Get the best of both worlds with Kentucky Lake cabins
Straddling the border between Kentucky and Tennessee, Kentucky Lake truly is the best of both worlds. Along with nearby Lake Barkley, this sprawling man-made reservoir on the Tennessee River is a popular vacation destination for visitors of all stripes, and Kentucky Lake cabins will put you within easy reach of countless activities—from swimming, boating, and fishing, to hiking, biking, go-kart racing, and horseback riding. Younger visitors will enjoy animal encounters at the Woodlands Nature Station and constellation presentations at the Golden Pond Planetarium and Observatory, while the region’s breweries, distilleries, and wineries provide ample refreshment for older guests.
Great getaway cabins in Springville, TN
For a laid-back locale that’s still within easy reach of Kentucky Lake, vacation home rentals in Springville, TN are a great choice. The down-to-earth town, nestled along an inlet of Kentucky Lake, offers a wide variety of cabins, ranging from snug, simple cottages to modern, airy A-frames with sleeping lofts and contemporary kitchens. Whatever type of property you choose, your Springville cabin will put you close to the Big Sandy Peninsula, home to a portion of the Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge. Here, you’ll find multiple waterfront observation decks offering serene opportunities for wildlife viewing and bird-watching, as well as seasonal and year-round hiking trails, and the 1898 Mount Zion Church. Cabin rentals in Springville are also just a short drive from even more outdoor activities in the Natchez Trace State Park and Forest, including horseback riding, camping, boating, and fishing, as well as more than 200 miles of hiking trails.
The best bets around Blood River
Blood River, an offshoot of the larger Kentucky Lake, is a popular spot for fans of all kinds of waterfront recreation. Fishing and boating are especially popular in this part of the lake, and you’ll find the shores of Blood River dotted with docks and boat ramps, as well as plenty of family-friendly resorts and campgrounds. You can find snug cabin rentals in nearby towns like Hamlin, Faxon, and New Concord, many of which boast amenities like furnished porches, lake or river views, fire pits, and BBQ grills. Almost all feature kitchens or kitchenettes, so you can host groups of any size, whether you’re traveling as part of a family reunion, a solo adventure, a bachelor or bachelorette party, or a cozy getaway just for 2.
There’s a lot to love in the Land Between the Lakes
Set on a spit of land between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area draws visitors from all around the country to its 170,000 acres of pristine, preserved wilderness. Here, you’ll find every kind of outdoor activity imaginable, from backpacking, canoeing, camping, and hiking to off-roading, boating, and hunting. The park is also home to a planetarium and a nature center, as well as 700 acres of enclosed prairie where elk and bison roam free. With so much going on within the park itself, you’ll find just as much variety when it comes to nearby lodging. You can book a warm cottage with just enough room for 1 or 2 guests, or score a sprawling forest lodge where you and a few dozen of your nearest and dearest can cook, play, and relax in your on-site pool or hot tub.
Kentucky Lake state park escapes
If it’s outdoor activities you’re after, then look no further than the numerous state parks within a short drive of Kentucky Lake. Lake Barkley State Resort Park, Kenlake State Resort Park, and Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park—all part of the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area—are 3 of the closest. Within each one, you’ll find activities like fishing and boating, and Kenlake State Resort Park hosts an annual blues festival every summer. Meanwhile, Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park includes amenities like a golf course and a convention center. Look for vacation home rentals in nearby towns like Hardin, Cadiz, and Calvert City for the best access.