Natural swimming hole
Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park - Pennyrile Lake Beach
Lake · Kentucky
About this swimming hole
Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park has a designated sandy swim beach on Pennyrile Lake, a 56-acre reservoir inside a roughly 15,000-acre forest near Dawson Springs. The beach, open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, has a roped swimming area and a gently sloped shore entry, and sits right next to the park boat dock. Motorboats are not allowed on the lake, so the water stays calm for swimmers, canoes, pedal boats, rowboats and kayaks.
Good to know
| Water type | Lake |
|---|---|
| Depth | Roped-off swimming zone with a gently sloped, shallow entry suited to young swimmers |
| Best season | Memorial Day-Labor Day |
| Fees | Free |
| Reservations required | No |
| Hours | Seasonal beach hours, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM per the beach listing; beach open Memorial Day to Labor Day |
| Parking | Parking at Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park, 20781 Pennyrile Lodge Rd, Dawson Springs, near the beach and boat dock |
| Amenities | picnic tables, playground |
| County | Christian County |
| Nearest town | Dawson Springs |
| Safety notes | Stay inside the roped-off swimming area. No motorboats are allowed on Pennyrile Lake. |
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 Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park - Pennyrile Lake Beach?
Yes — Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park - Pennyrile Lake Beach is listed as a natural swimming spot in Kentucky. Heads-up: Stay inside the roped-off swimming area. No motorboats are allowed on Pennyrile Lake.. There are rarely lifeguards at natural swimming holes — verify conditions locally before you go.
Does Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park - Pennyrile Lake Beach require reservations?
No reservations are required at Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park - Pennyrile Lake Beach based on current information — but verify before you go.
Is there a fee to visit Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park - Pennyrile Lake Beach?
Reported fee info: Free. Fees can change — confirm with the official link.
When is the best time to visit Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park - Pennyrile Lake Beach?
The best season is typically Memorial Day-Labor Day.