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Locals know that Kentucky is a fantastic place for swimming, boating, fishing, and relaxing during lake season, but you may not realize that the Bluegrass State is also home to many sandy beaches. Some of these beaches are small stretches of rocky sand along a lake, while others are quite wide and have soft, pristine sand. There are well-known lakefront destinations and others that remain hidden from most, including one clear-water beach in Kentucky: Laurel River Lake.
Why This Beach Is Different
Locals and longtime Laurel River Lake visitors know they have something special with the beach at the spillway of the lake’s dam. This Kentucky beach offers clear water and enough space to accommodate plenty of visitors who just want to cool off in the stunning waters of this 5,600-acre lake. In fact, the clear waters and surrounding scenery may rival the Caribbean.
Laurel River Lake is located near Corbin and London, Kentucky, in the heart of Daniel Boone National Forest. This pristine lake in Kentucky has a lot to offer, including swimming, boating, and scenic views. As one of Kentucky’s deepest and cleanest lakes, this is a unique place to get out on the water, but there is plenty to experience from its shoreline. The Laurel River Dam is also an incredible engineering feat.
Near the dam’s spillway, you’ll find an unexpected sandy beach where you can relax for the day and play in the water. The Corps of Engineers maintains this Kentucky swimming beach, and while not well-known statewide, it is a favorite summertime spot for those who live in and visit the area.
If you’d like to get out on the water or prolong your stay with a night on a houseboat, check out Holly Bay Marina. It’s not far from the beach, and you can rent from a variety of available boats, including pontoons and fishing boats, rent a boat slip, and grab a bite to eat at the on-site deli as well.
Thanks to the clear water, scuba diving is a popular activity in the lake, and countless people have fallen in love with this picturesque body of water. The spillway beach in Kentucky is a wonderful place, too, so plan a visit to this stunning area of our state soon.
Best Time to Visit
When you visit, you’ll see that many people love this scenic beach with clear water. However, you should expect to find a crowd on hot, sunny weekends in the summer, but it’s quieter during the week and on milder days. There are so many outdoor activities to experience in the area, but the beach is a great spot to relax and rejuvenate between adventures. Spend the morning hiking or riding around, then spend the afternoon lounging at this sandy beach in Kentucky.
Although the Spillway Beach at Laurel River Lake is open year-round, it’s best to visit between May and September for the best weather and swimming opportunities. But if you prefer more peace and quiet, visit outside the regular season, when you’ll encounter fewer crowds.
What To Know Before Visiting This Clear-Water Beach In Kentucky
Prior to your visit, keep in mind that there are no on-site amenities at Laurel River Lake, such as a snack bar or dining options, so you must bring food with you-there’s a picnic area near the beach for your convenience. Once you arrive, the beach is a short hike from the parking lot; however, it is not ADA-accessible. There is no fee to swim here. Visit the U.S. Forest Service website for more information on Laurel River Lake.
We may not get those famous Caribbean sunsets on a lake in Kentucky, but the skies certainly put on a show in the morning and at night. Imagine taking in a gorgeous sunset view while kicking back on the beach. It’s certainly another thing to look forward to while spending time at this lakeside beach in Kentucky.
The beaches of the Caribbean are remarkably scenic and have crystal clear waters, but we can’t always get there easily from Kentucky. However, we can hop in the car and head to the beach at the spillway of the Laurel River Dam, which often boasts clear waters and sandy shores perfect for a relaxing day. So what are you waiting for? Head on over to spend a summer day of your dreams at one of the best places to swim in Kentucky.
For more swimming opportunities, discover the most pristine beaches in Kentucky, or take a road trip to find the most serene hidden Kentucky beaches.
