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Spending time at the water is a big part of visiting Land Between the Lakes, and several beaches and swim areas around the region offer access to Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. These spots are popular for cooling off, relaxing on the shoreline, and enjoying warm-weather days near the water. In addition to public beaches, many resorts on Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley offer private beach areas for overnight guests. It’s important to note that there are no lifeguards at any beaches in or around LBL, so swimming is always at your own risk and extra care should be taken, especially with children.
Kentucky Lake
Moss Creek Recreation Area
- End of FS 106 in LBL
- Pebble Rock Beach
- Picnic Tables & Vault Toilet
One of the most popular swim spots inside LBL, Moss Creek Day Use Area offers direct access to Kentucky Lake with a pebble shoreline and simple day-use amenities nearby. It’s open seasonally and swimming is at your own risk.
kentucky lake
The Sands
- Near Birmingham Ferry Campground
- Natural Sand Beach
- No facilities; may only be accessed by boat
A natural sand beach that boaters love in summer, The Sands stretches along Kentucky Lake near Birmingham Ferry and is best reached by water during peak season. It’s one of the rare “real” sandy hangouts on the lake.
Kentucky & barkley
Random Shorelines
- Literally everywhere 🙂
- Mostly Pebble Rock Beaches
- Most shoreline acess points have no facilities
LBL has tons of shoreline access, but outside developed areas and campground swim beaches, most spots are natural and can be rocky with changing conditions (water shoes are a smart move). Also important: no lifeguards, and swimming at ramps/courtesy docks is prohibited.
Kentucky lake
Kentucky Dam Village State Park Beach
- New Beach Road, Calvert City, KY
- Sandy Beach
- Restrooms & Picnic Tables
One of the few public-access sand beaches on Kentucky Lake, located next to Kentucky Dam with seasonal swimming hours plus nearby pavilions and volleyball. Great “easy beach day” option close to major roads.
Kentucky Lake
Paris Landing State Park Beach
- 400 Lodge Road, Buchanan, TN
- Some Sand
- Restroom & Picnic Tables
A public swim beach on Kentucky Lake with picnic areas and restrooms nearby, making it a solid family-friendly stop. It’s part of the broader Paris Landing State Park day-use setup.
lake barkley
Kuttawa Recreation Area Beach
- 2030 Lake Barkley Drive, Kuttawa, KY
- Sandy Beach
- Picnic Tables & Restrooms
A sunny swim beach on Lake Barkley with day-use amenities (think picnic setup and comfort-station basics), located in Old Kuttawa near the canal area. Good option if you want a Lake Barkley beach day without straying far.
lake barkley
Lake Barkley State Park Beach
- State Park Road, Cadiz, KY
- Sandy Beach
- Picnic Tables & Restrooms
A public beach area at the state resort park, typically open seasonally (Memorial Day through Labor Day, dependent on water-quality testing) with a bathhouse and designated swimming hours. An easy add-on if you’re already near Cadiz or the park lodge area.
