5 MINUTE VACATION!

Top Five Things To Do

1. Take the family to swim at our beautiful sandy beach.
2. Hike the Lake Trail, Clifty Creek Trail, or Indian Bluff Trail.
3. Explore the lake by canoe, kayak, pedal boat and stand up paddle board.
4. Stroll across the Dam and bring your fishing pole.
5. Remember to take your photo with amazing views from Fisherman's Rock.

Seasonal Operations
Dates: December 18 - TBA
Rooms available Friday & Saturday. Cottages open seven days a week with two night minimum length of stay.
Clifty Creek Restaurant
Enjoy gorgeous lakeside scenery while dining in the restaurant. As a supporter of the Kentucky Proud program, we use local meats and produce when available.
Restaurant Hours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. (Senior Bingo Luncheon Program)
Thursday: Closed
Friday: Open starting at lunch
Saturday: All meals
Sunday: Through lunch

Lodging & Camping
The 24-room stone lodge at Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park, overlooks Pennyrile Lake near Dawson Springs. Rooms are available by late afternoon and lodge room check-out is 11 a.m., local time. 13 cottages are also available with a handful on the lake with private docks. No more than two pets are allowed per room/cottage. The campground is open seasonally mid-March to mid-November with the equestrian campsites open year-round. Equestrian campsites are available ONLY by calling the park directly at (270) 797-3421. Availability of equestrian campsites may be limited if not booked at least 10 days of arrival. Camping check-in is 1 p.m. and camping check-out is noon.
Meetings Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park is the perfect location for your next party, event, business meeting, reunion, or wedding celebration. For more information about hosting a group or wedding call (270)797-3421, or Click Here

Things to Do
Basketball
Enjoy a day of competition on our basketball/tennis court. Overnight guests may check out sporting equipment.

Birding
Request a table at the restaurant by the birdfeeders and watch birds while you dine or hike the Lake Trail for many birding opportunities year round. For eBird species information Click Here or call (270)797-3421.

Boating (canoes, kayaks, pedal boats)
Visit the boat dock to rent pedal boats, row boats, canoes and kayaks (open seasonally). Motorboats are restricted from Pennyrile Lake, however, Lake Beshear is located four miles from the lodge and allows motorboats.


Fishing
Pennyrile Lake is home to Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Crappie, and Largemouth Bass. Loaner fishing gear may be borrowed from the front desk, or boat dock. A Kentucky Fishing License is required. (270)797-3421 to purchase a license online at KY Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Resources. Plan your fishing trip and improve your success with the KY Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources fishing forecast. Click here to view.

Gift Shop
The offers a large selection of Kentucky handcrafts and souvenirs.
Golf
Test your skills on the regulation 18-hole golf course. A pro-shop, riding carts, pull carts, and rental clubs are available. Course open year-round, weather permitting. available. For more info about golf packages and online tee times call (270)797-3421.

Hiking
Seven trails, rated from easy to difficult, loop around the lake and through the forest areas.

Horseback Riding
A 1.25 mile horse trail near the horse campground connects riders to the 40+ miles of horseback riding trails on the adjacent Pennyrile State Forest. Horseshoes
There is a horseshoe pit between the mini golf course and the amphitheater. Equipment is available to borrow from the camp store.

Miniature Golf
Play a round of miniature golf on an 18-hole course ($). Special group rates available for groups of 20 or more.

Picnicking
Grills are available at picnic shelters, along with tables. Shelters are available for rent up to one year in advance by contacting the park.

Playgrounds
Playgrounds are located throughout the park.

Swimming
Enjoy sand between your toes and the gentle waves of Pennyrile Lake at the beach. For lodge and cottage guests, a pool is adjacent to the lodge. Open Memorial Day-Labor Day.

Tennis
Enjoy a day of competition on our basketball/tennis court. Overnight guests may check out equipment.

Trails
Nine different trails are available to explore.




My family was just thrown back at how great the staff was there. We hit them with many dumb questions and they were just so polite. THe people of Dawson Springs were great people. The were truly happy to talk with us. That made the tornado so much worse. I and my famiy were so sad when we saw on the news. Below is compiled from many sources, I hope it helps. I cannot recommend enough a stay at the pennyrile state park. All the pictures were taken before the tornado. My only negative was when we came, it was extremely late (2am) and we were pulling a 33ft 5th wheel we got lost and had to turn around behind the diner!!!!! I would suggest that the signs could be more detailed; better explained for us dummies! :-)



The following was written after the tornado hit this region:

Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park: Nature’s Refuge and Community Anchor
Nestled in the heart of western Kentucky, Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park has long been a sanctuary for nature lovers, hikers, families, and anyone seeking a peaceful escape into the woods. But after the devastating tornado that tore through Dawson Springs in December 2021, the park became something more than a scenic retreat—it became a lifeline.

🌲 A Landscape of Resilience
Before the storm, Pennyrile was known for its lush hardwood forests, tranquil lake, and miles of hiking trails that meandered through rolling hills and sandstone cliffs. The tornado left scars across the region, but the park’s natural beauty has proven remarkably resilient. While some tree cover was lost and minor structural damage occurred, the forest is regrowing, and the trails remain open and inviting.

The 56-room lodge, perched above the lake, still offers sweeping views of the surrounding forest. Its rustic charm—wood-paneled interiors, stone fireplaces, and cozy seating areas—hasn’t changed. What has changed is the emotional weight the lodge now carries. In the weeks following the tornado, it became a shelter for displaced families, a hub for volunteers, and a symbol of hope2.

🛏️ Lodging with Heart
Pennyrile’s accommodations include lodge rooms, cottages, and a campground. Post-tornado, these spaces were repurposed to house survivors, with over 100 rooms across multiple state parks—including Pennyrile—used for emergency shelter. The staff, many of whom were personally affected by the storm, worked tirelessly to provide meals, distribute donated supplies, and offer comfort to those who had lost everything3.

Today, the park has returned to its original purpose, but the memory of its role in the recovery effort lingers. Guests often remark on the warmth and compassion of the staff, who now bring a deeper sense of community to their hospitality. Staying at Pennyrile isn’t just about relaxation—it’s about connection.



🚶 Trails That Tell a Story
The park’s trail system remains one of its greatest assets. The Lake Trail, a gentle loop around Pennyrile Lake, is perfect for families and casual walkers. The Clifty Creek Trail offers a more rugged experience, with dramatic rock formations and seasonal waterfalls. And the Indian Bluff Trail, with its panoramic views, is a favorite among photographers and birdwatchers.

Post-tornado, hiking these trails feels different. There’s a quiet reverence in the air—a reminder of nature’s power and its ability to heal. Interpretive signs now include information about the storm and the park’s role in the aftermath, adding depth to the visitor experience.

🛶 Lake Life and Recreation
Pennyrile Lake, a 56-acre gem surrounded by forested hills, remains a centerpiece of the park. Canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boating are popular activities, and the calm waters are ideal for beginners. Fishing is also a draw, with bass, bluegill, and catfish regularly caught from the shore or boat.

The beach area, open seasonally, offers a relaxed spot for swimming and sunbathing. While some facilities were temporarily closed during the recovery period, all major amenities have since reopened, and the lake continues to be a place of joy and renewal.

🍽️ Dining with Purpose
The Clifty Creek Restaurant, located inside the lodge, serves classic Kentucky fare—think fried catfish, country ham, and homemade pies. During the tornado recovery, the dining room was transformed into a distribution center for donated goods. Volunteers sorted clothing, hygiene items, and toys beneath the gaze of a Santa Claus portrait that hung on the wall during the holidays—a surreal but touching scene.

Today, the restaurant is back to serving guests, but the staff’s dedication during the crisis has left a lasting impression. Many visitors return not just for the food, but for the stories and the sense of community that permeates the space. 🧒 Family-Friendly and Accessible
Pennyrile has always been family-friendly, with playgrounds, picnic areas, and educational programs led by park naturalists. After the tornado, these programs took on new meaning. Children displaced by the storm were led on hikes and nature walks to help them cope and reconnect with the outdoors.

Accessibility has also improved. The park has made efforts to ensure that trails, lodging, and public areas are usable by guests with mobility challenges. This inclusivity reflects the park’s broader mission: to be a place where everyone feels welcome, especially those who need healing. 🏕️ Camping and Community
The campground at Pennyrile is a mix of RV sites and primitive tent spots. During the recovery period, it hosted volunteers and displaced residents in personal RVs. That spirit of generosity continues, with many campers sharing stories and forming bonds around campfires.

The campground is well-maintained, with clean bathhouses, fire rings, and easy access to trails and the lake. It’s a great option for budget-conscious travelers or those looking to immerse themselves in nature. 🌿 A Park with Purpose
Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park is more than a collection of amenities—it’s a living testament to resilience. The tornado tested the community, but the park became a refuge, a rallying point, and a symbol of recovery. Its staff, guests, and volunteers transformed it from a vacation spot into a humanitarian center, and that legacy continues to shape its identity.

Visitors today will find all the beauty and tranquility that Pennyrile has always offered, but with an added layer of meaning. Whether you’re hiking through regrown forest, dining in a lodge that once housed survivors, or paddling across a lake that reflects both sky and history, you’ll feel the presence of something deeper.

🧭 Final Thoughts
For those seeking a destination that blends natural beauty with emotional depth, Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park is unmatched. It’s a place where the forest whispers stories of survival, where the staff greet you with empathy, and where every trail leads not just through the woods—but through the heart of a community that endured.

Whether you’re returning to Dawson Springs or discovering it for the first time, Pennyrile offers more than a vacation. It offers perspective, peace, and a reminder that even in the wake of disaster, nature and humanity can rebuild—together.

And, after a long week, of hiking and camping, the dog is worn out!!!