Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park

Star3.63
73 reviews
20781 Pennyrile Lodge Rd, Dawson Springs, Kentucky, 42408, United States
SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

633 ft

Price

$25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

The park has seasona...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectric

Opens Kentucky State Parks site

Official Website
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Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park
$25.00 - $25.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Permits for golf carts cost $25 per week or $100 per calendar year. Annual permits are valid at all Kentucky State Park campgrounds.
Standard Site Fee$25.00
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

3.63

Mixed Reviews

Based on 73 reviews

1266 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanhikinglake

Some mention

crowded

"User reviews for Pennyrile are mixed, with strong praise for the park's natural beauty, staff friendliness, and range of activities, but issues with campsite leveling, overcrowding, and facility maintenance are noted."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

20781 Pennyrile Lodge Rd, Dawson Springs, Kentucky, 42408, United States

Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park

20781 Pennyrile Lodge Rd, Dawson Springs, Kentucky, 42408, United States

Driving directionsFrom the Western Kentucky Parkway take exit 24 to Hwy 109 south and follow to Pennyrile entrance about 7 miles outside Dawson Springs.
Access from major roads is straightforward via paved highways, with the entrance approximately 7 miles from Dawson Springs.
Nearby places
Dawson Springs (7 miles, approximately 15 minutes), Hopkinsville (30 miles, approximately 40 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Convenience stores, fuel stations, and grocery stores are located within 10 miles. Firewood is available for purchase at the state park campgrounds.

Best Time to Camp at Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park

Four distinct seasons paint Pennyrile Forest in ever-changing hues. Winter brings a hushed beauty with occasional snow dustings and crisp air perfect for fireside gatherings. Summer arrives warm and humid, ideal for lake swimming and shaded forest walks. Yet it's the golden days of fall and the wildflower-dotted springs that steal hearts, offering mild temperatures, gentle rains, and nature's most spectacular displays.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Excellent swimming and boating in summer but peak crowds and weekend congestion noted.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Hardwood forest suggests strong fall color and quieter trails; reviews note seasonal beauty.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Trails, paddling and greenery make spring appealing; fewer crowds than summer.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Hushed winter beauty and fireside charm, but some closures and limited activities in winter.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Peak season includes weekends, holidays, and summer months.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: The park has seasonal closures; certain months, such as December, are indicated as closed based on user reviews.
  • Current Alerts: The campground area was under construction in recent years, with upgrades expected by late 2022.

About Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park

Nestled within 14,000 acres of pristine Kentucky forest, Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park beckons adventurers seeking both comfort and wilderness. This Western Kentucky gem seamlessly blends modern amenities with untamed nature, offering everything from rustic camping spots to cozy lodging cabins. Families gather around the 56-acre lake while hikers disappear into wooded trails, all finding their own slice of serenity in this beloved outdoor sanctuary.
The park accommodates various camping styles, including tent, group, RV, and cabin lodging.
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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Maximum reservation window is 12 months in advance. Longer minimum stays are required during holidays.

Amenities available

Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings
Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

Activities include hiking, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, beach activities, cultural programs, and paddle boating. The park also features a golf course, swimming areas, and trails for biking and horseback riding.
HikingHiking trails are described as world-class and suitable for all levels. Certain trails are easy enough for toddlers, while others feature challenging terrain.
FishingFishing opportunities are limited due to heavy pressure and overharvesting following a tornado event.
SwimmingSwimming is available in the lake, which has a clean beach area with white sand and shallow waters for children. However, overcrowding has been noted during peak times.
BikingMountain biking trails are available in the park.
BoatingBoating opportunities are available, including paddle boats and rowboats.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is common, with deer sightings highlighted in reviews.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUneven campsites, shared pedestals for hookups, ticks in hiking trails, and sloped lots for RVs.
Active AlertsThe campground area was under construction in recent years, with upgrades expected by late 2022.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park

Reviews

3.6
73 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Pennyrile are mixed, with strong praise for the park's natural beauty, staff friendliness, and range of activities, but issues with campsite leveling, overcrowding, and facility maintenance are noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 73 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlights include beautiful lake views, clean white sand beaches, secluded cabins, friendly staff, and diverse activities such as hiking and swimming.
Based on 73 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints focus on uneven RV sites, overcrowding at the beach, dated facilities, and inconsistent staff behavior.
Based on 73 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Recommendations include booking cabins for privacy, bringing leveling equipment for RVs, visiting the equestrian section for better facilities, and arriving early to secure beach picnic tables.
Based on 73 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Peak season weekends are crowded, while off-season visits are quieter, highlighting the serenity of the park. Holiday periods may have extended minimum stay requirements.
Based on 73 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The hiking remains world class here." "Beach is amazing... the water is aqua blue and amazingly clear." "Cabins are so cute but the food at the restaurant you can’t beat!"
Based on 73 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Equestrian section is highly recommended for its spacious and level sites. Older section criticized for uneven terrain and poor facilities.
Based on 73 reviews

Accessibility Features

Challenges include steep paths and lack of ramps or elevators for guests with mobility issues.
Based on 73 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome, and pet-friendly trails are available. However, ticks are an issue raised by one reviewer.
Based on 73 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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