Lake Barkley State Resort Park

To take advantage of the off-season rates, a package deal, and a gift certificate, my husband and I recently made the trip to Cadiz, Kentucky and Lake Barkley State Resort Park for a little mini vacation.

Lake Barkley is one of only two resort parks in the Kentucky State Park system with an indoor pool and was the main reason for choosing this particular resort park.  In fact, the park boasts a complete fitness complex complete with workout machines, a racquet ball court, tanning beds, sauna, steam room, and whirlpool in addition to the heated pool.  The fitness center also offers aerobic classes, certified fitness trainers, and a certified massage therapist; these extras are available for a fee.  While at the park, I booked time for a massage for a little personal pampering. 

All the facilities at the fitness center are free to lodge and cottage guests.  Guest passes can be purchased for persons staying at other nearby resort parks.  While in the area a few years ago we purchased a day pass for the pool at a very reasonable cost – if memory is correct, the cost was just a couple of dollars per person.  The ability to purchase day passes is also great for nearby residents.  Two local area couples swimming at the same time we were.  They purchase memberships and, as one woman said, “A warm swim is just what they need after working in the yard and is a lot cheaper than a trip to Florida.”

Lodging choices at Lake Barkley include Lake Barkley Lodge, the Little River Lodge, cottages, and a campground.  We stayed in the Lake Barkley Lodge.  The lodge has 124 rooms, all with views of Lake Barkley.  The structure curves along the shore and looks as though it is emerging from the lake’s banks.  The restaurant, Windows on the Water, comes by its name naturally with post and beam construction, high ceilings, and magnificent views.  The lodge and restaurant combined boasts enough glass to cover three-and-one-half acres.

Our room was near one end of the lodge and on the upper level as we requested a room nearest to the fitness center.  The room had a balcony (lower level rooms have a patio), king bed, sofa, work station desk, and a decent sized bathroom.  All Kentucky resort parks have wi-fi and it is easy to get connected. 

At Barkley, the rooms are accessed via an outdoor covered walkway that connects to the restaurant.  The walk to either the restaurant or to the fitness center, via a paved path through the woods, was quite nice and, although a bit brisk, enjoyable with views of the lake on the way to the restaurant and the serenity of the woods on the way to the fitness center.

Since we visited Lake Barkley during the week rather than the weekend, the buffet was not a full buffet but rather a soup and salad bar; entries were ordered from the menu.  On past visits to Windows on the Water when the full buffet was offered, we chose that option and were grateful for the fitness center to work off calories eaten.  Because we ordered off the menu, we controlled what we ate a bit better but were still completely filled and satisfied.  One evening during this visit potato soup was on the soup and salad bar; I would be hard pressed to try and remember when I have had a better cup of potato soup!  

Lake Barkley is the largest state resort park in Kentucky.  Other features of the park include horseback riding,  18-hole golf course, marina, fishing, hiking/biking trails, gift shop, and recreational and nature programming.

About 190 miles from metro Louisville, Lake Barkley State Resort Park is located western lakes area of Kentucky near Cadiz and on the eastern shore of Lake Barkley.  For detailed driving directions, go to Google Maps.

Lake Barkley State Resort Park

3500 State Park Road

Cadiz, KY 42211

Telephone: (800) 325-1708 or (270) 924-1131