Representative imageTennessee
Kentucky Lake
Tennessee
About this destination
Kentucky Lake is a large reservoir located in western Tennessee. It stretches across the western edge of the state, into Kentucky. It is formed by the Kentucky Dam on the Tennessee River and is managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority.
The lake covers over 160,000 acres and has over 2,300 miles of shoreline. It is a popular destination for fishing, boating, water sports, and camping. Its abundant fish population includes catfish, crappie, bluegill, and bass.
Kentucky Lake is surrounded by state parks, national wildlife refuges, and recreation areas, offering visitors plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. These include Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, Kenlake State Resort Park, Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, and Paris Landing State Park.
In addition to its recreational opportunities, Kentucky Lake has a rich history. It was a vital transportation artery during the Civil War, and several historical sites and markers along its shores tell the stories of that tumultuous time in American history.