Rough River Lake, Kentucky, USA

Straddling the Grayson, Breckinridge, and Hardin County lines in south central Kentucky, Rough River Lake is a 5,100 acre reservoir completed in 1951 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a flood control mechanism for the Ohio River Basin. The recreational opportunities created were a welcome bonus.. The Army Corps of Engineers reduces the lake level in winter to prevent flooding in the spring. The lake…
Keep scrolling to read more.

Welcome to the ultimate guide to Rough River Lake! Article topics include:

Looking for Rough River Lake cabins or other accommodations? Save time and use this interactive map to find, compare and book at the best rates. Or explore more of our favorite travel partners.

This post contains affiliate links. If you click and purchase, we may earn a small referral fee at no extra cost to you. Read our full disclosure.

Explore Area Hotels

Nearby offer more hotel accommodations:

  • Check TripAdvisor
  • Check Expedia
  • Check Hotels.com
  • Check Booking.com

    • All About Rough River Lake, KY

    Lake Locations: USA - US South Region - Kentucky - Kentucky Derby Region, KY -

    Straddling the Grayson, Breckinridge, and Hardin County lines in south central Kentucky, Rough River Lake is a 5,100 acre reservoir completed in 1951 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a flood control mechanism for the Ohio River Basin. The recreational opportunities created were a welcome bonus..

    The Army Corps of Engineers reduces the lake level in winter to prevent flooding in the spring. The lake is 39 miles long with 220 miles of scenic shoreline at summer pool, with an elevation of 495 feet above sea level. Maximum depth ranges from 60-80 feet. The winter pool level is 475 feet above sea level, reducing the lake’s acreage to 2,180. The lake is navigable during the winter.

    Rough River Lake Resort Park offers several options for the discriminating visitor. A 9-hole, par-3 golf course challenges you to make a birdie, but only if you can stop from staring at the beautiful scenery around you. Upscale, secluded cottages are available nestled into the woods around the lake. And when you get a little hungry, head to the park’s Grayson’s Landing Restaurant, which offers panoramic views and fine Kentucky fare. The park’s 637 acres also include a paved airstrip for private planes.

    Boaters can launch their watercraft from any of the four public boat ramps or three marinas. 5,100 watery acres beckon to you, and you’ll look forward to getting out onto the lake, whether you choose a power boat or canoe. Take some time to explore the coves, and when you do, keep your eyes open for some of the waterfowl, land dwellers, and bird life that are prevalent at the lake.

    If you fish, prepare to reel in some large bass, catfish, and crappie, the lake’s biggest producers. Bass fishermen at Rough River Lake generally practice catch-and-release fishing, where they release all but trophy fish. Catfish and crappy anglers go for the prize and catch what they eat. Whichever your pleasure, make sure to grab your bait box as you’re packing your bags for Rough River Lake.

    Swimmers, rejoice: Rough River Lake presents very pleasant swimming opportunities in the cool and clean water. A white sand beach provides the perfect space for sun bathing and enjoying the lake breezes. If you’re hankering for a walk, a one-mile nature trail winds and weaves through the Rough River Lake Resort Park, offering you an upfront look at the colorful plants and shy wildlife of Kentucky. What’s more, you’ll be treated to some special views of the lake that only those on foot will ever see.

    Rough River Lake is also within 50 miles of Mammoth Cave National Park, the longest cave system in the world. Visitors can explore more than 240 miles of mapped passageways.

    Rough River Lake is a special place for a special vacation. Deep blue waters are accentuated by emerald golf greens, rainbow-hued sunsets, flowering bushes and trees, and natural beauty only found far away from the glow of the city.

    Things to Do at Rough River Lake

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

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Fishing
    • Boating
    • Swimming
    • Beach
    • Canoeing
    • Golf
    • Hiking
    • Wildlife Viewing
    • National Park

    What Kind of Fish Are in Rough River Lake?

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

    • Bass
    • Catfish
    • Crappie
    divider

    Find Places to Stay at Rough River Lake

    If you’re considering a Rough 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.

    Note: These are affiliate links and we may earn a small commission if you click and make a purchase. Read our full disclosure policy here.

    More Sites to Book a Rough River Lake Vacation

    Our interactive Rough 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:

    Check TripAdvisor
    Check Expedia
    Find a Campspot
    All Travel Resources

    Rough River Lake Statistics & Helpful Links

    divider

    Lake Type: Artificial Reservoir, Dammed

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

    Surface Area: 5,100 acres

    Shoreline Length: 220 miles

    Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 495 feet

    Minimum Elevation (Min Pond): 470 feet

    Maximum Elevation (Max Pond): 524 feet

    Completion Year: 1951

    Drainage Area: 44 sq. miles

    Trophic State: Mesotrophic

    Rough River Lake Map
    Lake Water Level
    Local Weather Forecast

    More local lakes to explore in this area:

    LakeLubbers heart icon

    Taylorsville Lake, KY

    LakeLubbers heart icon

    Taylorsville Lake, KY

    LakeLubbers heart icon

    Yatesville Lake

    We strive to keep information on LakeLubbers as accurate as possible. If you’ve found something here that needs updating, please touch base by filling out our Content Correction form.

    Shop Rough River Lake Gifts

    Custom Lake Tumblers

    Create Your Own Captain / First Mate Custom 20oz Tumbler

    ORDER HERE
    Custom Lake T Shirt

    Create Your Personalized My Boat My Rules Unisex T-Shirt

    ORDER HERE
    Custom Lake Coffee Mug - On Lake Time

    Create a Custom Coffee Mug – 11oz or 15oz

    ORDER HERE
    VIEW ALL CUSTOM LAKE PRODUCTS

    More Rough River Lake news from LakeLubbers.com

    • Advertise your vacation rental property or local business: DETAILS HERE
    • The Rough River Lake forum has been discontinued: HERE’S WHY
    • New Rough River Lake photos coming soon!
    • You’re invited to join our lake-lovin’ community on Facebook and Instagram!
    • Share this Rough River Lake article with your fellow LakeLubbers: