Natural swimming hole
Laurel River Lake Spillway Beach
Lake · Kentucky
About this swimming hole
A permanent, roughly 725-foot sandy beach maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at the spillway of the Laurel River Dam on 5,600-acre Laurel River Lake, described by the Forest Service as one of the deepest and cleanest lakes in Kentucky. The clear water and cliff-lined shores make it a popular place to swim, float and sunbathe near Corbin. Dogs are not permitted on the Spillway Beach area.
Good to know
| Water type | Lake |
|---|---|
| Depth | Sandy beach with a gradual slope into the lake at the picnic area shoreline |
| Best season | May-September |
| Fees | Free |
| Reservations required | No |
| Hours | Daylight hours; beach open year-round per published guides, best May-September |
| Parking | Large parking lot at 86-98 Robert E. Blair Memorial Highway, Corbin; the beach is a short hike from the parking lot and is not ADA-accessible |
| Amenities | picnic tables |
| County | Whitley County |
| Nearest town | Corbin |
| Safety notes | Beach is unguarded - always wear a flotation device when on or in the water per Recreation.gov guidance for the adjacent picnic area. Heed posted spillway and dam warning signs and keep well away from the spillway structure. |
Map
Official information
Official park / agency page ↗ — check current conditions, fees, and reservations here before you go.
Nearby swimming holes
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in Laurel River Lake Spillway Beach?
Yes — Laurel River Lake Spillway Beach is listed as a natural swimming spot in Kentucky. Heads-up: Beach is unguarded - always wear a flotation device when on or in the water per Recreation.gov guidance for the adjacent picnic area. Heed posted spillway and dam warning signs and keep well away from the spillway structure.. There are rarely lifeguards at natural swimming holes — verify conditions locally before you go.
Does Laurel River Lake Spillway Beach require reservations?
No reservations are required at Laurel River Lake Spillway Beach based on current information — but verify before you go.
Is there a fee to visit Laurel River Lake Spillway Beach?
Reported fee info: Free. Fees can change — confirm with the official link.
When is the best time to visit Laurel River Lake Spillway Beach?
The best season is typically May-September.