Land Between The Lakes features over 300 miles of shoreline with Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley surrounding three sides. You might want to take a dip on a hot summer's day when visiting LBL!
Outside the developed campgrounds, there are no designated swimming beaches with sand in Land Between The Lakes and there are no lifeguards anywhere, so you'll be swimming at your own risk. Swimming at boat docks and ramps is prohibited. Due to the rocky nature of the shoreline and potential debris, water shoes are encouraged.
Also, Kentucky Lake is older than Lake Barkley, so the water is a bit cleaner and less muddy. Spring-fed creeks emptying into bays provide the coolest and cleanest water, such as Lost Bay in southern LBL (only accessible by boat).
Moss Creek Day Use Area on the north end of LBL is typically the most popular place to swim. There are a few picnic tables and grills as well as toilets. The pebble beach there is favorable for taking a dip. The area is open seasonally, usually from April through October.
Another popular spot is known to the locals as "The Sands." This location features a natural sandy beach, but is only accessible by boat. It is located between the Rock Quarry and Birmingham Ferry Recreation Area in Land Between The Lakes. The exact location is 36.924991, -88.168319. But again - it is not accessible by land.