Swimming lakes around Louisville
Lakes are great and there are lots of them within a two hour drive of Louisville. We have compiled a list of lakes that a fun to visit and cool off in within a two hour drive of Louisville.
Want to take a dip, enjoy a shore line and not go to far from home? We have you covered. Take a look at our list of lakes that are about a two hour drive from the Louisville area and swim friendly.
For 2020, many swimming lakes will open June 29. Check with each location before heading out!
Confirmed: Lake Beaches will open for swimming at lakes managed by US Army Corps of Engineers Louisville District. This includes Nolin, Barren River, Green River, Rough River.Many of the state parks have beach access. We encourage everyone to check in with the parks before they go. On any given day the parks close the beaches for a variety of reasons.
Most of these locations do not have life guards on duty. Keep an eye on children at all times. Make sure you have them in proper water safety gear like puddle jumpers for young children. Or, life vests, especially for those who are not strong swimmers.
Pack your sunscreen, towels, chairs, sand toys, and food. Floats are a must. Also, we always wear water shoes because the kids don’t like the feeling of the lake bottoms and sometimes the bottom is really rocky. It makes the visit more pleasant!
Lakes in Kentucky (within a two hour drive of Louisville)
Barren River Lake – Lucas, KY.
Nolin Lake State Park – Mammoth Cave, KY.
Rough River State Park – Falls Of Rough, KY
Green River Lake – Campbellsville, KY
Herrington Lake – Harrodsburg, KY
Laurel River Lake – London, KY
Taylorsville Lake – Mt. Eden, KY
Cedar Creek Lake – Lincoln County, KY
Lakes in Indiana (within a two hour drive of Louisville)
Being so close to Indiana, we have more options! There are lovely places to cool off at the beaches at lakes in Indiana.
Lake Monroe – Bloomington, IN
Deam Lake – Borden, IN
Hardy Lake – Scottsburg, IN

Hardy Lake
Hidden Paradise – St Paul, IN
Morse Park – Hanover, IN
Patoka Lake – Birdseye, IN
Starve-Hollow State Recreation Area – Vallonia, IN
*we recommend you call and/or check online to be sure the swimming area is open. Sometimes specific lakes close the beaches for one reason or another.
Lakes swimming not for you? Check out swimming pools and splash pads in Louisville.
So many ways to stay cool in summer. Here are all of our posts that include water fun ideas.
Did we miss a lake that is great for swimming? Email info@louisvillefamilyfun.net to let us know about it.