🌤 Weather at Lake Malone State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 34–78 °F | 61–89 °F | 34–82 °F | 24–48 °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 Rochester Ferry, 13 mi away, elevation 390 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
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.
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
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Jefferson Davis State Historic Site (within about an hour’s drive) and Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park (within about an hour’s drive).
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Kentucky state parks online at kentuckystateparks.reserveamerica.com.
⛺ Camping at Lake Malone State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 59 sites — 34 primitive tent-only sites; 25 sites with electric and water hookups for RVs. The reservation system lists the RV/electric sites as 24 Standard Electric (30-amp, water hookup) plus 1 additional site, in a single loop (Sites 1-26). |
|---|---|
| Pets | Pets allowed if restrained. |
| Reservations | Reservations bookable up to 12 months in advance, minimum 1 day ahead of arrival, via the park's online reservation system or by phone at (270) 657-2111 / 877-444-6777. Minimum stay 1 night weekdays, 2 nights Friday/Saturday. Fees range $17-$21 for main campground sites and $12-$17 for primitive sites. |
| Special sites | Dump station on-site; disabled guests exempt from golf cart permit fee. Maximum 2 units per site (1 camper unit + 1 tent, or 2 tents with no camper unit). |
| Season notes | The park describes a seasonal camping window from May 15 to November 12; the online reservation system's current season runs May 20-November 15, 2026. |
Camping questions about Lake Malone State Park
Can you camp at Lake Malone State Park?
Yes. Lake Malone State Park has 59 campsites. 34 primitive tent-only sites; 25 sites with electric and water hookups for RVs. The reservation system lists the RV/electric sites as 24 Standard Electric (30-amp, water hookup) plus 1 additional site, in a single loop (Sites 1-26).
How do you reserve a campsite at Lake Malone State Park?
Reservations bookable up to 12 months in advance, minimum 1 day ahead of arrival, via the park's online reservation system or by phone at (270) 657-2111 / 877-444-6777. Minimum stay 1 night weekdays, 2 nights Friday/Saturday. Fees range $17-$21 for main campground sites and $12-$17 for primitive sites.
Are pets allowed at the Lake Malone State Park campground?
Pets allowed if restrained.
Source: parks.ky.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Lake Malone 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 Lake Malone 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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