If you’re looking for the best dog friendly beaches in Kentucky, then you’ve come to the right website.
We’ve got loads of pup-friendly information on the top beaches in Kentucky that allow dogs.
So come on in. We’re looking forward to helping you out!
Table of contents
- 1. Big Bone Lick State Park Beach
- 2. Yatesville Lake State Park Beach
- 3. Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park Beach
- 4. Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area
- 5. Green River Lake State Park Beach
- Conclusion About Dog Friendly Beaches in Kentucky
- Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Friendly Beaches in Kentucky
- Related Articles
1. Big Bone Lick State Park Beach
- 3380 Beaver Road, Union, KY 41091
- Fantastic Kentucky State Park
- Leashed dogs are permitted year-round at the state park beach
- Discover salt springs along the Big Bone Creek Trail
- Beautiful campground and an interpretive center
Big Bone Lick State Historic Site is located close to Union in Kentucky. It’s just 3 miles east of the Ohio River and the state border with Indiana.
Kentucky State Parks recently changed their Pet Policy and are now all pet-friendly!
You’re allowed to bring your dog to many parts of this delightful state park, including the beautiful beach.
The historic site’s Outdoor Regulations & Policies stipulate that all dogs shall bear proper identification and are to be properly restrained on a leash.
Still-Active Salt Springs And 20,000-Year-Old Fossils
If you’re interested in natural history, this is an amazing place to bring your pup.
In this state park, you can see still-active salt springs, a re-created Pleistocene marsh and 20,000-year-old fossils!
There’s also a herd of bison in the park, that can be seen all throughout the year.
And of course the fantastic Kentucky dog-friendly beach!
Website: Big Bone Lick State Park Beach
2. Yatesville Lake State Park Beach
- 2667 Pleasant Ridge Road, Louisa, KY 41230
- Beautiful 2,300-acre mountain reservoir
- Leashed dogs are permitted year-round at the state park beach
- Dog-friendly sandy beach
- Park grounds are open 7 days a week, from dawn to dusk (winter opening times)
Yatesville Lake State Park is located in Louisa, Kentucky. It’s in the eastern part of the state, just a few miles from the state border with West Virginia.
As it’s name suggests, the highlight of this wonderful state park is Yatesville Lake itself. It’s a huge 2,300-acre mountain reservoir, with a fabulous dog-friendly sandy beach surrounding much of it.
As long as you keep your pup on a leash at all times, then she is welcome at the beach all throughout the year. And she can splash in the cool water as well.
Wonderful Trails For You And Your Pup To Explore
There are also some wonderful trails for you and your canine companion to explore. The Mary Ingle Trail System consists of 6 separate trail loops. And the Pleasant Ridge Trail System comprises 5 separate trails.
Eagles can often be seen from many locations throughout the park.
But the best thing, of course, is the beautiful sandy beach, which is definitely one of the best dog friendly beaches in Kentucky.
Website: Yatesville Lake State Park
3. Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park Beach
- 4441 Kentucky Highway 1833, Buckhorn, KY 41721
- Beautiful 1,200-acre lake, surrounded by hills and pristine forests
- Leashed dogs are permitted year-round at the state park beach
- Lodge rooms, cottages, a restaurant and hiking
- A gorgeous, tranquil, peaceful place to get away from it all
Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park is situated just south of Buckhorn in Kentucky. It’s in the southeastern part of the state, close to the state borders with both West Virginia and Tennessee.
The park has a stunning location in the Appalachian foothills, just along the edge of the Daniel Boone National Forest.
Buckhorn Lake itself is a delightful 1,200-acre lake, surrounded by hills and pristine forests. And there’s a dog-friendly sandy beach along its shores.
Just remember to keep your furball on a leash at all times whilst at the beach. And in fact, throughout the park, in accordance with Kentucky State Park laws.
You Can See Eagles From The Lodge
There are 3 different park trails here for you and your pup to explore.
The Leatherwood Trail and the Autumn Loop Trail are both considered strenuous. Whilst the Moonshine Trail, as well as having a great name, has an easy difficulty rating.
In the winter months, it’s possible to spot eagles from the lobby or the dining room of the 36-room lodge.
But the best thing here, of course, is the fabulous dog friendly sandy beach along the shores of Buckhorn Lake!
Website: Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park
4. Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area
- 238 Visitor Center Drive, Golden Pond, KY 42211
- Huge 170,000-acre inland peninsula, straddling the border of Kentucky and Tennessee
- Dogs are allowed in Land Between the Lakes, but must be on a leash at all times
- Lots of beaches, trails and sandy shoreline for you and your pup to explore
- The National Recreation Area is open 24/7 and has no general entrance fee to the recreation area itself
Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area covers a vast area of 170,000 acres.
It’s actually an inland peninsula, with 110,000 acres in Kentucky and 60,000 acres in Tennessee.
This gorgeous National Recreation Area is tucked away in the far southwestern corner of Kentucky, close to the state border with Missouri. It’s nestled between Kentucky Lake to the west and Lake Barkley to the east.
A Beautiful Natural Playground
This natural playground features beaches, trails, vast forests, open lands and streams.
You and your furball are free to explore much of this natural playground all year round. And there is no general entrance fee to the main recreation area itself.
Do note, however, that you need to keep Fido on a leash at all times when visiting.
And certain areas are out of bounds for pets. These include the Woodlands Nature Station, the Welcome Stations, the Visitor Center and the Planetarium.
Some Of The Best Beaches in Kentucky For Dogs
But the beaches here are beautiful. And most of them allow leashed dogs. Though do check the website for up-to-date information and check the signage when you’re there.
These beautiful beaches are some of the best dog friendly beaches in Kentucky.
Website: Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area
5. Green River Lake State Park Beach
- 179 Park Office Road, Campbellsville, KY 42718
- Wonderful Kentucky State Park situated along the shoreline of the 8,210-acre Green River Lake
- Leashed dogs are permitted year-round at the state park beach
- 28 miles of trails for you and your pup to explore
- Fantastic wildlife in the park, including deer, turkeys, eagles, hawks, squirrels and skunks
Green River Lake State Park is in the southern half of Kentucky, about 6 miles south of the small city of Campbellsville.
It’s 90 miles south of Louisville, the largest city in Kentucky. And also around 90 miles southwest of Lexington, Kentucky.
There are a total of 23 different all-purpose trails in this delightful state park.
They include Cobee’s Trail, the Rex Trail, the Wildcat Trail, the Lakeshore Trail, the Eagle Ridge Trail and Eddie’s Loop. The trails are of varying difficulties, ranging from easy to very difficult.
Pick 1 or 2 that suit you and your pup and go and explore!
A Gorgeous, Sandy, Kentucky Dog-Friendly Beach
And the gorgeous beach here is sandy and dog-friendly!
Just remember to keep your pooch on a leash at all times whilst at the beach. And in fact, throughout the park, in accordance with Kentucky State Park laws.
Website: Green River Lake State Park
Conclusion About Dog Friendly Beaches in Kentucky
The Bluegrass State may not have any ocean coastline, but what it DOES have are lots of beautiful inland lakes and rivers.
And many of those have dog friendly beaches along their shorelines.
Kentucky is fortunate to have lots of wonderful state parks and national recreation areas. And some of the most beautiful Kentucky dog beaches can be found right there.
So what are you waiting for?! It’s time to get out there and explore!
We hope that you have tons of fun with your gorgeous pup in Kentucky!
So what do YOU think? Which is YOUR favorite dog beach in Kentucky? Let us know by leaving a comment – we’d love to hear from you.
Things change all the time, so if any of the information in this article is incorrect or out-of-date, please let us know – just leave us a comment below. Many thanks!
If you’ve enjoyed finding out all about the best dog friendly beaches in Kentucky, then take a look at our comprehensive round-up of some of the best dog beaches in the US
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Friendly Beaches in Kentucky
No, unfortunately dogs are not allowed to swim at Cave Run Lake in Kentucky. However, dogs ARE allowed throughout Daniel Boone National Forest. Just make sure to always keep your pup on a leash when visiting.
Yes, dogs are allowed at Lake Barkley Beach, which is part of the Lake Barkley State Resort Park. Your dog must be kept on a leash at all times when at the beach and throughout the state park.
Yes, dogs are now allowed in ALL Kentucky State Parks. You must keep your dog on a leash at all times when visiting any of the beautiful state parks in Kentucky.
