Yatesville lake state park

Yatesville Lake State Park, nestled in the scenic heart of Eastern Kentucky, stands as a prominent and versatile offering within the Campgrounds & RV Parks category. This 2,300-acre mountain reservoir is more than just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it's a complete recreational hub managed by the Kentucky Department of Parks, offering a wide array of activities and amenities designed to cater to a diverse range of outdoor enthusiasts, from serious anglers and golfers to families seeking a serene lakeside escape.

The environment of Yatesville Lake State Park is characterized by its stunning natural beauty, a blend of rugged Appalachian terrain and tranquil lake waters. The 2,300-acre lake itself, with an average depth of 40 feet, is renowned for its cleanliness and offers nearly 100 miles of irregular, serpentine shoreline, dotted with numerous secluded coves and tributary creeks. The surrounding landscape features densely wooded areas, open fields, and mountainous terrain, providing a rich habitat for a variety of flora and fauna. Throughout the year, visitors can observe abundant wildlife, including various bird species such as wild turkeys, doves, woodpeckers, warblers, cardinals, and seasonal bald eagles and ospreys. The nighttime environment during the summer camping season is often serenaded by the distinct calls of Whip-Poor-Wills, adding to the immersive natural experience. The park's location, set against the backdrop of the Appalachians, ensures dramatic views and a refreshing atmosphere, making it an ideal escape from the urban hustle. While the environment is largely natural, well-maintained roads and paths provide accessibility to various park features.

As a comprehensive provider of services within the Campgrounds & RV Parks category, Yatesville Lake State Park offers a robust selection of amenities to enhance the camping experience. The Pleasant Ridge Campground, opened in 1999, boasts 47 campsites, catering to different preferences:

• 27 RV/Camper Sites with Full Hookups: These sites provide both electric and water connections, making them suitable for larger recreational vehicles. They are generally spacious and spaced out, offering a good degree of privacy.
• 4 Primitive Tent Sites: These sites are located within the regular campground but are set back into the woods, offering a more secluded experience without electricity.
• 16 Secluded "Boat-In" Sites: A unique feature, these primitive campsites are accessible only by boat, offering unparalleled lakeside seclusion and a true wilderness feel. They are maintained by a service road and have three restroom facilities spaced alongside the lake.

Beyond the individual campsites, the campground provides essential communal services including:

• Restrooms & Showers: Clean and well-maintained facilities are available, including a centrally located bathhouse.
• Laundry Room: A convenient amenity for longer stays.
• Dump Station: Available for RV campers.
• Playground Facility: For younger visitors, ensuring family-friendly fun.
• Boat Launch Ramp: Located directly within the campground for easy lake access.

In addition to camping, the park offers extensive services for other recreational pursuits. The Yatesville Lake State Park Marina provides customers with docking facilities, pontoon and jon boat rentals, boating and fishing supplies, bait, and a ship's store. There are multiple boat ramps around the lake (Barkers, Pleasant Ridge, Rich Creek, Twin Branch) for easy water access. The Eagle Ridge Golf Course, an 18-hole regulation course with a fully equipped pro shop, club and cart rentals, is another major service. The park also features picnic shelters, making it ideal for day trips and group gatherings.

The features that make Yatesville Lake State Park a standout destination are numerous and diverse. The 2,300-acre Yatesville Lake itself is the central feature, offering extensive opportunities for recreational boating, including waterskiing, wakeboarding, tubing, jet-skiing, and more leisurely cruises on pontoons. Its reputation for cleanliness makes it attractive for swimming from the shore or a boat. The lake is particularly celebrated for its excellent fishing, especially for bluegill, crappie, and bass, but also yielding walleye, catfish, and other species. An ADA-compliant fishing jetty and a scenic fishing lagoon are available at the marina area. For land-based activities, the park boasts an impressive network of multi-use trails, totaling over 20 miles. These trails are open to hikers, backpackers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders, offering varied terrain from rugged wooded paths to exercise paths. Specific trails include the 2-mile Pleasant Ridge Trail (near the campground) and the 2.5-mile Mary Ingles Trail system (near the marina), which features rugged wooded trails, exercise paths, and an ADA self-interpretive nature trail. The Eagle Ridge Golf Course is a premier feature, built on mountainous terrain with dramatic views, part of Kentucky State Parks' "Signature Series" golf courses. The unique "boat-in" campsites offer a truly secluded and intimate lakeside camping experience. Universally accessible facilities are provided at the Project Office/Information Center, Marina, and Barkers Launch Ramp Area, including a universal access fishing jetty.

From a promotional information perspective, Yatesville Lake State Park is marketed as a multifaceted outdoor haven. Key messages highlight its appeal for "the best bluegill fishing in Eastern Kentucky" and its "mountain reservoir" setting. The park emphasizes its wide range of camping options, from full-hookup RV sites to secluded boat-in and hike-in primitive sites, catering to all camping styles. Promotions often feature images of the clean lake, the scenic golf course, and families enjoying various outdoor activities. The park is accessible, with multiple access roads, and its address is readily available. The campground is typically open from mid-March through mid-November, though the lake and some areas are accessible year-round for certain activities. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for popular sites and during peak season, and can be made online or by phone. The park also promotes special events, such as a "Campers' Appreciation Weekend" in April. The availability of boat rentals at the marina is a strong selling point for those without their own watercraft. Information regarding state fishing licenses and game laws (hunting is permitted in marked areas) is readily provided. The park's commitment to accessibility, with ADA-compliant features, is also highlighted. Furthermore, its inclusion in "best campgrounds" lists by publications like Menasha Ridge Press serves as a strong endorsement. Promotional materials often encourage visitors to explore nearby attractions, such as the US 23 Country Music Highway Museum for off-season entertainment, or the annual Lawrence County SeptemberFest, making Yatesville Lake State Park not just a place to stay, but a base for regional exploration. The combination of comprehensive amenities, diverse recreational opportunities, and stunning natural surroundings makes Yatesville Lake State Park a prime destination within the Campgrounds & RV Parks category.