Green River Lake, Kentucky, USA

The children scrambled after each other, racing up the steps to the slide. Then they were off – sliding and squealing landing with a splash in the waters of Green River Lake. A quick swim to the houseboat where they were staying with their family and it was up the ladder to do it again. It is their vacation and nothing is going to stop them from…
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    • All About Green River Lake, KY

    Lake Locations: USA - US South Region - Kentucky - Southern Lakes Region, KY -

    The children scrambled after each other, racing up the steps to the slide. Then they were off – sliding and squealing landing with a splash in the waters of Green River Lake. A quick swim to the houseboat where they were staying with their family and it was up the ladder to do it again. It is their vacation and nothing is going to stop them from having fun. Green River Lake in Kentucky’s Southern Lakes Region seems to be made for fun.

    In reality, Green River Lake was created for flood control. It is an impoundment of the Green River which takes its name from the color of its water. The Green River is a tributary of the Ohio River, and at 370 miles long, it is the longest river entirely within Kentucky. The US Army Corps of Engineers started construction on the dam on the Green River in 1964, and Green River Lake was completed in 1969. The 8,210 acre lake is part of 33,793 acres of land and water comprising the Green River Lake project making it the largest project in the Louisville District. The entire 147 mile shoreline is surrounded by the state park or Corps controlled land.

    Since its construction Green River Lake has prevented over 123 million dollars of damage caused by flooding. It has also become a very popular recreation lake. The Corps manages several campgrounds, picnic areas and beaches. There is also a US Army Corps of Engineers-run visitor center with a Civil War era cabin. Trails for hiking cross the rolling hills surrounding Green River Lake.

    Ten boat ramps, including several operated by the USACE provide access to the lake and there are also three marinas. Green River Lake has more than enough water for boating and water-skiing, and house boats provide accommodations and recreation. Paddlers can explore the lake’s tree lined shore by canoe or kayak.

    The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) stocks muskie in Green River Lake every year. Anglers come from across the state to hunt the trophy fish, a lucky few pulling fish over 40 inches out of the lake. The peak muskie seasons are March through April and September through November. There are also abundant populations of white, largemouth, small mouth and Kentucky bass, along with bluegill and crappie. Numerous fish attractor structures have been placed in the lake. The US Army Corps of Engineers and the Kentucky DFWR co-host a kids fishing tournament every year on Green River Lake.

    The lake winds back and forth like the river it used to be, and the Green River Lake State Park sits on one of the bends. Established in 1969, the 1,331 acre park has a very popular lakefront campground, beach, picnic area and playground. There are miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horse back riding. An 18 hole mini golf course, gift shop and a marina with a restaurant and boat rentals round out the amenities.

    The Green River Wildlife Management Area makes up the rest of the shoreline of Green River Lake. Trails meander across the 20,500 acres of oak and hickory forests that wrap the shore of Green River Lake. It is open to hunting and there are deer, turkey, small game and waterfowl in season.

    Green River Lake sprawls across parts of Adair, Casey and Taylor Counties in south central Kentucky. It is 90 miles south of Louisville and just a few miles from Campbellsville. Campbellsville has restaurants, shops and any amenities a visitor might need. In addition to the lake front cabins including a few floating cabins, Campbellsville has accommodations ranging from hotels to vacation rentals. There is also real estate for sale in Campbellsville for those wishing to extend their stay.

    Having more than proved its worth for flood control, Green River Lake is also demonstrating its value as a recreation destination. There is more than enough land and water set aside for everyone to play at Green River Lake.

    Things to Do at Green River Lake

    These are some activities in the Green River Lake, KY area visitors can enjoy:

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Fishing
    • Fishing Tournaments
    • Boating
    • Swimming
    • Beach
    • Canoeing
    • Kayaking
    • Water Skiing
    • Golf
    • Camping
    • Campground
    • Picnicking
    • Cabin Rentals
    • Hiking
    • Biking
    • Horseback Riding
    • Hunting
    • Wildlife Viewing
    • Birding
    • State Park
    • Playground
    • Miniature Golf

    What Kind of Fish Are in Green River Lake?

    Green River Lake has been known to have the following fish species:

    • Bass
    • Bluegill
    • Crappie
    • Muskellunge
    • Pike
    • Sunfish
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    Find Places to Stay at Green River Lake

    If you’re considering a Green River Lake lake house rental or hotel, we’ve made it super easy to find the best rates and compare vacation accommodations at a glance. Save time using this interactive map below.

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    More Sites to Book a Green River Lake Vacation

    Our interactive Green River Lake lodging map above is an easy tool for comparing VRBO rental homes and nearby hotels with Booking.com, but there could be times when you need to expand your search for different types of accommodations. Here are some other lake lodging partners we recommend:

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    Green River Lake Statistics & Helpful Links

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    Lake Type: Artificial Reservoir, Dammed

    Water Level Control: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

    Surface Area: 8,210 acres

    Shoreline Length: 147 miles

    Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 675 feet

    Minimum Elevation (Min Pond): 0 feet

    Maximum Elevation (Max Pond): 713 feet

    Average Depth: 50 feet

    Completion Year: 1969

    Green River Lake Map
    Lake Water Level
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