Barren River Lake State Resort Park

3.91

75 reviews

1149 State Park Rd, Lucas, Kentucky, 42156-9709, United States

SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

673 ft

Price

$25 - $100/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

99 campsites

Season

Open March 15 throug...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Kentucky State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

673 ft

Price

$25 - $100/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

99 campsites

Season

Open March 15 throug...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Kentucky State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Barren River Lake State Resort Park

$25.00 - $100.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Golf cart permits are $25 for the week or $100 for the calendar year. Utility hookups available in campsites. The park prohibits firewood from...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

3.91

Mixed Reviews

Based on 75 reviews

2197 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanhikinglakestaff

Some mention

noise

"Users highlight the park's natural beauty, variety of recreational options, and friendly staff. However, complaints about uneven campsites, outdated facilities, and limited dining options during off-peak times are common."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

1149 State Park Rd, Lucas, Kentucky, 42156-9709, United States

Barren River Lake State Resort Park

1149 State Park Rd, Lucas, Kentucky, 42156-9709, United States

Driving directionsThe resort is located 44 miles southeast of Bowling Green. Take I-65 to the Cumberland Parkway East, to US 31E South.

Accessible via major highways including I-65 and US 31E. Roads leading to the campground are paved and manageable for vehicles of varied sizes.

Nearby places

Bowling Green (44 miles, approximately 50 minutes), Glasgow (approximately 15 miles, around 20 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Less than 1 mile: Bait and tackle store, firewood, vehicle fuel services

Within 10 miles: Supermarkets and additional supplies.

Best Time to Camp at Barren River Lake State Resort Park

From the vibrant blooms of spring to the golden hues of autumn, each season paints this Kentucky landscape with its own unique charm. Summer transforms the campground into a bustling hub of activity, with warm temperatures from Memorial Day through Labor Day creating ideal conditions for swimming, boating, and evening campfires. Spring awakens the forest with wildflowers and perfect hiking weather, while fall brings crisp air and spectacular foliage that reflects brilliantly off the lake's surface. Even the quieter shoulder seasons offer their own rewards, with moderate temperatures perfect for those seeking a more peaceful communion with nature.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 12% in KY

Peak season: beach, water activities and marina draw crowds; summer reviews are positive.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Open in fall with hiking and foliage; reviews highlight trails and autumn scenery.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring praised for vibrant blooms and hiking; park reopens mid-March.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Park closed mid-November through mid-March; no winter operations.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Memorial Day through Labor Day.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open March 15 through November 15.
Current Alerts: None explicitly noted.

About Barren River Lake State Resort Park

Nestled along the shores of a sprawling 10,000-acre lake, this 99-site campground offers the perfect blend of modern convenience and natural adventure. Whether you're hooking up your RV at one of the many utility-equipped sites or pitching a tent under the stars, you'll find yourself at the heart of endless outdoor possibilities. Wander through shaded woodland trails, tee off at the nearby golf course, or saddle up for a memorable horseback ride through Kentucky's rolling countryside. Families return year after year to create lasting memories in this outdoor playground where lake activities, forest exploration, and comfortable camping come together seamlessly.

Barren River Lake State Resort Park offers a mix of accommodations, including standard electric campsites, cabins, cottages, and lodge rooms.

Historical SignificanceSince opening its gates in 1965, this campground has served as a gateway to one of America's most remarkable natural wonders. Just a short drive away lies the legendary Mammoth Cave National Park, home to the world's longest known cave system and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The campground itself has witnessed over half a century of family traditions, first dates around campfires, and children catching their first fish. Its proximity to historic sites allows visitors to seamlessly blend outdoor recreation with cultural exploration, making it an ideal basecamp for discovering the rich heritage of south-central Kentucky.

Weather and SeasonsFrom the vibrant blooms of spring to the golden hues of autumn, each season paints this Kentucky landscape with its own unique charm. Summer transforms the campground into a bustling hub of activity, with warm temperatures from Memorial Day through Labor Day creating ideal conditions for swimming, boating, and evening campfires. Spring awakens the forest with wildflowers and perfect hiking weather, while fall brings crisp air and spectacular foliage that reflects brilliantly off the lake's surface. Even the quieter shoulder seasons offer their own rewards, with moderate temperatures perfect for those seeking a more peaceful communion with nature.

ElevationPerched among Kentucky's signature rolling hills, the campground offers a gentle, undulating landscape that creates natural privacy between sites and provides countless vantage points for sunset viewing. This classic hill country terrain means you'll find both hilltop sites with sweeping views and sheltered spots nestled in gentle valleys. The varied topography adds character to every trail walk and makes each campsite feel like its own unique destination within the larger campground community.

Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to morning mist rising from Barren River Lake, its 10,000 acres of pristine water stretching toward tree-covered hills that seem to roll endlessly into the horizon. The campground showcases Kentucky at its scenic best, where dramatic limestone bluffs and weathered cliffs provide a stunning backdrop to your outdoor adventures. Ancient hardwood forests carpet the surrounding hills, their canopy providing welcome shade and home to abundant wildlife. Whether you're watching the sunset paint the lake in shades of gold and crimson or discovering a hidden cove perfect for an afternoon swim, the natural beauty here transforms even the simplest camping trip into an unforgettable escape.

Geological RegionSet in the heart of Barren County, Kentucky, this campground occupies a fascinating geological crossroads where ancient limestone formations meet modern reservoir engineering. The magnificent 10,000-acre Barren River Lake, created by damming the historic waterway, now fills a valley carved over millennia through the region's distinctive karst topography. This is cave country, where the same geological forces that created the nearby Mammoth Cave system have sculpted a landscape of sinkholes, springs, and underground streams. The tree-covered hills that embrace the campground tell a story written in stone, from the fossil-rich limestone cliffs to the fertile valleys that have supported both prehistoric peoples and modern adventurers seeking connection with this timeless Kentucky landscape.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

After 5 PM for cabins.

Check-out

Unknown

Stay Limit

Up to 2 consecutive nights during peak season weekends
holiday periods may require longer stays.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum capacity per site is 8 guests.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutCampsites are built into hillsides, with some being highly sloped.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made up to 12 months in advance through the call center.

Walk-in AvailabilityAvailable, but sites fill quickly during peak times.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled as per the park's official cancellation policy, but exact details are not provided.

AccessibilityThe campground allows golf carts with a permit, and disabled guests can use them without requiring a permit if they display a disability tag. Some cabins and lodge rooms are handicap accessible.

Site SizeStandard and pull-through sites are available, accommodating mid-size travel trailers and RVs up to 87 feet.

PrivacySome reviews indicate that campsites are close together, reducing privacy. One user stated, 'Campsites were really close together for a state park.

Total Campsites99 campsites

Recommended SitesSite 50 is heavily sloped and not recommended. Sites 1-15 are suitable for RVs. Site 79A was said to be extremely off-level.

Amenities available

Showers

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

The park offers a wealth of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, hiking, biking, golf, horseback riding, and swimming. Seasonal events and guided nature programs are also available.

HikingThe park features four miles of woodland trails for hiking. A user noted a paved 2.5-mile loop as 'great if you have difficulty with rough trails.'

FishingFishing opportunities abound in the lake, which is home to largemouth bass, channel catfish, and crappie. A marina offers rental boats and fishing equipment.

SwimmingSwimming options include a pool reserved for lodge and cottage guests and a public beach with a bathhouse, open seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

BikingA paved biking trail of 2.5 miles is available around the property; users describe it as 'outstanding' and located mostly in wooded areas.

BoatingThe lake features a marina with over 100 slips, and boats such as pontoons and kayaks are available for rent.

Wildlife viewingThe park is surrounded by wooded areas and a lake, offering opportunities for observing various species of birds and other wildlife.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUneven and sloped campsites; risks from wildlife such as stink bugs and spiders noted in reviews.

Active AlertsNone explicitly noted.

Fire PolicyCampfires must comply with park regulations. Firewood must be sourced locally.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not explicitly mentioned.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services, including hospitals, are greater than 10 miles away. Glasgow houses medical clinics and larger hospitals.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available; users note that these are well-maintained.

Water FeaturesAdjacent to Barren River Lake; sandy beach available.

Camp HostHosts reportedly friendly and helpful.

Weather at Barren River Lake State Resort Park

Reviews

3.9

75 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Barren River Lake State Resort Park has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Users highlight the park's natural beauty, variety of recreational options, and friendly staff. However, complaints about uneven campsites, outdated facilities, and limited dining options during off-peak times are common.

Review Summaries

Based on 75 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include clean and well-maintained facilities, friendly and helpful staff, a beautiful lake, and a wide range of activities such as hiking, biking, and fishing. Many users also praise...

Based on 75 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include uneven campsites, limited privacy, outdated lodge and cabin facilities, and restricted restaurant hours during off-peak times. Some users found the proximity to the highway...

Based on 75 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own food during off-peak times when the restaurant is closed. Golf carts are popular for getting around the campground. For RV visitors, ensure you have long cords and hoses due to awkward...

Based on 75 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews often praise the beach and water activities, while spring and fall reviews highlight the hiking trails. Winter reviews are absent as the park closes from November to March.

Based on 75 reviews

Camper Quotes

'What a beautiful place!!!' - Heather B. | 'The lake itself is a gem, mostly tree-lined with some bluffs and cliffs.' - John Paul Combs | 'Showers didn't work at all, but the lake was great.' - Renee...

Based on 75 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites 1–15 are recommended for RVs due to their size. However, users mention uneven ground and awkward water hookups in some areas like 79A. Site 50 is noted as having a dangerous drop-off.

Based on 75 reviews

Accessibility Features

The park accommodates disabled guests by waiving golf cart permit fees for those with disability tags. However, some areas may be challenging due to uneven terrain.

Based on 75 reviews