Best Beaches in Kentucky 2026

Your complete guide to the top 76 beaches in Kentucky

Kentucky offers 76 incredible beaches, from pristine lakeshores to secluded coves. Whether you're looking for family fun, world-class surfing, or peaceful relaxation, we've researched every beach to help you find your perfect destination.

Jump to Beach

  1. Barren River Lake
  2. Barren River Lake State Resort
  3. Big South Fork (KY)
  4. Boltz Lake Beach
  5. Buckhorn Lake Beach
  6. Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park
  7. Carr Creek Lake
  8. Cave Run Lake
  9. Cave Run Lake Beach
  10. Dale Hollow Lake (KY)

1. Barren River Lake

Barren River Lake

Enjoy the refreshing lake waters of Barren River Lake in Kentucky. A perfect escape for swimming, kayaking, and family fun.

View Full Beach Guide →

2. Barren River Lake State Resort

Barren River Lake State Resort

Enjoy the refreshing lake waters of Barren River Lake State Resort in Kentucky.

View Full Beach Guide →

3. Big South Fork (KY)

Big South Fork (KY)

Discover the refreshing river waters of Big South Fork (KY) in Kentucky. Perfect for swimming and outdoor recreation.

View Full Beach Guide →

6. Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park

Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park

Discover the refreshing lake waters of Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park in Kentucky. Perfect for swimming and outdoor recreation.

View Full Beach Guide →

7. Carr Creek Lake

Carr Creek Lake

Discover the refreshing lake waters of Carr Creek Lake in Kentucky. Perfect for swimming and outdoor recreation.

View Full Beach Guide →

8. Cave Run Lake

Cave Run Lake

Enjoy the refreshing lake waters of Cave Run Lake in Kentucky. A perfect escape for swimming, kayaking, and family fun.

View Full Beach Guide →

More Kentucky Beaches

Carr Creek LakeCave Run LakeCave Run Lake BeachCozy Cove Waterfront ResortDale Hollow Lake (KY)Dewey LakeElmer Davis Lake BeachFishtrap LakeGeneva beachGrayson Lake State ParkGreen River BeachGreen River LakeGreen River Lake State ParkGreenbo Lake State ResortGuist Creek Lake BeachHerrington LakeHerrington Lake BeachHolly Bay BeachJenny Wiley State ResortKarst BeachKentucky Dam LakeKentucky Dam VillageKentucky Dam Village State Resort ParkKentucky LakeKy Dam BeachLake Barkley BeachLake Barkley State ResortLake Barkley State Resort ParkLake CarnicoLake Cumberland (Conley Bottom)Lake Cumberland (General Burnside)Lake Cumberland State Resort ParkLake Malone State Park BeachLake VenusLaurel Branch BeachLaurel River LakeLaurel River Lake BeachLicking River BeachLynnhurst Family ResortMartins Fork LakeMcNeely LakeMiddle Fork Kentucky RiverMoss Creek Day Use AreaNolin Lake (Moutardier)Nolin Lake State ParkNolin River BeachNorth Fork Kentucky RiverPaintsville LakePennyrile Forest State ResortPennyrile Forest State Resort ParkPine Mountain State Resort ParkPulaski County ParkRed River Gorge BeachRockcastle River BeachRolling Fork River BeachRough River Dam State Resort ParkSalt River BeachSandy beach Kentucky LakeSouth Fork Cumberland BeachTaylorsville Lake BeachTaylorsville Lake State ParkU.S. Army Corps of Engineers Cumberland Point Recreation AreaU.S. Army Corps of Engineers Laurel River Lake Spillway BeachWhispering Oaks ResortWillisburg Lake BeachYatesville Lake

View All 76 Kentucky Beaches →

Popular Comparisons

Not sure where to go? These guides help you decide.

Maui vs Kauai Hawaii island beach showdown San Diego vs LA Southern California beach battle Miami vs Fort Lauderdale Florida beach comparison
View All Guides →