Summary
The park is situated on the shores of Lake Cumberland, which is one of the largest man-made lakes in the country. The park offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, boating, and swimming.
There are several good reasons to visit Lake Cumberland State Resort Park. The park is known for its beautiful scenery, including stunning vistas of the lake and surrounding mountains. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking on the many trails in the park, fishing for bass or trout in the lake, or boating around the lake's 1,200 miles of shoreline.
One of the main points of interest at the park is the Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery, which is located nearby. Here, visitors can learn about the process of raising fish and even take a guided tour of the hatchery. Other popular attractions in the area include the Lake Cumberland Winery, which offers wine tastings and tours of the vineyards, and the scenic Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, which is famous for its stunning waterfall.
Interesting facts about Lake Cumberland State Resort Park include its status as one of the top fishing destinations in the country, as well as its designation as a "dark sky" park, which means it has minimal light pollution and is ideal for stargazing. The park also has a rich history, with evidence of Native American settlements dating back thousands of years.
The best time of year to visit Lake Cumberland State Resort Park depends on the activities you're interested in. Summer is the most popular time of year, with warm weather and plenty of opportunities for water-based activities. Spring and fall are also great times to visit, with milder temperatures and fewer crowds. Winter is the least popular time of year, but the park's trails and campgrounds remain open year-round for those willing to brave the cold.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
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Lake Cumberland State Park
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Halcombs Landing - DFWR
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Kendall Rec Area - Lake Cumberland
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Ryans Camp Ramp - DFWR
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