Surrounded by the beauty of the Daniel Boone National Forest, Laurel River Lake (AKA Laurel Lake) is a favorite destination for thousands of visitors and locals each year. Its many coves and cliff-lined shores offer relaxation and quiet reflection, as well as expansive open water perfect for boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, tubing, skiing, and fishing in one of the deepest and cleanest lakes in Kentucky. If you’re casting a line, expect black bass, rainbow trout, walleye, crappie, blue gill or catfish on the other end.
Boating opportunities are provided by seven launch ramps located conveniently around the lake: Grove Recreation area, Laurel Bridge Recreation area, Cane Creek Recreation area, Craigs Creek Recreation area, Holly Bay recreation area, Marsh Branch Recreation area and Flatwoods Complex.
A permanent beach maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at the Spillway of the Laurel River Dam is an excellent location to spend an afternoon swimming, floating, building sandcastles or sunbathing. The clear water and submerged rock formation also make Laurel Lake a popular destination for scuba divers.
The 5,600-acre lake, located in Laurel and Whitley counties, was impounded in 1979 by the Corps of Engineers.
Please note: Dogs are not permitted on the Spillway Beach area.
