National park · United States
Lake Cumberland State Resort Park
Visit Lake Cumberland State Resort Park: buy a day entry pass (check cost) and hike the 2‑mile Lakeshore Trail in the morning; stay at Lure Lodge or camp for a full weekend in May–Oct to avoid crowds.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
More
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
11 km² (4 sq mi)4 sq mi (11 km²)
approximate
Established
1951
Best months
Mar–May, Sep–Oct
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
At a glance
- Country
- United States
- Area
- 11 km² (4 sq mi)4 sq mi (11 km²)
- 2,791 acres (approx. 11.3 km²).
- Established
- 1951
- Best months
- Mar–May, Sep–Oct
- Permits
- For some areas
Lake Cumberland State Resort Park offers shoreline trails, water recreation and forest scenery on a large reservoir; entry is a modest vehicle fee, with camping and lodge options for extended stays.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1951.
Size and age
11 km² (4 sq mi)4 sq mi (11 km²) · national park since 1951
2,791 acres (approx. 11.3 km²).
Why go
- Lake Cumberland offers shoreline hiking, water sports and forest scenery on a large reservoir.
- The park’s Lure Lodge provides year‑round accommodation and a pool.
- Camping sites and cottages let you stay close to the lake for sunrise paddling.
When to go
- JanGo
- FebGo
- MarBest
- AprBest
- MayBest
- JunGo
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepBest
- OctBest
- NovGo
- DecGo
- JanCold but quiet; fishing.
- FebCool, few visitors.
- MarMild, spring blooms.
- AprWarm, trails dry.
- MayIdeal for hiking and boating.
- JunWarm, popular.
- JulHot, occasional thunderstorms.
- AugPeak heat, bugs.
- SepCooler, less crowded.
- OctFall colors, campground still open.
- NovCool, limited services.
- DecCold, quiet.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White‑tailed deer, wild turkey, waterfowlMar–Nov | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no |
| Bald eagles (winter)Nov–Feb | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Lexington
Drive north via US‑27 and KY‑90 (≈2 h).
2 h
Open the page →
From Louisville
Take I‑64 east to US‑27 north (≈2 h 30 m).
2 h 30 m
Open the page →
From Somerset (nearest city)
Follow KY‑90 east 40 mi to the park entrance.
45 m
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Lure Lodge area | Hotel, restaurant, indoor pool, visitor center. | Open year‑round; rooms bookable online. |
| Campground | 119 sites, electric hookups, shower houses. | Open Apr 1–Oct 31; reservation required. |
| Lakeshore Trail | 2‑mile paved trail along the lake. | Free access from parking area. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates from Kentucky State Parks official site; approximate for trailheads.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day entry (vehicle) | US$5 | vehicle | Check current rate on official site. |
| Camping site (electric) | US$15–25 | site per night | — |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit or guide
Camping reservation permit or guide
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- US$5
- US$15–25
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Confirm on Kentucky State Parks – Lake Cumberland before you go.
Park rules
- Pets
- Leashed dogs allowed on trails; must be confined in campsites.
- Fire
- Only use provided fire pits; no open flames outside designated areas.
- Alcohol
- No alcohol sales in the park; can be purchased in Somerset.
Where to stay
In the park
Lure Lodge
63‑room hotel with pool and restaurant.
In the park
Pumpkin Creek Lodge
13‑room historic lodge.
In the park
Cottages
Full‑kitchen cottages and woodland cabins.
In the park
Campground
Sites with electric hookups and primitive options.
Safety
Heat and sun exposure medium
Lightning storms medium
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Visitor center and Lure Lodge have wheelchair‑accessible entrances and restrooms.
- Lakeshore Trail is paved and suitable for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Use refillable water bottles; refill stations are at the visitor center.
- Stay on designated trails to protect shoreline vegetation.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Lake Cumberland State Resort Park?
A vehicle day‑pass is about $5 (check current rate); camping fees start at $15 per night.
What are the best hikes in Lake Cumberland State Resort Park?
The Lakeshore Trail (2 mi, easy) and the 3‑mi Pine Ridge Loop (moderate) are the most popular.
When is the best time to visit Lake Cumberland State Resort Park?
Late spring (May‑June) and early fall (Sept‑Oct) offer mild weather and fewer crowds.
Can I bring my dog to the park?
Yes, dogs are allowed on trails if leashed and must stay in designated campsite areas.
Is alcohol sold inside the park?
No; the nearest purchase point is Somerset, about 40 mi east.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Ask about Lake Cumberland State Resort Park
Loading…
Was this useful?