Established in 1964
Lake Barkley State Resort Park is located near Cadiz in Trigg County. On December 1, 1964, the Kentucky Parks System added Lake Barkley to the list of Kentucky’s state parks. The Secretary of the Army had approved the leasing of 1,800 acres of land along the shores of Lake Barkley for a public park and recreation facility. The state purchased 1,400 acres of surrounding land for a total of 3,200 acres. Presently the park has 3,600 acres. The U.S. Corps of Engineers constructed the earth and concrete dam completing it in July 1966. The dam and reservoir are part of a comprehensive plan for flood control and the development of water resources along the Cumberland River. Lake Barkley covers 58,000 surface acres and is a part of the vast “Land Between the Lakes” development area that includes 170,000 acres located on a peninsula between Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake. The area has more than 1,004 miles of shoreline.
Biking
Seven miles of trails are open for mountain biking.
Birding
Over 200 avian species can be observed or heard in the park, including an abundance of warbler species including: Prothonotary, Kentucky, Blue-winged, and Worm-eating warblers, Bald Eagles, Ospreys, Wild Turkeys, vultures, Pileated Woodpeckers, Red-Headed Woodpeckers, Wood Thrushes, orioles, tanagers, hawks, owls, Belted Kingfishers, swallows, a wide variety of waterfowl, and many, many others. The park currently has nearly 60 bluebird nest boxes, and most can be observed from the park’s roads. In the fall and winter, large flocks (dozens---sometimes, hundreds) of American White Pelicans and Double-crested Cormorants can be observed from the lodge. Winter is also a great time to view ducks and waterfowl on the lake. Lesser Scaup, Bufflehead, Mergansers, Loons, Grebes, and coots are just a few of the winter visitors. In the spring and summer these birds head north and are replaced by Snowy Egrets, Cattle Egrets, Black-crowned Night-herons, Great Egrets, and other fish eating birds.
Boating
With a 57,920-acre lake, Barkley is a year-round boating paradise. The marina is one-half mile from the lodge and offers 112 covered slips, 60 open slips, and a launching ramp. Rental fishing boats, pontoon boats, and ski boats are available. Open year-round. Fee for rentals. Marina: (270) 924-9954.
Camping
Find delight in the outdoors in the campground. The campground has 78 sites with utility hookups, a dump station, and two central service buildings with showers and rest rooms. Closed Nov 1 - Mar 31.
Eagle Watching
Check our events calendar for Winter Eagle Watching dates.
Fishing
Enjoy hours of fishing pleasure at Lake Barkley. Anglers cast for largemouth, white, and Kentucky bass, bluegill, channel catfish and crappie.
Golf
Test your golfing skills on the 18-hole Boots Randolph Course. A pro shop, rental riding carts, pull carts, and golf clubs are available. Golf packages are offered.
Course open year-round, weather permitting. Pro Shop: 1-800-295-1878.
Hiking
Enjoy the beauty surrounding Lake Barkley on one of three self-guiding trails, providing 9 miles of nature study. Seven miles are open for mountain biking.
Horseback Riding
Riding stables are open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
$18.00/per person. Call 270-839-0151 to make reservations.
Racquetball
Located at the Fitness Center for lodge & cottage guests.
Swimming
A swimming pool fronting the lodge between the lake and the lodge is for the exclusive seasonal use of lodge and cottage guests.
For information regarding the indoor wellness pool at the Fitness Center, please see heading “Fitness”.
The public beach, open seasonally, offers a volleyball court, bathhouse, and hours of swimming fun in the waters of Lake Barkley.
Tennis
Enjoy a tennis match on one of two lighted courts near the lodge.
Trap Shooting
Test your marksmanship at Lake Barkley’s trap range. Cost is $20.00 per person*, per round of 25 shots. 12-gauge shotguns and clays are included. The charge for clays only is $10.00* per round of 25, but participants must provide own shotgun and stainless steel ammunition. Supervised trapshooting is seasonal and weather permitting.
Volleyball
Sand courts are located at the public beach.
Water Aerobics
Classes offered at the Fitness Center. Call for times.
