Of Kentucky’s 45 lakes, Cumberland Lake, Lake Barkley, and Kentucky Lake are the biggest three. No matter which of these Kentucky lakes you visit, you’re sure to find great fishing, fresh air, and a way to get back in touch with nature—whether you’re lounging at a lodge or pitching a tent.

On a hot Kentucky summer day, there’s nothing better than a dip in a lake to cool off and unwind. At the ten biggest lakes in the Bluegrass state, you can do a whole lot more than just swim. Cast your line, take a hike, ride a horse, or explore their nearby towns.

With so much to do at each one,

Jerry

—the super app for

car insurance

—has put together this guide to visiting Kentucky’s ten biggest lakes. We’ll tell you where they are, where you can stay, and what activities you can do there.

Let’s dive right in!

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Kentucky Lake (160,000 acres)

Address: 61 Odell Dr, New Concord, KY 42076

Website:

Kentucky Lake

First up on our list of the biggest lake in Kentucky is the aptly named Kentucky Lake! It is the largest lake in the state of Kentucky and has the added title of the largest manmade lake in the eastern United States.

With 160,000 acres of water and a whopping 2,300 miles of shoreline, there’s room for everyone to enjoy the sparkling waters and soak up the sun.

Fed by the Tennessee River, Kentucky Lake is a prime destination for fishermen. Crappie, bass, bluegill, and catfish abound in this lake. Or, if you’re more of a let's-read-a-paperback-and-relax kind of lake-goer, the

Moss Creek Day Area

is a popular Kentucky lake beach.

MORE:

The best castles in Kentucky to visit

Cumberland Lake (65,536 acres)

Address: Smithtown Rd, Monticello, KY 42633

Website:

Lake Cumberland

At Lake Cumberland, you’re sure to find something that floats your boat—literally! Lake Cumberland boasts a fleet of

rental houseboats

in the United States, earning it the honor of being the “Houseboat Capital of the World.”

If you’ve ever wanted to wake up to the gentle sway of the water, consider renting a houseboat somewhere along the lake’s 1,200 miles of shoreline.

As far as fishing goes, Cumberland is well-known for its abundance of striped bass. When you’ve had your fill of fishing, you can also explore the lake on one of their rental kayaks, paddleboards, ski boats, or pontoons.

Lake Barkley (57,824 acres)

Address: 3500 State Park Rd, Cadiz, KY 42211

Website:

Lake Barley

Just across from Kentucky Lake, you’ll find Barkley Lake. These two lakes form a 170,000-acre national recreation area fittingly called the Land Between the Lakes. Lake Barkley is the perfect getaway for families or travelers who want a little more than just aquatic activities from their lake vacay.

For something a little educational, check out the

Mineral Museum

or the

National Quilt Museum

. Find the perfect piece of home decor at one of their many

antique shops

, or whip out your clubs and tee off at their

18-hole golf course

MORE:

The best weekend getaways in Kentucky

Barren River Lake (10,099 acres)

Address: 1149 State Park Rd, Lucas, KY 42156

Website:

Barren River Lake

Way back in the pioneer days, travelers would go down Barren River Lake to get to what is now modern-day Bowling Green, Kentucky. It gets its name not from a lack of water or fish (you’ll catch tons of catfish, bluegill, bass, and crappie along its shores), but from its vast expanses of treeless fields.

You can pitch your tent at one of their

99 campsites

if you’re longing to be lulled to sleep in the heart of nature. But, if glamping is more your MO, they have

22 cottages and a 51-room lodge

for visitors who wish to vacation in style. Once you’re fully rested, rent a boat from their

marina

and get out on the water.

Green River Lake (8,198 acres)

Address: 179 Park Office Rd, Campbellsville, KY 42718

Website:

Green River Lake

Just outside of Campbellsville and right in the heart of bluegrass country, Green River Lake not only has 1,331 acres of shoreline, but also 28 miles of all-purpose trails you can explore on foot or on horseback.

Green River Lake is best for those who are more interested in a truly unplugged outdoor experience. There are

227 campsites

available to rent, but no lodges or other cabins.

As one of Kentucky’s best-kept secrets, a trip to Green River Lake is a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

MORE: Open container laws in Kentucky

Nolin Lake (5,807 acres)

Address: 2998 Brier Creek Rd, Mammoth Cave, KY 42259

Website:

Nolin Lake

This lake near Mammoth Cave is beloved by its nearly 2 million yearly visitors for its unique blue-green water.

But with only

61 campsites

available for rent, it’s wise to plan your trip to Nolin Lake a couple of months in advance (especially in summer, when tourism takes a sharp uptick).

Nolin Lake has all of the usual trappings visitors know and love in a lake: boating rentals, swimming at the lake beach, and even a hike up to a waterfall. But, no trip to Nolin Lake would be complete without a jaunt to

Mammoth Cave National Park

, home to a 400-mile underground cave system. Fun fact: it’s the largest underground cave system in the entire world!

Rough River Dam (5,100 acres)

Address: 450 Ic-1003, Falls of Rough, KY 40119

Website:

Rough River Dam

Despite its name, you won’t be roughing it at Rough River Dam. A stay in

Rough River Dam State Resort Park

is sure to relax and rejuvenate travelers from all walks, whether they came from nearby Louisville, Elizabethtown, Evansville, or beyond.

If the lodge is full, you can also stay at one of their 17 two-bedroom cottages.

Fishermen, this one is especially for you: Rough River Dam has some of the best fishing in the state. Here, you can reel in Kentucky bass, catfish, crappie, rough fish, and more. If you’re into other sports, you can also play tennis, basketball, and volleyball at their courts.

MORE: How to check for Kentucky road closures

Taylorsville Lake (3,050 acres)

Address: 1240 Settlers Trace Rd, Taylorsville, KY 40071

Website:

Taylorsville Lake

Conveniently located southeast of Louisville and west of Lexington, Taylorsville Lake is one of the best places in the state to go for a horseback trail ride. It’s also a great place for beginner fishers: it’s the most-stocked fishing lake in the state! With odds like that, you’re bound to reel in something.

The

marina

offers boat rentals of all kinds: pontoons for those looking to float and relax, and tubing boats for those looking for more of a thrill.

Herrington Lake (2,335 acres)

Address: 136 Homestead Ln, Lancaster, KY 40444

Website:

Herrington Lake

Herrington Lake may be one of the smaller lakes on our list of Kentucky’s largest lakes, but with a depth of 249 feet, it is the deepest in the state.

There’s plenty to do at the lake’s surface. To make the most of your trip to Herrington Lake, head to their marina to

rent

a pontoon, tube, or kayak.

After a fun-filled day at the lake, grab a bite to eat at

Idler's Cove Restaurant

to enjoy a meal with a side of a gorgeous lake sunset.

Buckhorn Lake (1,230 acres)

Address: 4441 KY-1833, Buckhorn, KY 41721

Website:

Buckhorn Lake

Don’t be fooled by Buckhorn Lake’s size. Even though it’s the smallest on our list, there’s still so much to do at this lake at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Take in the view of the lake with a stay at their

lakefront lodge

or go a little off the beaten track and rent a cottage.

Swim along the lake beach—or in the lodge pool if you’re more of an indoor person. If you’re more of an outdoor person, you can bring your own lunch or dinner to one of their many picnic sites so you never miss a moment of sunshine.

Protect yourself before you go

Before you map out your epic road trip to Kentucky’s biggest lakes, you should make sure your car is in tip-top shape before you hit the open road.

Take care of your car’s routine maintenance, fill up your tires—and consider revamping your

car insurance

policy with

Jerry

’s help.

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