🌤 Weather at Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 34–79 °F | 62–90 °F | 34–84 °F | 23–50 °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 Benton, 11 mi away, elevation 365 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park is a public state park in Kentucky near Gilbertsville. Spanning 1,352 acres and established in 1949, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Kentucky |
| Nearest City | Gilbertsville |
| Park Size | 1,352 acres |
| Established | 1949 |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.5/5 (500 reviews) |
Location & Getting There
Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park is located near Gilbertsville, Kentucky. The park’s coordinates are 37.0063, -88.2947.
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
Kentucky Dam Village State Resort 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
Note: Kentucky Dam Village is actually a Kentucky state resort park, but the greater Kentucky Lake region influences recreation patterns in extreme southern Illinois. Kentucky Lake — created by the damming of the Tennessee River — is one of the largest man-made lakes in the eastern United States at 160,000+ acres. The lake and nearby Lake Barkley (created by damming the Cumberland River) form the Land Between the Lakes recreation area. The combined region supports exceptional wildlife diversity — bald eagles, osprey, and great blue herons fish the expansive waters. White-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and coyotes inhabit the forested shoreline. The lakes support trophy largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish fisheries.
Nearby Attractions
Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area (170,000 acres) offers camping, hiking, and the Elk & Bison Prairie. Fort Massac State Park in Metropolis preserves frontier military history. Metropolis — “Hometown of Superman.” Paducah (Kentucky) — a UNESCO Creative City with the National Quilt Museum. Shawnee National Forest provides Garden of the Gods and other natural areas. Cave-in-Rock State Park has Ohio River caves. Cache River State Natural Area has ancient cypress.
More parks in Kentucky: Mineral Mound State Park and Kenlake State Resort Park. See the full Kentucky state parks guide.
⛺ Camping at Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | Sources conflict on total count: the park's ReserveAmerica reservation system currently lists 69 reservable sites (59 Standard Electric sites with water and electric hookups, 10 tent sites without hookups) in two loops (Loop #1-22 and Loop #23-68), with back-in RV sites 43-54 feet. Older official-adjacent references describe 221 paved campsites with water and electric hookups sitewide. All sites have paved pads, picnic tables, and fire rings; electric/water hookups are described as several feet from some sites, so extension cords/hoses are recommended. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | 62 cottages (one-, two-, or three-bedroom, one or two baths) per the park's cottages page; tableware, cooking utensils, and linens provided. Separate from the 72-room Village Inn lodge. No more than two pets allowed per cottage. |
| Pets | Pets allowed on most campsites per the reservation system. |
| Reservations | Reservations bookable up to 12 months in advance via the park's online reservation system or by phone at (270) 362-4271 / 1-800-325-0146. Minimum stay 1 night on weekdays, 2 nights on Friday/Saturday. Check-in 2 p.m., check-out 1 p.m. Central Time. Base rate covers 4 adults and children 16 and under; additional adults $5 per night. |
| Special sites | Three dump stations, four central service buildings with showers and restrooms, on-site grocery store. Separate Air Camp area where aviators can camp by their aircraft. Golf carts permitted for $25/week or $100/year (fee waived for disabled guests). Horse camping also available. |
| Season notes | Camping is seasonal; the park's reservation system currently shows the season running through October 31. |
Camping questions about Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park
Can you camp at Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park?
Sources conflict on total count: the park's ReserveAmerica reservation system currently lists 69 reservable sites (59 Standard Electric sites with water and electric hookups, 10 tent sites without hookups) in two loops (Loop #1-22 and Loop #23-68), with back-in RV sites 43-54 feet. Older official-adjacent references describe 221 paved campsites with water and electric hookups sitewide. All sites have paved pads, picnic tables, and fire rings; electric/water hookups are described as several feet from some sites, so extension cords/hoses are recommended.
How do you reserve a campsite at Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park?
Reservations bookable up to 12 months in advance via the park's online reservation system or by phone at (270) 362-4271 / 1-800-325-0146. Minimum stay 1 night on weekdays, 2 nights on Friday/Saturday. Check-in 2 p.m., check-out 1 p.m. Central Time. Base rate covers 4 adults and children 16 and under; additional adults $5 per night.
Are there cabins at Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park?
62 cottages (one-, two-, or three-bedroom, one or two baths) per the park's cottages page; tableware, cooking utensils, and linens provided. Separate from the 72-room Village Inn lodge. No more than two pets allowed per cottage.
Are pets allowed at the Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park campground?
Pets allowed on most campsites per the reservation system.
Source: parks.ky.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Kentucky Dam Village State Resort 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 Kentucky Dam Village State Resort 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
Plan your gear for Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
