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7 Best Kentucky Lakes to Rent a Lake House

    Renting a lake house is one of those classic vacation concepts that never goes out of style. It’s the perfect family getaway: relaxation, beautiful surroundings, and fun activities that everyone can enjoy together. If you’re looking for the perfect location for your lakeside vacation, look no further than the beautiful lakes of Kentucky.

    There are many beautiful lakes for you to explore in Kentucky. The following lakes were chosen by the number of activities they offer and the availability of vacation rentals for big families.

    Kentucky Lake

    Kentucky Lake is the largest man-made lake in the whole of the USA. With over 160,000 acres of sparkling water and 2,300 miles of glorious shoreline to explore, Kentucky Lake has plenty to offer any vacationing family. The shoreline is studded with boat docks, lake house rentals, resorts, and more. Several state parks lie along the edge of Kentucky Lake, offering even more exciting activities. There are wildlife areas, parks, and plenty of group camps and clubs for kids. There are also dozens of commercial recreation areas to enjoy. It’s no wonder that 17 million visitors flock here every year.

    Sunset at Barren River Lake

    Barren River Lake

    Barren River Lake is the ideal place for boating, fishing, or just enjoying the scenery. The lake waters teem with fish and there are safe beaches that are perfect for swimming. The region boasts plenty of family activities, from hiking and golfing to horseback riding. Whether you’re looking for a lake house that’s part of a resort, or for a stand-alone rental that will give you the peace and tranquility you want, Barren River Lake has the vacation spot for you. There are cozy cabins for smaller families with just one or two children, as well as grand getaways for larger broods.

    The still lake mirrors trees at Nolin River Lake

    Nolin Lake

    This 5,795-acre manmade lake offers outstanding scenery and fun family activities for all ages. The lake forms part of Nolin Lake State Park and lies along the northern edge of Mammoth Cave National Park. This makes it ideal for your lake house rental: there’s something fun to do every day. Take the family biking along more than nine miles of trails, or head out to fish for bass, catfish, and the other abundant species of fish. There are plenty of idyllic picnic spots and beaches for a refreshing dip.

    Barkley Lake SRP, 2016.jpg

    Lake Barkley

    Lake Barkley is a great spot for a family adventure. It offers everything you want from a lakeside vacation, from fishing and boating to swimming and exciting water sports. There is a Civil War Museum and other educational attractions that the whole family will love. The area is noted for its wildlife, including the famous golden and bald eagles.

    Lake Cumberland

    Whether you’re a boater, a fisherman or just looking for a beautiful spot to relax and spend time with the most important people in your life, Lake Cumberland is ideal. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the summer weather, or admire the foliage in fall. As well as conventional lake house rentals, Lake Cumberland is also famous for the many houseboats available for rent.

    Dale Hollow Wake

    Dale Hollow Lake

    Dale Hollow Lake offers a pleasant climate and a long vacation season. It’s the ideal place to rent your dream lake house. As well as the usual lakeside attractions, the area offers horseback riding, biking trails, and a world-class golf course. As one of the cleanest lakes in the US, it’s ideal for swimmers. Dale Hollow Lake is also renowned for its birds and wildlife.

    Taylorsville Lake

    If you love the great outdoors, Taylorsville Lake is for you. Enjoy fishing, hunting, and horseback riding with your family, or take your older children on an orienteering session. Keen cyclists will appreciate the 24 miles of trails that wind through Taylorsville Lake State Park. Swimming is available in designated areas, and there are playgrounds and picnic spots to keep your little ones happy for hours.

    Whatever you’re looking for in a family lake house vacation, Kentucky has the ideal place for you. Any of these picturesque lakes will provide your family with days of fun and excitement, and memories that will last a lifetime.

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    Theresa Jorgensen

    Theresa Jorgensen

    Theresa Jorgensen is a mother to four children including twins. She recognized the necessity for a comprehensive resource of hotels that cater to big families with rooms and suites for 5, 6, 7, or 8 people in a single room while traveling with her own family. In 2008, she established SixSuitcaseTravel to compile a database of such hotels. Over time, the website has grown to include travel advice, itineraries, road trip suggestions, national park guides, and more. Theresa takes pleasure in assisting other big families in creating unforgettable travel experiences.