Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park - Dawson Springs, KY - Kentucky State Parks

Basketball
Enjoy a day of competition on our basketball/tennis court. Overnight guests may check out sporting equipment.

Birding
At the park’s restaurant you can request a table by the birdfeeders and watch many common birdfeeder birds while you dine. During spring migration we often get a number of Rose-breasted Grosbeaks here. During the summer if you hike the Clifty Creek trail you can often times see a Louisiana Waterthrush bobbing along streamside. The lake trail is probably your best bet for many birding opportunities year round. Birds commonly observed in the winter include juncos, white-breasted nuthatches, purple finches, and Carolina chickadees. In late winter Cedar Waxwings can be seen devouring what is left of the holly berries throughout the park. The spring brings warbler passing through as well as Rose-breasted Grosbeaks. In the summer Red-eyed Vireos, Yellow-billed Cuckoos, Indigo Buntings, Wood Thrushes, Ovenbirds, Pine Warblers, and Scarlet and Summer tanagers are all commonly seen.

Boating
For a fun-filled day on the lake, visit the boat dock. Rental pedal boats, row boats, canoes, kayaks, and trolling motors are available. Larger motorboats are restricted from Pennyrile Lake. Lake Beshear, located four miles from the lodge, also offers fishing challenges. Larger motorboats are allowed there.

Camping
Enjoy the beauty of the Pennyrile Forest in the 36-site campground. The campground features utility hook ups, a dump station, and one central service building with showers, rest rooms, and a laundry. Pets are allowed if restrained. Closed Nov 1 - Mar 31

Canoeing
Canoes can be rented at the park boat dock Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Equine Camping
Pennyrile Forest offers 8 pull-through campsites specifically designed for horse owners. These sites feature electric, water and sewer hook-ups. Each site has its own corresponding hitching posts for up to four horses, picnic table, lantern hanger & fire ring/grill combo. Horse campers have access to all campground amenities, which include bathhouses, laundry area and playgrounds. A new 1.25 mile horse trail near the campground connects horseback riders to the 40+ miles of horse trails on the adjacent Pennyrile State Forest.

Fishing
Grab your fishing pole! Pennyrile Lake is home to bluegill, channel catfish, crappie, and largemouth bass. Forgot your fishing gear? Borrow some from us at the front desk, or boat dock. A Kentucky Fishing License is required. Click here to purchase a license online at KY Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Resources.

Plan your fishing trip and improve your success with the KY Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources fishing forecast. Click here to view. Adobe PDF Document

Click here for a map of Pennyrile State Resort Park lake area. Adobe PDF Document

Gift Shop
Visit the gift shop which offers a large selection of Kentucky handcrafts and souvenirs.

Golf
"Tee-time!" Test your skills on the regulation 18-hole golf course. A pro-shop, riding carts, pull carts, and rental clubs are available. Course open year-round, weather permitting. Eighteen-hole golf packages available.

Hiking
Bring your camera, because the photo opportunities are limitless on the nature trails. Seven trails loop around the lake and through the forest areas and are rated from easy to difficult in hiking ability.

Horseback Riding
Bring your horse out the new 1.25 mile horse trail near the campground connecting riders to the 40+ miles of horse trails on the adjacent Pennyrile State Forest.

Horseshoes
There is a horseshoe pit between the mini golf course and the amphitheater. Equipment is available to borrow from the campstore.

Kayaking
Kayaks can be rented at the park boat dock Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Miniature Golf
To "par"fect your putting, play a round of miniature golf on an 18-hole course. Rate: $4.00 for adults and $3.00 for children. Special group rates available for groups of 20 or more.

Pedal Boating
Rental pedal boats available at the boat dock. Larger motorboats are restricted from Pennyrile Lake, so you are assured peaceful pedaling.

Picnicking
Grills are available at all cottages and campsites. Picnic shelters, tables, and playgrounds are located throughout the park. Shelters available for rental up to one year in advance

Playgrounds
Three playgrounds are available for children to burn off excess energy. The newest playground is located by the lodge and is accessible year-round. The campground playground is only available for play when the campground is open. The playground in the beach/boat dock area is accessible by the lake trail Nov 1-March 15.

Swimming
Take the plunge in the lodge pool or sunbathe at the public beach. The pool is adjacent to the lodge and is available for lodge and cottage guests. Enjoy sand between your toes and the gentle waves of Pennyrile Lake at the beach, adjacent to the boat dock. Open Memorial Day-Labor Day.

Tennis
Enjoy a day of competition on our basketball/tennis court. Overnight guests may check out equipment.