General Burnside State Park
Kentucky’s Only Island State Park on Lake Cumberland — 430-Acre Island State Park in Lake Cumberland Near Somerset, 18-Hole Championship Golf Course on the Island, Campground With Full Hookups on the Wooded Island, Connected to Mainland by Bridge Over Lake Cumberland, Fishing for Striped Bass Walleye Smallmouth Bass and Crappie on the Legendary Lake Cumberland Fishery, Boat Ramp and Marina Access to Lake Cumberland, Swimming Pool and Picnic Areas, Named for Civil War General Ambrose Burnside, Near Somerset Pulaski County South-Central Kentucky
General Burnside Island State Park is Kentucky’s only island state park — a 430-acre island in Lake Cumberland near Somerset, Pulaski County, south-central Kentucky, managed by Kentucky State Parks. Connected to the mainland by bridge, the park features an 18-hole championship golf course occupying much of the island, a campground with full hookups in wooded island setting, fishing for striped bass, walleye, smallmouth bass, and crappie on the legendary Lake Cumberland fishery, a boat ramp and marina access to Lake Cumberland, a swimming pool and picnic areas, scenic lake views from nearly every point on the island, and a unique island atmosphere that makes camping and golfing feel like a genuine getaway.
The golf course is the star attraction — playing 18 holes on an island in Lake Cumberland with water views from nearly every hole is a unique experience in American golf. The mature tree-lined fairways and lake breezes create memorable conditions.
Named for Civil War General Ambrose Burnside, who led Union forces through this region of Kentucky during the war, the island has a strategic history that adds depth to the recreational experience. Lake Cumberland itself is one of the largest artificial lakes east of the Mississippi.
Things to Do
- Golf — 18-hole island course
- Fishing — stripers, walleye
- Camping — full hookups
- Boating — marina, ramp
- Swimming pool — island
- Scenic views — Lake Cumberland
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Near Somerset, Pulaski County, KY |
| Size | 430 acres — island in Lake Cumberland |
| Golf | 18-hole championship |
| Camping | Full hookups on island |
| Fishing | Striped bass, walleye, crappie |
| Managed By | Kentucky State Parks |
| Coordinates | 37.0333° N, 84.6167° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
General Burnside SP — on an island in Lake Cumberland. Bald eagles soar above the lake. World-class bass and striper fishing.
Nearby Attractions
Somerset — 5 miles north. Lake Cumberland — surrounding.
Is General Burnside State Park really on an island?
Yes — General Burnside Island State Park is Kentucky’s only island state park, located on a 430-acre island in Lake Cumberland near Somerset. Connected to the mainland by bridge, the park features an 18-hole championship golf course with lake views from nearly every hole, a campground with full hookups, marina access to Lake Cumberland’s legendary fishery, and a swimming pool. Named for Civil War General Ambrose Burnside.
The island setting creates a natural boundary that makes the park feel more remote than it really is. Once you cross the bridge onto the island, the surrounding water creates a sense of escape and seclusion that is rare for parks this close to a city. Somerset is just minutes away, but the island atmosphere makes it feel like a world apart.
Last updated: May 2026
