Laurel River Lake

Facility · Kentucky ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Laurel River Lake (Recreation Reservoir) · Open Access

1,008 ft
Elevation

Laurel River Lake is located on London Ranger District and features 5,600 acres of clear, deep water and nearly 200 miles of tree-lined shore. The quiet coves and cliff-lined shores offer relaxation and quiet reflection, as well as boating, fishing, skiing and scuba diving in one of the deepest and cleanest lakes in Kentucky. Fishing for black bass, rainbow trout, walleye, crappie, blue gill and catfish is excellent. Night fishing for trout is also popular during the summer months.

The U.S. Forest Service administers the lake and surrounding shoreline. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers oversees the operation of the lake's dam and nearby recreation facilities, including a picnic area and a swimming beach at the spillway.

Make this page look nicer by submitting photos of your visit to Laurel River Lake. Learn more... 

Campgrounds nearby:

Boat Ramps nearby:

Marinas:

Getting there

36.96386, -84.22017 · 36°57'49.9"N 84°13'12.6"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 86°F in Jul, down to 45°F in Jan.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F455058697784868680705849
Low °F273036455462666558453630
Precip in3.94.04.64.75.05.15.24.03.53.33.54.5

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 11.6 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Member photos

Common questions about Laurel River Lake

Can you reserve a site at Laurel River Lake?
No. Laurel River Lake is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Camping near Laurel River Lake

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.