Lake Malone State Park
Kentucky’s Sandstone Bluff Lake — 788-Acre Lake, 50-Foot Sandstone Cliffs, Full-Service Marina, Sand Beach, 47 Campsites, Boat Rentals, Bass & Crappie Fishing in Dunmor
Lake Malone State Park is a 338-acre park surrounding the scenic 788-acre Lake Malone in Dunmor, Kentucky. The park features dramatic 50-foot sandstone bluffs rising above the water, a full-service marina with boat slips and fuel, pontoon/fishing boat/pedal boat rentals, a sand swimming beach, 47 campsites (primitive and hookup sites), modern restrooms with showers and laundry, a 1.5-mile Laurel Trail, picnic shelters, a playground, volleyball courts, and horseshoe pits.
Lake Malone is one of Kentucky’s most visually striking state park lakes, with massive sandstone bluffs rising directly from the water’s edge. The lake produces largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and channel catfish. The full-service marina makes this park unusually well-equipped for boating — fuel, boat slips, fishing supplies, and multiple rental boat types are available directly on the water. Located in southern Kentucky near Muhlenberg County, Lake Malone offers an off-the-beaten-path lake experience without the crowds of Kentucky’s larger resort parks.
Things to Do
Fishing
- Species: Largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, channel catfish
- Access: Shore fishing, pier fishing, and boat fishing
- Boat launch: On-site ramp for private boats
- Marina: Fishing supplies available at the marina store
- Kentucky fishing license required
Swimming
- Sand beach: Typically open Memorial Day through Labor Day
- Shallow entry area: Good for children
Boating & Marina
- Full-service marina: Boat slips, fuel, fishing supplies
- Boat rentals: Pontoon boats, fishing boats, pedal boats
- Boat launch ramp: For private boats
Hiking
- Laurel Trail: 1.5-mile trail through hardwood forest along sandstone bluffs
- Scenic overlooks: Views of the lake and 50-foot sandstone cliffs
Recreation
- Picnic shelters with tables and grills
- Playground
- Volleyball courts and horseshoe pits
Camping
| Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Hookup Sites | Water and electric hookups available |
| Primitive Sites | Tent camping without hookups |
| Total | ~47 campsites |
| Facilities | Central service building with restrooms, hot showers, and laundry |
| Dump Station | Available |
| Grills & Tables | At each site |
| Firewood | Must be purchased on-site (prevents invasive species) |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | ⭐ PEAK: Sand beach open; full marina services; boat rentals; bass + bluegill fishing; camping; long days | Hot and humid (90°F+); thunderstorms; busy weekends |
| Spring (Apr–May) | ⭐ Crappie spawning run; bass active; wildflowers on Laurel Trail; pleasant temps; uncrowded | Variable weather; beach closed; some services limited |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | Fall foliage over sandstone bluffs; cooler hiking; crappie + bass active; photography | Beach closes Labor Day; marina hours reduced; cooling |
| Winter (Nov–Mar) | Winter fishing; solitude; dramatic bare-branch bluff scenery | Campground may be closed; marina closed; cold |
Visitor Tips
- Sandstone bluffs: The 50-foot sandstone cliffs rising from the lake are Lake Malone’s signature feature — view them from the Laurel Trail or by boat.
- Full marina: The marina offers fuel, boat slips, fishing supplies, and rentals — one of the best-equipped facilities in Kentucky’s state parks.
- Crappie season: Spring crappie fishing at Lake Malone is excellent — March through May is prime time.
- Firewood: You must purchase firewood on-site — bringing outside firewood is prohibited to prevent invasive species.
- Beach season: The swimming beach is typically open Memorial Day through Labor Day.
- Off the beaten path: Lake Malone is in rural southern Kentucky — stock up on supplies in Greenville or Central City before visiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
Lake Malone SP — 349 acres on Lake Malone (788 acres) — surrounded by dramatic sandstone bluffs up to 100 feet high. The park’s lake, bluffs, and forest support bald eagles, great blue herons, and white-tailed deer. Largemouth bass and crappie fill the lake.
Nearby Attractions
Dunmore — adjacent. Muhlenberg County — surrounding. Greenville — 10 miles east.
Does Lake Malone State Park have a marina?
Yes — Lake Malone State Park features a full-service marina on the 788-acre lake. The marina offers boat slips, fuel for boats, fishing supplies, and rental boats including pontoon boats, fishing boats, and pedal boats. A boat launch ramp is also available for visitors bringing their own boats. The lake is known for its dramatic 50-foot sandstone bluffs and excellent fishing for largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and channel catfish.
Can you swim at Lake Malone State Park?
Yes — Lake Malone State Park has a sand swimming beach on the lake. The beach is typically open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The park also offers camping with approximately 47 campsites (both primitive and hookup sites), a 1.5-mile Laurel Trail through hardwood forest along the sandstone bluffs, picnic shelters, a playground, volleyball courts, and horseshoe pits.
Last updated: May 2026
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