Water Activities

The Daniel Boone National Forest is home to lakes, rivers and streams where boating and swimming are enjoyed year-round. Swimming is allowed in most of the forest waterways except in areas posted as closed for protection of wildlife species or around developed areas such as boat ramps and marinas.

Boating - Motorized

Cave Run Lake and Laurel River Lake provide premier boating opportunities on the Daniel Boone National. Facilities at these two scenic lakes include campgrounds, marinas, picnic areas, beaches and boat ramps. The Cumberland, Licking, Red and Rockcastle Rivers also provide a variety of opportunities to explore the streams and waterways of the forest. Several boat ramps provide public access to the rivers.

Boating - Non-Motorized

The Daniel Boone National Forest is home to numerous waterways perfect for a relaxing day of paddling while others entice you with the thrill of rapids. Before you launch, always make sure the stretch of water matches your expectations and abilities. 

Swimming

Beach lovers bask under the sun and play in the sand at Zilpo and Twin Knobs Campground beaches located on picturesque Cave Run Lake. A public swimming beach near the dam spillway also invites you to enjoy the shores of Laurel River Lake.

You may also enjoy wading or cooling off in one of the many creeks, streams and rivers of the forest. Exercise extreme caution when swimming. There may be strong currents and undertows in even the most placid-looking river.

Swimming is allowed in most of the forest waterways except in areas posted as closed for protection of wildlife species or around developed areas such as boat ramps, courtesy docks and marinas.

Waterskiing

Cave Run Lake and Laurel River Lake are popular waterskiing destinations on the forest. However, all waterways and rivers are open to waterskiing. Avoid waterskiing near marinas, boat ramps or boat docks.

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Recreation Opportunities

Boating - Motorized (31)

Boating - Non-Motorized (4)

Swimming (5)

Waterskiing (1)

Showing: 1 - 10 of 37 results

Alfrey Boat Ramp

Site Open

Alfrey Boat Ramp is located along Twin Knobs Road just off KY 801 on the eastern shore of Cave Run Lake. Fishing is not allowed from the boat ramp, but once you are in the water, you will find a wide…

Bangor Boat Ramp

Site Temporarily Closed

Bangor Boat Ramp is located on Bangor Boat Dock Road just off KY 1274 and provides access to a narrow portion of Cave Run Lake. Fishing is not allowed from the boat ramp, but once you are in the…

Bee Rock Boat Ramp

Site Temporarily Closed

Bee Rock Boat Ramp provides access to two very different paddling experiences on the Rockcastle River. The final section of the Rockcastle River begins at Bee Rock Boat Ramp and ends at Rockcastle…

Big Branch Canoe Launch

Site Open

Big Branch Canoe Launch is located along Sandfield Road off KY 746 and provides access to the upper "wild" section of the Red Wild and Scenic River. In 1993, a 19.4-mile segment of the Red River,…

Blackwater Boat Ramp

Site Temporarily Closed

Blackwater Boat Ramp is located on Cave Run Lake among the beautiful mountains of eastern Kentucky. Built for flood protection by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, this 8,270 lake provides flood…

Claylick Boat Ramp

Site Temporarily Closed

Claylick Boat Ramp is located on the eastern shore of Cave Run Lake. The parking lot serves both boaters and walk-in campers at the nearby Claylick Boat-in Campground. Fishing is not allowed from the…

Claylick Boat-in Campground

Site Temporarily Closed

Claylick Boat-in Campground has 13 primitive campsites on Cave Run Lake. The campground must be entered by boat or by walking in from the nearby Claylick Boat Ramp parking lot. The walk is…

Clear Creek Boat Ramp

Site Open

Clear Creek Boat Ramp is located off Clear Creek Road (#129) near the start of Zilpo Scenic Byway. A variety of wildlife, including rare birds, calls this location home year-round. Clear Creek Lake…

Copperas Creek Canoe Launch

Site Open

Copperas Canoe Launch is located near Osborne Bend Trailhead in the Red River Gorge and provides access to the lower section of the Red Wild and Scenic River. In 1993, a 19.4-mile segment of the Red…

Craigs Creek Boat Ramp

Site Open

Craigs Creek Boat Ramp provides access to Laurel River Lake, across the lake from Holly Bay Marina. Fishing is not allowed from the boat ramp, but once you are in the water, you will find a wide…