10 Best Family Beaches in Kentucky [for 2023]
Kentucky is a state known for its rich history and breathtaking natural beauty. While it may not have an oceanfront coastline, it boasts some of the most beautiful and scenic beaches in the country.
Whether you’re looking to relax, take a dip in the water, or indulge in outdoor activities, Kentucky’s beaches have something for you all. From boating and camping to fishing and beach volleyball, there’s never a dull moment at any of these beaches.
The stunning landscape and serene surroundings provide the perfect backdrop for a family getaway, and the endless activities ensure that everyone is kept entertained. So, pack your bags, gather your loved ones, and head to one of the best family beaches in Kentucky for an unforgettable experience in Kentucky.
1. Lake Barkley State Resort Park Beach, Cadiz
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Lake Barkley State Resort Park Beach is a stunning beach for tourists to escape from their daily lives and enjoy the tranquility of nature. This beach is open to all and not just those staying in the lodges, it welcomes you for day trips with family and friends.
The beach has sparkling and well-maintained water, which is Perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or just relaxing. You can also take advantage of the beach volleyball courts, which create a fun and competitive environment for those wishing to play a game with their loved ones.
The beach includes a bathhouse that’s perfect for freshening up after a long day. If you’re looking for a family-friendly getaway, America’s Paradise Resort is just minutes from the beach. This resort is one of the best family hotels in Kentucky and offers a variety of amenities to make your stay here as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
One of its most exciting features is the nearby marina. You can rent gear and equipment for water-based activities such as fishing boats, and double-decker pontoons with slides, tubes, and kneeboards. These items may be reserved ahead of time to ensure availability.
2. Nolin Lake State Park Beach, Mammoth Cave
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Nolin Lake State Park Beach is a great beach that’s a favorite of locals and one of the best family beaches in Kentucky. This beach is located in Kentucky and features soft golden sand, clear water, and a spacious shoreline. The beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or just enjoying the beautiful views.
The on-site grill makes it easy to create a lovely barbecue with friends and family. Kids can play at the nearby playground or bury themselves in the sand. While you can enjoy the beach, Nolin Lake State Park Beach is also a prime spot for birdwatching.
You can grab a beach chair and sit on the shore with your family and watch the birds pass by. The beach is home to many different species of birds, including the Great Blue Heron, Sandhill Crane, Bald Eagle, and many more.
It’s a great way to introduce kids to the joys of birdwatching. For those looking for more adventure, signing up to explore Mammoth Cave National Park is highly recommended. The park is home to the longest cave system in the world and offers a variety of tours for you.
By walking or taking a boat ride with a guide, you and your kids can explore the spectacular Mammoth Cave and learn about its history and geology. A visit to Nolin Lake State Park Beach and Mammoth Cave National Park is sure to be an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
3. Lake Malone State Park Beach, Dunmore
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Lake Malone State Park Beach is a hidden treasure located in the heart of Kentucky. The beach is located within Lake Malone State Park, which boasts an abundance of natural beauty from rolling hills to lush forests, camping, and plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy.
The beach is especially popular with young children. Great for families, as the water is shallow and calm, allowing young children to splash around safely. With alert lifeguards on duty, parents can rest easy knowing that their children are in safe hands.
The soft sandy beach provides plenty of room to build sand castles, play beach volleyball or simply relax in the sun. Here’s more for you to enjoy. Lake Malone State Park offers several hiking trails that are suitable for all ages. Suitable for families with children.
The park’s sights are easy to navigate, making it a great spot for a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hike for the adventurous. Camping is also available within the park, allowing families to extend their stay and fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the natural surroundings.
4. Carr Creek State Park Beach, Sassafras
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Carr Creek State Park Beach isn’t just any other beach; It has a rich history dating back to the earliest pioneers of the state. The beach offers a calm and peaceful environment, unlike other crowded beaches, you can expect to spend a relaxing and peaceful day here.
While at the beach, you can breathe fresh air, and sunbathe There are many places, and you can get while enjoying the breathtaking views of your surroundings. Kids can have fun building sand castles while you read a good book.
You can rent a fishing boat and try your hand at fishing, or rent a pontoon and cruise through the calm waters as you enjoy a filling meal. Day Trip After the fun-filled activities, it is recommended to stop by Holly Hills Mall Restaurant.
This restaurant serves a wide range of delicious and freshly prepared food to you, which will leave you wanting more. You can enjoy some local cuisine and even strike up a conversation with the friendly locals while enjoying your meal.
5. Green River Lake State Park Beach, Campbellsville
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Green River Lake State Park Beach is a top choice, especially for families with young children. The beach has clear, calm waters that are perfect for young children who are just learning to swim. Soft powdery sand and rope-off areas add an extra level of safety for families with young children.
Here you can enjoy a leisurely activity with your kids as you swim, build sand castles, and relax in the sun. While the beach is particularly suited to young children, teenagers, and adults can find plenty to enjoy as well.
The beach volleyball court is perfect for some friendly competition, and there are a number of water activities available, such as water skiing, tubing, and kayaking. Horse riding is also an option nearby, proving to be a fun experience for the whole family.
It is important to note that the shallow area of the lake is safe for children, but there are rocks at the bottom of the lake as you swim further. To avoid any injury, it is recommended to wear aqua shoes while venturing out to the shallow area. Green River Lake State Park Beach is an excellent choice for families seeking a safe, enjoyable, and picturesque beach experience in Kentucky.
6. Barren River Lake Beach, Lucas
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Barren River Lake Beach attracts families seeking a relaxing and fun-filled beach vacation in Kentucky and is considered one of the best family beaches in Kentucky. This beach boasts a well-kept shoreline, rolling hills, and lush greenery, presenting a picturesque setting for a day out with loved ones.
There are many activities to enjoy, such as picnicking along the shoreline, building sandcastles with your kids, or playing a game of catch or tag on the wide beach. The beach is renowned for its safety measures. There are several lifeguards on the beach who are always alert and ready to provide assistance when needed.
The lake’s calm waters, with little or no waves, present a safe environment for swimming and other water activities. The deeper parts of the lake are also marked with ropes, ensuring swimmers stay in a safe zone. The popularity of the beach means it can get quite crowded during peak season and weekends. So, you are advised to plan your trip early or any day of the week to enjoy the beach.
7. Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park Beach, Dawson Springs
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Pennyril Forest State Resort Beach in Kentucky is a fun beach where you can turn your family vacation into a joyous one. The beach is equipped with a variety of activities that will keep everyone entertained.
The beach encourages you to relax in the sun, build sand castles, play beach volleyball, or swim in crystal-clear waters. During peak season, you can also rent canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and paddle boats for a more exciting time on the water.
Pennyrail Forest State Resort Park has many other activities for your family to enjoy. You can go horseback riding and explore the woods, enjoy a round of golf at the 18-hole golf course, or play a game of basketball or tennis on the courts.
The park also has campgrounds nearby where you can pitch a tent or park an RV and enjoy a night under the stars. Exploring the area is also a good idea as there are several hiking trails in the park That offer breathtaking views of the forest and surrounding areas. Along the trails, you’ll find unique ora and fauna, including wildflowers and a variety of bird species.
8. Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park Beach, Calvert City
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Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park Beach is located on beautiful Kentucky Lake, one of the largest man-made lakes in the world. The beach is clean and spacious, making it the perfect place to relax on the sand, play beach volleyball or enjoy a swim in the water.
Along with the usual beach activities, Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park Beach also offers other exciting water activities water skiing, fishing, and renting a pontoon boat. With a pontoon boat, you can explore the vast waters of Kentucky Lake and admire beautiful views, including bald eagles.
The beach has a pavilion where visitors can picnic or relax while away from the heat of the sun. You can enjoy delicious food comfortably with your whole family. There is also a large gift shop, one of the largest in the state, where you can buy souvenirs and other items such as handmade baskets, homemade jams, pottery, coffee mugs, and T-shirts. And with the expansive beach and exciting water activities, it’s no wonder why it’s one of the best-loved beaches in Kentucky.
9. Buckhorn State Resort Park Beach, Buckhorn
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Buckhorn State Resort Park Beach is one of the best family beaches in Kentucky that is loaded with a variety of amenities, where you can enjoy a fun-filled day with your loved ones while visiting this beach. The beach has soft, powdery sand and refreshingly cool water which is perfect to beat the heat during summer.
While enjoying all these activities here, you can enjoy various facilities which include showers and changing stations, a nearby playground and jungle gym with facilities suitable for infants and toddlers, and a marina where they can rent pontoons and fishing boats for water excursions.
For nature lovers, the Leatherwood and Moonshine Hollow Trails, located nearby, provide the perfect opportunity to explore scenic trails and see nesting eagles in the winter and migrating warblers during the spring. On the beach, you can also spot a range of waterfowl including the Great Blue Heron and the Belted Kingfisher.
Buckhorn State Resort Park Beach is a top destination for families looking for a fun and relaxing day at the beach, complete with all the amenities needed for an enjoyable experience.
10. Rough River Dam State Resort Park, Falls of Rough
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Rough River Dam State Resort Park Beach is a spectacular and gorgeous beach attraction that attracts families from around the country. This beach boasts peaceful and fun activities, Where you can enjoy swimming and sunbathing in the calm waters and soft golden sand, making it one of the best family beaches in Kentucky.
With whom you can make the most of activities such as volleyball, family picnics, and fishing. The park also offers a host of other amenities, including playgrounds, a miniature golf course, and a basketball court, all of which keep the whole family entertained Orienteering is one of the best family fun activities available at Rough River Dam State Resort Park.
It is a game that requires you and your loved ones to use a map and compass to navigate through a course in the woods. It’s a great way to get outside and explore the natural beauty of the park while engaging in a fun and competitive activity. Orienteering can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels, and it’s great for your mind and body.
What a great way to challenge yourself. It requires you to think critically and problem-solve as you navigate through the courses, and it also provides an excellent opportunity to improve your physical fitness as you head into the woods.