Yatesville Lake State Park
00 reviewP.O. Box 767, Louisa, Kentucky, 41230, United States
Yatesville Lake State Park
$25.00 - $100.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees range depending on types of sites and permits. Golf cart permits are $25 for the week or $100 for the calendar year. Longer minimum stays may apply during holiday periods.
About this campground
Discover your perfect outdoor escape at Yatesville Lake State Park, where adventure meets comfort in the heart of Kentucky's mountains. Whether you're pulling up in a luxury RV to one of our spacious double-wide sites, embarking on a secluded boat-in camping expedition, or shouldering your pack for a true wilderness experience at our hike-in sites, this park caters to every camping style. Modern conveniences blend seamlessly with nature here—refresh in our clean restrooms and showers, let the kids loose on the playground, tackle laundry between adventures, and explore winding nature trails that reveal the park's hidden treasures. With a convenient dump station and thoughtful amenities throughout, you'll find everything needed for an unforgettable stay.
Yatesville Lake State Park provides various camping accommodations, including full hookup sites, primitive boat-in and hike-in sites, and double-wide sites for two RVs.
Historical SignificanceSince opening its gates in 1999, Yatesville Lake State Park has quickly become a crown jewel in Kentucky's state park system. The park's centerpiece, Yatesville Marina, stands as a testament to excellence in outdoor recreation development, earning the prestigious designation as the nation's 'Most Outstanding Project.' This nationally recognized achievement reflects the park's commitment to providing world-class facilities while preserving the natural beauty that draws visitors from across the country. In just over two decades, the park has woven itself into the fabric of the local community while attracting adventurers seeking an exceptional lakeside experience.
Weather and SeasonsExperience four distinct seasons that paint Yatesville Lake State Park in ever-changing beauty. Summer brings perfect lake days with temperatures hovering in the comfortable mid-80s—ideal for swimming, boating, and evening campfires. As autumn arrives, the mountainous landscape explodes in fiery colors while crisp air invigorates morning hikes. Winter transforms the park into a peaceful retreat with temperatures dipping into the 30s, offering cozy camping for hardy souls and stunning frost-kissed vistas. Spring awakens the wilderness with wildflowers and rushing streams, creating the perfect backdrop for your outdoor adventures. The region's notably dry winters mean less precipitation to dampen your cold-weather camping plans.
ElevationPerched among Kentucky's rolling mountains, Yatesville Lake State Park offers camping with a view that takes your breath away. The mountainous terrain creates a natural amphitheater around your campsite, where morning mist clings to the peaks and sunset paints the ridges in golden hues. Golf enthusiasts will find themselves teeing off against a backdrop of dramatic mountain vistas that make every round memorable. Hikers earn their views here—the challenging trails wind upward through the elevation changes, rewarding your efforts with panoramic overlooks that stretch for miles across the rugged landscape.
Natural Features and SceneryAt the heart of this mountain paradise lies the magnificent 2,300-acre Yatesville Lake, its pristine waters reflecting the forested peaks that cradle its shores. The lake serves as both playground and sanctuary, where early morning paddlers glide through mirror-smooth waters and anglers find their perfect spot among hidden coves. Encircling this aquatic gem, dense woodlands invite exploration along meandering nature trails that reveal cascading streams, towering hardwoods, and glimpses of wildlife in their natural habitat. The interplay of water, forest, and mountain creates a landscape that shifts from intimate forest groves to sweeping vista points, ensuring every trek offers new discoveries.
Geological RegionNestled within Kentucky's mountainous region, Yatesville Lake State Park showcases the dramatic topography that defines this corner of Appalachia. The ancient mountains provide a stunning geological canvas, their weathered peaks and deep valleys creating the perfect basin for the sprawling 2,300-acre lake. This rugged terrain offers more than just scenic beauty—it shapes every aspect of your camping experience, from the challenging elevation gains on hiking trails to the spectacular views that greet you at seemingly every turn. The marriage of mountain and lake creates a unique ecosystem where upland forests meet aquatic habitats, resulting in exceptional biodiversity and endless opportunities for nature observation and photography.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe park includes an ADA-compliant fishing jetty and an ADA nature trail. Specific campsite accessibility features are not mentioned.
Sites SizeThe park provides double-wide sites for two RVs and boat-in, hike-in primitive sites, but no precise measurements of campsite sizes are described.
Sites PrivacyNo information is provided about the privacy level at campsites.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBoat-in sites offer secluded lakeside camping for those seeking solitude.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
- 1night minimum during the week
- 2 nights minimum on peak season weekends.
Groups
No information provided about group camping sites.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutIncludes loops and sections for RVs, primitive hike-in sites, and boat-in sites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round. Longer minimum stays required during holiday periods.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through the Kentucky State Parks website or call center.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come-first-served availability is not explicitly detailed in the source materials.
Cancellation PolicyThe maximum reservation window is 12 months in advance to the date. Cancellation policies are not explicitly detailed in the source.
Amenities available
Showers
Dump station
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Camp Store
Laundry Facilities
Activities you can enjoy
Yatesville Lake State Park offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities that cater to a range of interests. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, golfing, nature trails, and boating. The park is known for its challenging trail systems and quality fishing opportunities.
Hiking
The park features several trail systems, including the Mary Ingles Trail System at the marina, which offers three rugged wooded hiking trails and an ADA nature trail, and the Pleasant Ridge Trail System, which includes five wooded nature trails. The Yatesville Lake Multi-Use Trail spans over 20 miles and is open to hikers, mountain bikers, backpackers, and horseback riders.Fishing
The 2,300-acre lake provides good fishing opportunities, with bluegill, bass, and crappie being common catches. An ADA-compliant fishing jetty is available at the marina.Swimming
A public beach area near the marina offers designated swimming opportunities, equipped with restrooms, showers, playgrounds, and a snack bar.Biking
The Yatesville Lake Multi-Use Trail accommodates mountain bikers and offers over 20 miles of diverse terrain.Boating
Boating activities are a significant feature of the park, supported by the Yatesville Marina, which allows houseboats, pontoon boats, speed boats, and jet skis. Docking facilities are available at the marina.Beach activities
Beach-related activities are available near the marina, including sunbathing, swimming, and access to a snack bar and playgrounds.Winter Activities
No information provided about winter recreation options.Water Sports
Boating activities like jet skiing, houseboating, and other non-motorized water sports are supported by the marina facilities. Specific details about kayaking or paddleboarding were not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed but must comply with rules prohibiting imported firewood.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential dangers include wildlife encounters and lake-related hazards for boaters.
Weather forecast
74
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 33%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7.5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
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Temperature Trends
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Precipitation Trends
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Weather Summaries
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
The nearest emergency services, including hospitals and police stations, are in Louisa, Kentucky, approximately 15 miles from the campground.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season weekends require 2-night minimum stays. Specific date ranges are not provided.
Trash and recyclingNo specific details about trash and recycling facilities, such as locations or pickup schedules, are provided.
Proximity to water featuresYatesville Lake is central to the park, featuring fishing, boating, and boat-in camping.
Campground Map
P.O. Box 767, Louisa, Kentucky, 41230, United States
Driving directionsTo get to the marina, take US 23 toward Louisa, then drive 3 miles west on KY 3 to KY 1185. KY 1185 ends at the park's marina. To get to the campgrounds or the Eagle Ridge Golf Course, take US 23 toward Louisa, then drive 5 miles west on KY 32. Take KY 32 West to KY 3215, which will lead directly to the campgrounds and the golf course.
The roads leading to the marina and campgrounds are paved and accessible year-round. Distances from major highways are short, but navigation requires specific turns onto KY 3, KY 32, and KY 3215.Nearby places
Louisa (approximately 15 miles from the campgrounds and golf course).
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, fuel, and other essentials can be found at the marina store, which sells gas, groceries, bait, fishing equipment, and souvenirs.
Camper Reviews
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Site-Specific Reviews
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Accessibility Features
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Last updated August 10, 2025