Boating At Lake Barkley In Kentucky

Free Public Boating & Watersport Activities

Lake Barkley, located in western Kentucky, is a stunning reservoir that stretches across a vast area, providing ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers to indulge in various recreational activities. The lake is a part of the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, a popular destination known for its abundant natural beauty and diverse wildlife.

Boating is one of the main draws of Lake Barkley, with its calm waters and scenic coves offering an idyllic setting for leisurely cruises and water sports. Visitors can enjoy water skiing, tubing, and jet skiing, making it an exciting spot for thrill-seekers and families alike.

The lake features several marinas that cater to boaters' needs, providing boat rentals, fuel stations, and amenities to ensure a pleasant and convenient boating experience.

For easy access to the water, there are numerous well-maintained boat launch ramps situated around the lake's perimeter, making it hassle-free for boaters to launch their vessels and start their adventures.

Surrounding the lake are several charming nearby cities, such as Cadiz and Eddyville, where visitors can explore local attractions, shops, and restaurants, adding to the overall experience of their visit to Lake Barkley.

The boating season typically spans from spring to fall, allowing ample time for visitors to take advantage of the warm weather and enjoy the various water-based activities offered by the lake.

Lake Barkley is also renowned for its exceptional fishing opportunities, attracting anglers in pursuit of bass, crappie, catfish, and more, making it a paradise for fishing enthusiasts.

For those looking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area, camping facilities are available near Lake Barkley, offering a chance to experience the tranquility of the lake and its surrounding landscapes under the starry night sky.

Boating, camping and fishing.

With and 58,000 surface acres, Lake Barkley is considered one of the best boating and fishing lakes in KY. This reservoir is located in the southwest corner of KY. Pontoon boats, houseboats, power boats, family boats, fishing boats, kayaks and canoes can be rented at the lake. Ninety percent of the lake is in the state of Kentucky. There are several marinas within KY and numerous places offering boat rentals on the lake. Angler-friendly lodging, campgrounds and RV parks are located strategically around the lake. Restaurants, bait and tackle, and convenience stores are all available at the lake or nearby. Barkley Lake, with over 1,000 miles of shoreline, has a long-standing reputation as an excellent fishery, especially bass fishing. This is also an excellent crappie lake, maybe even one of the best in the country. Catfish, white bass, stripers, sunfish, paddlefish, walleye and sauger also roam these waters in bragging size schools.

Area Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Camping

Energy Lake Campground - 270 924-2270

Kamptown RV Resort - 270 522-7976

Kentucky Lakes-Prizer Point KOA Campground - 270 522-3762

Dryden Bay Campground & Cabin - 270 388-0289

Cravens Bay Campground - 270 924-2000

Indian Point RV Park - 270 388-2730

Eureka Recreation Area Campground - 270 388-9459

Murphy's RV Park - 270 388-4752

Barkley Lake Map

Fishing

Fish species found in Lake Barkley include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, redear sunfish, warmouth, white bass, yellow bass, striped bass, hybrid striped bass, paddlefish and sauger.

Largemouth bass Smallmouth bass Spotted bass Channel catfish Flathead catfish Blue catfish Black crappie White crappie Walleye Bluegill Redear Sunfish Warmouth Sunfish White Bass Yellow Bass Striped bass Hybrid Striped Bass Paddlefish Sauger