About Lake Barkley

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EXPLORATION

Kentucky Lake
& Lake Barkley

Lake Barkley near Grand Rivers. Photo by Explore Kentucky Lake.

Lake Barkley is Kentucky Lake’s smaller neighbor, but “smaller” is relative around here.

The lake stretches roughly 118 miles along the Cumberland River and covers about 57,900 acres at summer pool, with more than 1,000 miles of shoreline. It runs through western Kentucky into Tennessee and is connected to Kentucky Lake by the Barkley Canal near Grand Rivers. That canal makes it possible for boaters to move between the two lakes without ever leaving the water.

Lake Barkley has a different feel than Kentucky Lake. It is narrower in many places, with long creek arms, coves, wooded shorelines and a lot of protected water away from the main channel. Parts of the lake are developed, with marinas, resorts and lakefront communities nearby, while other stretches remain remarkably quiet, especially along the LBL shoreline.

What to Expect at Lake Barkley

Lake Barkley is a working reservoir on the Cumberland River, so water levels change throughout the year. Summer pool is maintained around 359 feet above sea level, while winter levels run about five feet lower.

The lake is surrounded by rolling hills, wooded shoreline and plenty of coves. Much of its western side borders Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area, which adds a large stretch of undeveloped shoreline and public lake access. Land Between The Lakes itself covers more than 170,000 acres between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley and offers boating, camping, hiking, wildlife viewing and other outdoor recreation.

Communities around the lake include Grand Rivers, Eddyville, Kuttawa and Cadiz in Kentucky, along with Dover and other communities farther south in Tennessee.

Fishing Lake Barkley

Fishing is one of the biggest reasons people come to Lake Barkley. Anglers target largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish and several other species throughout the year.

Like Kentucky Lake, Barkley changes considerably with the seasons. Fish move between the main channel, creek arms, shallow flats and deeper water as conditions change, which gives anglers a lot of different water to explore.

For newcomers, that can also mean there is a lot to learn. Local guides can help shorten the learning curve and give visiting anglers a better feel for seasonal patterns and productive areas.

Boating on Lake Barkley

Lake Barkley offers plenty of room for pontoons, fishing boats, cruisers, personal watercraft and other recreational boats.

One of its biggest advantages is the Barkley Canal near Grand Rivers. The canal connects Lake Barkley on the Cumberland River with Kentucky Lake on the Tennessee River, giving boaters access to both lakes through one connected waterway system.

Marinas, public boat ramps and recreation areas are located around the lake, including numerous access points along the Land Between The Lakes shoreline.

Lake Barkley can feel more protected than the wide-open portions of Kentucky Lake, especially inside its bays and creek arms, but the main lake can still get rough when the wind gets going. Checking weather and lake conditions before heading out is always a good idea.

Staying at Lake Barkley

Lake Barkley has a wide range of waterfront lodging, including resorts, cabins, campgrounds, condos and vacation rentals.

Our sister site, LakeBarkleyRentals.com, focuses specifically on lodging around Lake Barkley and is a good place to start if you want to stay close to the water.

Migratory birds enjoy Lake Barkley in the fall and winter months when the lake levels are low. Photo by Explore Kentucky Lake.

Lake Barkley Communities

Different parts of Lake Barkley have their own personality, and where you stay can make a big difference in how you experience the lake.

Grand Rivers sits near Barkley Dam and the canal connecting Lake Barkley with Kentucky Lake.
Eddyville, Kuttawa & Eddy Creek offer convenient access to the northern portion of the lake.
Cadiz, Canton & Little River provide access to the central Kentucky portion of Lake Barkley.
Dover & Fort Donelson anchor part of the Tennessee side of the lake, where it becomes more like a river.

How Lake Barkley Was Created

Lake Barkley was created by the construction of Barkley Dam on the Cumberland River.

Construction began in the late 1950s, and the project became fully operational in the 1960s. The dam was built for flood control, navigation and hydroelectric power, and the resulting reservoir permanently changed the Cumberland River valley. Communities, roads and other infrastructure had to be relocated as the lake filled.

The project was named for Alben W. Barkley, a western Kentucky native who served as U.S. senator and vice president of the United States.

Lake Barkley FAQs

How big is Lake Barkley?

Lake Barkley covers about 57,900 acres at normal summer pool and has approximately 1,004 miles of shoreline.

How long is Lake Barkley?

Lake Barkley extends approximately 118 miles along the Cumberland River.

Is Lake Barkley connected to Kentucky Lake?

Yes. The two lakes are connected by the Barkley Canal near Grand Rivers, allowing boats to travel directly between Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake.

Is Lake Barkley natural?

No. Lake Barkley is a man-made reservoir created by Barkley Dam on the Cumberland River.

What is Lake Barkley known for?

Lake Barkley is known for fishing, boating, lakefront vacations and its connection to both Kentucky Lake and Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area.

What is the difference between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley?

Kentucky Lake is considerably larger and generally has broader stretches of open water. Lake Barkley is narrower in many areas and has numerous coves and creek arms. The two lakes sit side by side and are connected near Grand Rivers, making it easy to experience both during the same trip.