Rough River Dam State Resort Park – Scenic Activities & Comfortable Lodging

Rough River Dam State Resort Park Photo

Location:

450 Lodge Rd.
Falls Of Rough
KY 40119

Top Five Things to Do

1. Spot a Bald Eagle along the Lake Ridge Nature Trail.
2. Rent a pontoon boat and explore the 5,000‑acre Rough River Lake.
3. Navigate the 3.8 km permanent orienteering course in a mixed‑forest setting.
4. Play disc golf on the new 18‑hole lakeside course.
5. Fish for largemouth, white, Kentucky bass, bluegill, channel catfish, crappie and rough fish.

Lodging

Our lodge offers 40 rooms, each with a private patio or balcony overlooking the lake. We also have 17 two‑bedroom cottages. All rooms are pet friendly. Check‑in begins in the late afternoon; checkout is 11:00 am. The lodge is closed for seven days during the Christmas holiday.

Dining Hours

Grayson’s Landing Restaurant Hours
Monday–Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday–Thursday (carry‑out only):
Breakfast 7‑10 a.m., Lunch 11 a.m.–3 p.m., Dinner 4:30 p.m.–7 p.m.
Friday–Saturday (dine‑in available):
Breakfast 7 a.m.–10 a.m., Lunch 11 a.m.–3 p.m., Dinner 4:30 p.m.–8 p.m.
Sunday (dine‑in available):
Breakfast 7‑10 a.m., Lunch 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

Seasonal Hours

November 7 – March 16: Rooms open for rent Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights; cottages open seven days a week. Front desk: 7 a.m.–6 p.m. Monday–Wednesday; closes 6:00 p.m. Sunday. Dining room: Friday breakfast through Sunday lunch. Breakfast 7 a.m.–10 a.m.; Lunch 11 a.m.–3 p.m.; Dinner 4:30 p.m.–7 p.m.

Meetings & Events

Rough River Dam State Resort Park’s rolling countryside and 5,000‑acre lake provide an idyllic backdrop for business meetings, receptions, or weddings. For more information about hosting a group or wedding, CLICK HERE.

Airport & Aircamp

Aviators can pitch a tent and camp near their aircraft at the airport air‑camp. The air‑camp offers a central service building with showers and restrooms, is open year‑round, and charges $10.00 per night. No advance reservations are required. The park has a 3,200‑foot paved and lit airstrip with tie‑downs. Aviation fuel is not available. For FAA information, visit airnav.com.

Things to Do

Orienteering

Navigate the 3.8 km permanent course featuring 13 control points in a mixed‑forest setting – a fun way to explore the park.

Basketball

Play at the lodge‑located courts.

Birding

Summer and fall offer the best opportunities to see shorebirds, waterfowl, neotropical migrants, and raptors. Year‑round visitors may spot Eastern Bluebirds, swallows, warblers, Northern Cardinals, Blue Jays, American Robins, woodpeckers, Mourning Doves, Tufted Titmice, White‑breasted Nuthatches, Wild Turkeys, and Red‑tailed Hawks. Fall and winter bring Red‑breasted Nuthatches, Dark‑eyed Junco, Evening Grosbeak, and Ring‑billed Gulls. Prime spots include the Lake Ridge Nature Trail, wooded areas near the campground, lodge patio, and open meadows. A guided “Lady of the Lake II” tour often reveals Bald Eagles and Great Blue Herons.

Boating

The marina hosts 120 open slips, 31 houseboat slips, 48 covered slips, and rental pontoon boats. Operating hours: Sunday–Thursday 7 a.m.–5 p.m. Central Time; Friday & Saturday 7 a.m.–6 p.m. Central Time. Call 270‑257‑9961 for fees. A launching ramp is available year‑round.

Disc Golf

Enjoy the new 18‑hole lakeside disc‑golf course, suitable for both beginners and champions. Loaner discs are available at the lodge front desk.

Fishing

Anglers can target largemouth, white, Kentucky bass, bluegill, channel catfish, crappie, and rough fish. A Kentucky fishing license is required; purchase online at the KY Dept. of Fish and Wildlife. Need gear? Ask the lodge front desk for our free fishing loaner program.

Gift Shop

Browse Kentucky handcrafts, Kentucky Proud foods, and souvenirs.

Hiking

The Lake Ridge Trail, a one‑mile nature trail along the shoreline, links the lodge, marina, and cottage areas – perfect for bird watching and lake views. The Army Corps of Engineers also offers the 0.7‑mile Folklore Trail loop, featuring an old pioneer cabin.

Miniature Golf

An 18‑hole miniature golf course near the lodge provides seasonal family entertainment.

Picnicking

Picnic tables, grills, playgrounds, and a beach‑shelter rental are available throughout the park.

Playgrounds

Playgrounds are located throughout the park.

Swimming

A pool is available for lodge and cottage guests.

Tennis

Three courts near the beach (one lighted) and two additional courts plus a volleyball court are available. Sports equipment can be checked out at the lodge desk.

Volleyball

A sand volleyball court is located at the beach. Equipment can be checked out at the lodge desk.