Yatesville Lake, a sprawling 2,300-acre mountain reservoir, beckons with premier bluegill fishing in Eastern Kentucky. Boasting opportunities for golf, various boating activities, and a well-equipped campground, Yatesville Lake State Park is an ideal destination. Whether you prefer boat-in, hike-in, or improved sites, the campground caters to diverse preferences. The expansive lake invites water enthusiasts to cruise its waves or bask in the sun on various watercraft such as houseboats, pontoons, speed boats, or jet skis. For all your boating and fishing needs, Yatesville Marina stands ready. Immerse yourself in the picturesque lakeside ambiance of the Yatesville Lake State Park campground.
Winter Operations:
- Park Grounds: Open 7 days a week, dawn to dusk
- Campground: Closed
- Golf Course: Open year-round
Top Five Things to Do:
- Experience golf at Signature Hole #13.
- Explore the unique Boat In and Out Campsites.
- Hike the scenic Mary Ingles Trail at the Marina.
- Visit the impressive Spillway at the Dam at Yatesville Lake.
- Enjoy Eagle Viewing from various park locations.
Birding:
Yatesville Lake State Park offers excellent birding opportunities, particularly around the marina and dam areas, ideal for observing waterfowl, occasional visits from Bald Eagles, and Osprey sightings. The campground trails and golf course areas provide diverse habitats, allowing observation of Wild Turkey, Grouse, Dove, Woodpeckers, Warblers, and Cardinals throughout the year. Campers can relish the nighttime songs of the Whip-Poor-Will during the summer camping season. Seasonal spring/summer visitors include Hummingbirds, Purple Martins, Robins, and various migrating birds. Winter brings visitors like the American Gold Finch family.
Boating:
With two launch ramps (one at the marina and one at the campground), Yatesville Lake facilitates easy lake access. Known for its cleanliness, the lake has an average depth of 40 feet.
Camping:
Indulge in the picturesque lakeside ambiance of the park’s 47-site campground. Established in 1999, the campground features 16 “boat-in” sites and four “hike-in” sites, accessible only by boat for secluded lakeside camping. Amenities include a playground, nature trails, a laundry room, restrooms & showers, and a dump station. Recognized among the best campgrounds in Kentucky and Tennessee by Menasha Ridge Press. Open mid-March through mid-November.
Fishing:
The marina hosts an ADA-compliant fishing jetty and lagoon, complete with a well-equipped store selling gas, groceries, bait, fishing equipment, and souvenirs. A valid Kentucky Fishing License is required.
Golf:
Yatesville Lake State Park proudly presents the Yatesville Lake Golf Course, an 18-hole, par 71 course situated on mountainous terrain with breathtaking views. The course features a fully-equipped pro shop catering to golfers’ needs. Golf packages and season passes are available. Tee time reservations accepted. Open year-round.
Hiking:
Multiple trails offer opportunities for outdoor enjoyment, catering to all skill levels. The 2-mile Pleasant Ridge Trail is near the campground, while the 2.5-mile Mary Ingles Trail system near the marina provides diverse options, from rugged wooded hiking to exercise paths and an ADA self-interpretive nature trail. The Yatesville Lake Multi-Use Trail spans over 20 miles, welcoming hikers, backpackers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders.
Picnicking:
Yatesville Lake offers a picnic shelter, with additional amenities like a playground area, horseshoe pit, and cornhole in the nearby campground. Shelter reservations are accepted up to one year in advance.
Playgrounds:
Playgrounds are available at both the campground and marina locations.
Trails
Multi-Use Trail
Managed by the Lawrence County Saddle Club, this trail spans over 20 miles and is accessible to hikers, backpackers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. Situated near the campground, there is a restricted number of stalls available.
Mary Ingle Trail System
Situated in the Marina area, this trail system comprises six distinct trail loops: three challenging, wooded hiking trails; two exercise paths; and one ADA self-interpretive nature trail.
Pleasant Ridge Trail System
This system consists of five separate trails, wooded nature trails extending through the campground area towards the lake.
Golf
Yatesville Lake Golf Course
Yatesville Lake Golf Course, part of Yatesville Lake State Park, is situated in the scenic eastern Kentucky foothills near Louisa, Kentucky. Designed by architects Arthur Hills and Steve Forrest, the course showcases the rugged beauty of the region, creating a golfing masterpiece. With 4-5 sets of tees on each hole, meticulously manicured fairways, and pristine greens, Yatesville Lake Golf Course caters to golfers of all skill levels. The course not only provides a wonderful and challenging test of golf but also offers an abundance of wildlife, dramatic tee-to-green elevation changes, and scenic views that will leave you awestruck. So, pack your golf clubs, grab your camera, and get ready for a golf experience you won’t soon forget.
2019 Golf Advisor: #14 Best of Kentucky 2013/2014 – Golf Digest: #11 Best in State of Kentucky 2011/2012 – Golf Digest: #6 Best in State of Kentucky 2012 – #1 Golf Course in Kentucky, Golf Kentucky Links
Golf Passes:
The Kentucky State Parks want you to enjoy another fun-filled year of golf with us at our Nation’s Finest Park System. Purchase your Golf Pass today for unlimited access to nationally recognized golf courses by Golf Digest. Golf Passes may be purchased at any Kentucky State Park golf course. Contact Yatesville Lake’s pro shop at 866-906-7888.
We also offer Golf Discount Cards. Inquire in the pro shop for more information.
Other Park Amenities:
- Walking & Jogging Trails
- Fishing
- Boating
- Water Skiing
- Nature Trails
- Playgrounds
- Picnicking
- Camping
Cooler & Alcohol Policy:
Alcohol not purchased at Kentucky State Parks is not allowed by law on our golf courses. Personal coolers—or any type of food or beverage storage device—are not permitted. However, each facility has coolers to use free of charge, including ice. We offer a selection of beverages, snacks, and sandwiches for purchase.
