Kincaid Lake State Park
Kentucky’s Full-Service Lake Park — 183-Acre Lake, 159 Campsites, Golf & Swimming Pool Near Falmouth
Kincaid Lake State Park is a full-service recreation park built around a 183-acre lake near Falmouth in Pendleton County, Kentucky. Situated in the rolling hills of northern Kentucky — approximately 45 miles south of Cincinnati, Ohio — the park offers one of the most complete recreational packages in the Kentucky State Parks system: a large campground, 9-hole golf course, marina with boat rentals, a Junior Olympic swimming pool, and miles of hiking trails all in one location.
The lake is the park’s anchor — a 10-horsepower motor limit keeps the water calm for fishing, canoeing, and pedal boating, creating a relaxed, no-wake environment ideal for families. The surrounding landscape of hardwood ridges and creek valleys provides scenic backdrop for the park’s trail system, which connects the campground, lake, and day-use areas through diverse forest habitats.
Things to Do
Fishing & Boating
- 183-acre lake: Bass, bluegill, channel catfish, crappie — productive warm-water fishery
- 10 HP motor limit: Creates a calm, no-wake environment perfect for fishing and paddling
- Marina: Boat ramp, dock, and seasonal rentals (jon boats, canoes, pedal boats)
- Kentucky fishing license required
Swimming Pool
A Junior Olympic-size swimming pool with lifeguards operates seasonally (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). This is a proper pool facility, not a lake swimming area — great for families with younger children.
Golf
A scenic 9-hole golf course winds through the park’s wooded terrain, plus miniature golf near the campground for families.
Hiking
Multiple trails connect the park’s campground, lake, and day-use areas through hardwood forest and creek valleys:
- Moderate terrain — rolling hills typical of northern Kentucky
- Good for birding and wildflower walks in spring
- Connects to the lake and marina areas
Additional Recreation
- Tennis courts and volleyball
- Horseshoe pits and playgrounds
- Multi-purpose room/conference center for events and family reunions
- Camp store with supplies, firewood, and ice
Camping
| Type | Sites | Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| Electric/Water Sites | 84 | 20/30/50-amp electric; water; picnic tables; fire rings |
| Primitive Tent Sites | 75 | No hookups; wooded settings; fire rings; close to trails |
Facilities: Central bathhouse with hot showers, flush toilets, laundry. Dump station available. Camp store for supplies.
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Apr–May) | ⭐ Dogwood & redbud blooming; bass spawning; golf season; comfortable camping | Variable weather; pool not yet open |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | ⭐ Swimming pool open; full marina & boat rentals; all amenities operating; family peak | Hot & humid; busy weekends; reserve hookup sites early |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | Kentucky hardwood foliage; cool hiking; excellent fishing; quieter campground | Pool closes Labor Day; some amenities seasonal; shorter days |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Winter fishing; hiking on crisp days; off-season solitude | Pool/marina closed; campground may have limited facilities; cold |
Visitor Tips
- 10 HP motor limit: The lake enforces a 10-horsepower motor limit, keeping the environment calm and quiet. This is a fishing and paddling lake, not a water sports lake — bring your fishing gear and canoe, not your speedboat.
- 159 campsites: With 84 hookup sites and 75 primitive sites, Kincaid Lake offers one of the largest campgrounds in the Kentucky State Parks system. Hookup sites fill first on summer weekends — reserve early.
- Cincinnati day trip: The park is approximately 45 miles south of Cincinnati, making it an easy weekend escape from the metro area. The small-town charm of Falmouth (county seat of Pendleton County) adds to the experience.
- Camp store: The on-site camp store carries firewood, ice, and basic supplies — convenient but limited. Stock up on groceries in Falmouth before arriving.
- Golf value: The 9-hole course is affordable and scenic — a relaxing round through rolling Kentucky terrain. Walk-on tee times are usually available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swim at Kincaid Lake State Park?
Yes — Kincaid Lake State Park has a Junior Olympic-size swimming pool that operates seasonally with lifeguards, typically from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Swimming is in the pool, not in the lake itself. The pool is a great option for families with young children who want supervised swimming in a controlled environment.
Can you use motorboats on Kincaid Lake?
Motorboats are allowed on Kincaid Lake, but there is a strict 10-horsepower motor limit. This keeps the 183-acre lake calm and quiet, making it ideal for fishing, canoeing, and pedal boating. The park marina offers seasonal boat rentals including jon boats, canoes, and pedal boats. A boat ramp and dock are available for visitors bringing their own watercraft.
Last updated: April 2026
Park Location
Top Tours & Activities Near Cincinnati
from $89
from $109
from $89