Fly Or Drive, Sandy Beach is Close to Major Population Centers
The Rough River Dam State Resort Park is one of Kentucky's most desirable State parks with both water and land based activities. It is surrounded by rolling lush green country side and at it's heart is the 5,000 acre lake.
Rough River Lodge
The Sandy Beach subdivision is just minutes by boat from the Rough River Lodge.
Bird Watching
Spring, summer and fall are not only the best times of the year for birding at Rough River, but the temperate climate makes it easy to be outdoors. There are 350 species of birds in Kentucky, many of which either migrate over or nest in Rough River. The cabin has a wonderful enclosed porch ideal for viewing birds in the forested back yard. Spend a little time birding and you'll see shorebirds, waterfowl, multi colored spring and summer flocks of neotropical birds and the rulers of the skies, predatory raptors. In fact there's a spot about 5 minutes by boat from the dock where our National bird, the majestic bald eagle, nests - on weekends you'll see Rough-Riverites in their boats gather to view them. Common year-round sightings include Eastern Bluebirds, swallows, warblers, Another denizen of Rough River is of course our own Kentucky State bird, the Cardinal - for an award winning photo, click here. Blue Jays, Robins, woodpeckers, Mourning Dove,
Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Wild Turkey, & Red-tailed Hawks. In the Autumn and winter you can spot many species to, including Red-breasted Nuthatch, Dark- eyed
Junco, Evening Grosbeak and shorebirds such as the Ring-billed Gull.
There are many good locations for
birding throughout the park. Some of the best locations would include the Lake
Ridge Nature Trail, the wooded areas near the campground, from the back patio
of the lodge down towards the lake, and the open meadows near the lodge. The
best way to see certain species including the Bald Eagle and Great Blue Heron
is to take our Lady of the Lake II tour. Eagles are also sometimes spotted from
the park near the dam and beach area early in the morning.
Boating
Rough River Lake is the perfect
location for the water sports enthusiast. The marina offers 121 open slips, 29
open houseboat slips, 48 covered slips, and rental pontoon boats. Open May to
October. Call for fees. Launching ramp available year-round.
Camping
The campground is closed until
further notice for dam repair. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Fishing
The avid angler will delight in the
abundance of largemouth, white, and Kentucky bass, bluegill, channel catfish,
crappie, and rough fish.
A Kentucky Fishing License is required. Click here to
purchase a license online at KY Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Resources.
Forget your gear? No problem. Stop by the lodge front desk and ask about our
free fishing loaner program!
Game Room
Located in the lodge, open to lodge
& cottage guests.
Gift Shop
The gift shop features a large
selection of Kentucky handcrafts, Kentucky Proud food items, and souvenirs.
Hiking
The Lake Ridge Trail, a one-mile
nature trail along the shoreline, links the lodge, marina and cottage areas.
This is a great trail for bird watching and offers beautiful lake views. For a
quiet walk in the woods, the Army Corps of Engineers maintain a self-guided
interpretive trail, the Folklore Trail which is a 0.7 mile loop and includes an
old pioneer cabin.
Miniature Golf
A beautiful miniature 18-hole golf
course near the lodge provides family entertainment. Seasonal.
Orienteering
Orienteering is a sport in woods
navigation where a person uses a map and compass to complete a course. It can
be done by yourself or with your family. It is a great way to spend part of the
day discovering new parts of the park! Rough River Dam State Resort Park offers
a 3.8 km permanent orienteering course featuring 13 controls (check points) in
a mixed forest and park-like setting. You can get your map by clicking here or
visiting the park gift shop.
Picnicking
Perfect picnic outings are in store
at Rough River Dam. Tables, grills, and playgrounds are located throughout the
park and a picnic shelter near the beach is available for rental up to three
years in advance.
Playgrounds
Playgrounds are located throughout
the park.
Shuffleboard
Shuffleboard courts are located on
the lodge patio. Equipment is available for check out at lodge desk.
Swimming
A pool is available for lodge and
cottage guests. Or enjoy the gentle waves of Rough River on the public beach,
serviced with a bathhouse. Seasonal.
Tennis
Meet your opponent on the court for a
game of tennis. Three tennis courts are near the beach; one tennis court is
lighted. Two tennis courts and a volleyball court are also located in the
camping area. Sports equipment is available for check out at lodge desk.
Volleyball
One volleyball court is located in
the camping area and a sand volleyball court is located at the beach. Sports
equipment is available for check out at lodge desk.
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