | 27,700 |
| Dewey Lake | 1,100 |
| Doe Run Lake | 30 |
| Elk Lake | 255 |
| Elmer Davis Lake | 149 |
| Fishtrap Lake | 1,130 |
| Grayson Lake | 1,500 |
| Green River Lake | 8,210 |
| Greenbo Lake | 300 |
| Guist Creek Lake | 317 |
| Herrington Lake | 2,335 |
| Kentucky Lake | 160,300 |
| Kincaid Lake | 183 |
| Lake Barkley | 57,900 |
| Lake Beshear | 760 |
| Lake Carnico | 1,140 |
| Laurel River Lake | 5,600 |
| Lake Linville | 356 |
| Lake Malone | 788 |
| Martins Fork Lake | 340 |
| Nolin River Lake | 5,795 |
| Paintsville Lake | 1,139 |
| Pan Bowl Lake | 30 |
| Rough River Lake | 5,100 |
| Shanty Hollow Lake | 135 |
| Shelby Lake | 100 |
| Swan Lake | 300 |
| Taylorsville Lake | 3,050 |
| Washburn Lake | 26 |
| Wilgreen Lake | 147 |
| Williamstown Lake | 333 |
| Willisburg Lake | 1,800 |
| Wood Creek Lake | 672 |
| Yatesville Lake | 2,293 |
Conclusion
In Kentucky, the array of lakes stands to the state’s natural beauty. From the grand size of Kentucky Lake to the small shores of Lake Washburn in Hartford, each body of water offers a unique recreational opportunities and natural beauty.
Kentucky’s lakes are enjoyed by both locals and visitors alike as they fish, camp and enjoy the lakes we have to offer.
As the sun sets over the waters, the legacy of these lakes lives on, woven into the fabric of Kentucky’s history and culture.
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