Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park

Established May 19, 1949

On May 19, 1949, The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) officially turned over Kentucky Dam Village to the Kentucky State Parks System. The Marshall County, Kentucky site acquired by the commonwealth had once been one of the most isolated and poverty stricken in the state. The Tennessee River frequently flooded and some places could not be safely navigated for commercial traffic. Prior to 1933, the U.S. Corps of Engineers had made field studies regarding the feasibility of building a dam on the Tennessee River, in the vicinity of Eggner’s Ferry where Kenlake Resort Park is now located. After the creation of the TVA, a new field investigation took place that recommended a dam be built near the town of Gilbertville, Kentucky. On May 28, 1937, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the act to authorize funding for the construction of a new dam on the Tennessee River.

Land acquisition for the dam and subsequent lake cost nearly $17 million. Two Kentucky towns vanished when their sites had to be cleared for the dam’s construction. When actual construction on the project began on July 1, 1938, accommodations for workmen had to be built. The community that had housed the workmen was abandoned with the project’s completion in 1945. The new dam had originally been called the Gilbertsville Dam, but the TVA renamed it Kentucky Dam.

At one and a half miles long and 206 feet high, Kentucky Dam is the largest dam built by the TVA. Kentucky Lake has 160,000 acres with a canal that connects it to Lake Barkley. It is the largest man-made lake in the eastern United States. Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley creates one of the largest waterways in the world. The lake has a beach and a full service marina with both covered and uncovered slips. Anglers can find bass, bluegill, catfish, crappie, and rockfish.

Boating
The park’s boat dock features overnight dockage, rental fishing boats, pontoon boats, and ski boats. Open March 1-October 31. $ for rentals. Marina: (270) 362-8386. Marina web site: www.kydammarina.com

Camping
The park’s campground offers 219 paved campsites with water and electricity hookups, a grocery store, three dump stations, and four central service buildings with showers and rest rooms. Air Camp for aviators offers the opportunity to camp by your aircraft. The facility has one central service building. Gasoline not available. Reservations are accepted. Check-out by 1:00 PM Central Time. Closed Nov 1 - Mar 31

Eagle Watching
KY Department of Parks holds three Eagle Weekends in Western Kentucky and have outings by yacht excursions to help the public learn more about the eagle and witness their populating comeback! Check the event calendar for dates & registration information.

Fishing
Fishing enjoyment never ceases at Kentucky Dam Village! With an abundance of largemouth, smallmouth, Kentucky and white bass, bluegill, channel and blue catfish, crappie, and sauger, Kentucky Lake is the perfect year-round vacation spot for the avid angler!

Golf
The granddaddy of the Kentucky State Parks Golf Trail is at Kentucky Dam Village. This par 72 course plays 6,704 yards from the back tees. The terrain is gently sloping. A day on the links is enhanced by all the amenities of this popular park. A fully equipped pro shop is open year-round with rental riding carts, pull carts, and clubs available. Golf packages are offered. Please call 800-325-0146 or 270-362-4271 to make golf package reservations. Course open year-round, weather permitting. Pro Shop: 1-800-295-1877.

Hiking
Kentucky Dam Village is located approximately 12 miles from the north entrance of the Land Between the Lakes where more than 200 miles of trails and abandoned roads meander through the backwoods, fields and alongside peaceful lakeshores.

Horseback Riding
Enjoy a guided 45-minute scenic ride through the woods and along the lake shore. Some of the wildlife spotted includes birds, deer, wild turkey, raccoons, foxes and waterfowl. Trail rides go out on the hour 9 am to 7pm Memorial Weekend through Labor Day.

Swimming
A swimming pool adjacent to the lodge is for the use of lodge and cottage guests only. Open seasonally.

Swimming available seasonally at one of the few public-access sand beaches on Kentucky Lake. Located at the edge of the Kentucky Dam. Open seasonally 10am – 7pm. Pavilion and beach volleyball courts available.

Tennis
Tennis courts are available at Kentucky Dam Village. Overnight guests may check out sports equipment.