Quick Summary:

  • It’s easy to wrongly assume that people in landlocked states can’t enjoy the same beach fun as those in coastal locations, but many inland areas have their own unique stretches of sand and water to enjoy, and Kentucky is a prime example.
  • There are plenty of unique beach spots to spend a sunny day in the Bluegrass State, and this guide will tell you all about them.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
  • Please support our journalism through affiliate links. Affiliate Disclosure
  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Cherokee State Park ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Cherokee State Park | Beaches in Kentucky
© Schlierner/stock.adobe.com

2. Barren River Lake ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Barren River Lake | Beaches in Kentucky
© shodography/stock.adobe.com

3. Carr Creek State Park

Category: Activities
Carr Creek State Park | Beaches in Kentucky
© SolisImages/stock.adobe.com

4. Buckhorn State Park

Category: Activities
Buckhorn State Park | Beaches in Kentucky
© tashas/stock.adobe.com

5. The Moors Resort and Marina

Category: Accommodations
The Moors Resort and Marina | Beaches in Kentucky
© LUGOSTOCK/stock.adobe.com

6. Pennyrile State Park

Category: Activities
Pennyrile State Park | Beaches in Kentucky
© nenetus/stock.adobe.com

7. Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park

Category: Accommodations
Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park | Beaches in Kentucky
© Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park

8. Lake Barkley State Resort Park

Category: Accommodations
Lake Barkley State Resort Park | Beaches in Kentucky
© Patrick Jennings/stock.adobe.com

9. Green River Lake State Park

Category: Activities
Green River Lake State Park | Beaches in Kentucky
© Peakstock/stock.adobe.com

10. Nolin Lake State Park

Category: Activities
Nolin Lake State Park | Beaches in Kentucky
© Michele/stock.adobe.com

11. Rough River Dam State Resort Park

Category: Accommodations
Rough River Dam State Resort Park | Beaches in Kentucky
© Rough River Dam State Resort Park

Map:


Plan Your Trip

Get Ready to Go!

Need some more help?


Go to travel reservations.