🌤 Weather at General Burnside Island State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 39–77 °F | 65–86 °F | 38–81 °F | 29–50 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Somerset 2 N, 10 mi away, elevation 1,020 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
General Burnside Island State Park is a public state park in Kentucky near Burnside in Pulaski County. Spanning 430 acres and established in 1958, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Kentucky |
| Nearest City | Burnside |
| County | Pulaski County |
| Park Size | 430 acres |
| Established | 1958 |
Location & Getting There
General Burnside Island State Park is located near Burnside, Kentucky. The park’s coordinates are 36.9758, -84.6022.
Things to Do
Kentucky state parks are characterized by the state’s extensive waterways, rolling Bluegrass hills, and the rugged Appalachian foothills. They are renowned as “resort parks,” offering excellent amenities alongside outdoor recreation. Activities center heavily around massive recreational lakes perfect for boating, water skiing, and world-class bass fishing. Land activities include hiking forested trails, camping, golfing on championship-level park courses, horseback riding, and exploring massive underground cave networks. The parks also preserve significant Civil War and frontier pioneer history.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and fall are ideal. Spring (April–May) offers blooming dogwoods, excellent fishing, and comfortable hiking weather. Fall (October) brings beautiful foliage to the forested hills and perfect camping temperatures. Summer (June–August) is hot and very humid, making it the primary season for lake boating and swimming. Winter is generally quiet, though the Resort Park lodges offer cozy, peaceful off-season getaways with discount rates.
Visitor Tips
Kentucky state parks do not charge a general entrance fee for day use. The system is famous for its 17 “Resort Parks” which feature full-service lodges, restaurants (often serving traditional Kentucky cuisine), and 18-hole golf courses, making them great destinations for those who prefer modern amenities over tent camping. If you plan to camp, book well in advance for summer and fall weekends. Note that some park marinas and pools operate strictly on a Memorial Day to Labor Day schedule.
Explore More Kentucky State Parks
General Burnside Island State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Kentucky. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Kentucky guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
General Burnside Island SP — on an island in Lake Cumberland — the 9th-largest man-made lake in the US (50,250 acres with 1,255 miles of shoreline). Named for Civil War General Ambrose Burnside. The island’s lake, forest, and shoreline support bald eagles, osprey, and white-tailed deer. Striped bass, largemouth bass, and walleye fill the lake.
Nearby Attractions
Burnside — adjacent. Somerset — 5 miles north. Lake Cumberland — surrounding.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with General Burnside State Park (a short drive away) or Cumberland Falls State Resort Park (within about an hour’s drive).
⛺ Camping at General Burnside Island State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 101 sites — Full Service: 18 sites (electric, water and sewer, back-in, up to 50 ft); Standard Electric: 74 sites (electric and water, back-in, 32-62 ft, 15/20/30/50-amp options); Tent: 9 sites (no hookups). |
|---|---|
| Reservations | Kentucky State Parks/ReserveAmerica online booking; minimum 1 day ahead of arrival, up to 12 months in advance; 1 night minimum weekdays, 2 nights Friday/Saturday. |
| Special sites | Dump station on-site; swimming pool closed until further notice as of July 2026; Office/Ranger Station and bathhouse facilities. |
| Season notes | Campground open through November 15, 2026. |
Camping questions about General Burnside Island State Park
Can you camp at General Burnside Island State Park?
Yes. General Burnside Island State Park has 101 campsites. Full Service: 18 sites (electric, water and sewer, back-in, up to 50 ft); Standard Electric: 74 sites (electric and water, back-in, 32-62 ft, 15/20/30/50-amp options); Tent: 9 sites (no hookups).
How do you reserve a campsite at General Burnside Island State Park?
Kentucky State Parks/ReserveAmerica online booking; minimum 1 day ahead of arrival, up to 12 months in advance; 1 night minimum weekdays, 2 nights Friday/Saturday.
Source: parks.ky.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at General Burnside Island State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome in most outdoor areas of Kentucky state parks but must be leashed in all public areas.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash required in all public areas (official policy does not state a maximum length)
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are restricted from beaches, nature preserves and some historic sites
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pet-friendly rooms and cabins available at select lodges for a $50-per-accommodation fee, max two pets, 80 lbs per pet
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use pet fee; $50 pet fee per accommodation for lodging (undisclosed pets: $150 per incident)
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets banned from State Nature Preserve trails at parks including John James Audubon, Natural Bridge, Cumberland Falls, Carter Caves and Pine Mountain
Are dogs allowed at General Burnside Island State Park?
Pets are welcome in most outdoor areas of Kentucky state parks but must be leashed in all public areas. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via parks.ky.gov. More: Kentucky state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
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