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You are here: Home / Kentucky State Parks / Barren River Lake State Resort Park

Barren River Lake State Resort Park

Barren River Lake State Resort Park is located near Kentucky’s famous cave area, which includes Mammoth Cave National Park, the longest cave system in the world. With a nearby attraction like that, who could ask for more?

Even with Mammoth Cave nearby, Barren River Lake State Resort Park (Lucas, Ky.) could stand entirely on its own. The scenic setting for Barren River Lake State Resort Park is breathtaking – a photographer’s delight, to be certain.

The lodge is surrounded by rolling, tree-covered hills and overlooks the beautiful 10,000-acre lake. The lodge, which is open year-round, has 51 rooms and offers full amenities.

If you’re more of a cottage person, you’ll love the contemporary, stylish, and beautiful cottages. Each of the park’s 22 cottages has two bedrooms and two baths. Several provide gorgeous lake views while other cottages are nestled in the woods providing a wonderfully private setting. When we drove around the cottages, we were impressed by the fact that there is NO bad view! The view of the woods was as lovely as the view of the lake.

Tableware, cooking utensils, and linens are provided with the cottages, with fresh linen available daily. The cottages, like the lodge, are open year-round.

Something you’ll love as much as the beautiful views at Barren River Lake State Resort Park is the park’s restaurant, Driftwood Restaurant. The restaurant has seating for 146 and has 2 separate, private dining areas that may be used for banquets and special celebrations. The food is exceptional. When you go, order off of the menu and, whatever you do, try the fried potatoes. We eat at our State Parks regularly (we’re ALL about supporting Kentucky in any way possible) and I just have to tell you – what they do with the potatoes at Barren River Lake State Park’s Driftwood Restaurant is extra, extra, extra-special.

Hours of Operation- Breakfast: 7 a.m. – 10 a.m. (M-F) and 7 a.m. -10:30 a.m. (Sat/Sun). Lunch: 11:30 a.m. –  2:00 p.m. (M-Sat) and 11:30 a.m. –  3:00 p.m. (Sun). Dinner: 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. (Sun – Thur) and 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. (Fri/Sat). Ext. 2401.

Things to Do at Barren River Lake State Resort Park

Boating: Love boating?  Barren River Lake is there for you!  The marina has 100 open slips, 40 covered slips, a launching ramp, rental fishing boats and rental pontoons. I can’t stress just how beautiful the area is or just how much you’ll fall in love with every inch of this park. It’s private, beautiful, relaxing…. and, oh, those potatoes.

Fishing: As you might expect, Barren River Lake  is Heaven on earth for fishing fanatics. With an abundance of largemouth, white, and hybrid striped bass, bluegill, channel catfish, crappie, and rough fish, you’ll be in your element with plenty of fish to challenge and amuse you.

Golfing: Michael loves Barren River Lake State Resort Park’s 18-hole, regulation golf course. A fully equipped pro shop, riding carts, and rental clubs are available. Course open year-round, weather permitting. Pro Shop Number: 1-800-295-1876.

Swimming: [Lodge Pool] Exclusive use for lodge and cottage guests only, outdoor pool available seasonally, 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Restroom facilities and kids wading area available.

[Public Beach] Open Memorial Day through Labor Day, the beautiful and relaxing beach is open from 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., no charge. Sand volleyball, restroom and bathhouse facilities available.

Trails: [Nature Trails] Enjoy three self-guided trails! Connell Nature Trail: A one-mile trail which begins at the head of the road leading to the beach. Lena Madesin Phillips Trail: A one-half mile nature-historical trail located at 31E picnic area. Bike & Hiking Trail: A paved two-and-one half mile loop which begins at the golf course entrance near the lodge.

[Riding Trails] Talk about family fun. The entire family will have the time of their lives on guided trail rides, departing every hour. Open Memorial Day-Labor Day.

[Riding Stables] Memorial Day through Labor Day from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., weather permitting. Rides leave every hour on the hour and last for approximately 45 minutes. Your ride will take your through a wooded area along the lake shore and through a meadow area of the park. As you proceed through these various habitat areas, you may see wildlife including, but not limited to, whitetail deer, wild turkey, great blue herons, Canadian geese, and rabbits. Children under 6 are not permitted on the rides. Current rate of $15 per person advance sign-up recommended.

And That’s Not All! Barren River Lake State Park also has a playground, a fitness center, a lighted basketball court, two lighted tennis courts, picnic areas, shuffleboard, volleyball courts and a gift shop.

Read more about Barren River Lake State Resort Park on Genuine Kentucky:

Barren River Lake: Up Close and Personal

Barren River Lake State Resort Park – You’re Going to Love Everything About This Kentucky State Park

Read all of our posts about Barren River Lake State Resort Park!

Genuine Kentucky Videos of Barren River Lake State Resort Park:

Video of Barren River Lake State Resort Park’s Golf Course

Barren River Lake State Resort Park Video

Click the following links for more information on Barren River Lake State Resort Park as well as other Kentucky State Parks.  You’ll find up to the minute event calendars, special information, directions, and all the names and numbers you’ll ever need!

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We have a special passion for Kentucky State Parks, so you'll find many articles and reviews centered around the beautiful state parks in Kentucky.

A personal goal is to visit, photograph, and enjoy each and every one of our state parks and eat at each of the state resort parks. Make no mistake about it, we're well on our way!

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Also See: Best Fried Catfish in Kentucky
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