Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park
Lodge Resort in the Pennyrile Region of Western Kentucky — State Resort Park Within 15,331-Acre Pennyrile State Forest, Lodge With Restaurant and Meeting Facilities Overlooking Pennyrile Lake, Campground With Hookups and Rental Cottages in Forested Setting, Fishing for Largemouth Bass Bluegill and Channel Catfish on 56-Acre Pennyrile Lake, 18-Hole Golf Course Winding Through Hardwood Forest, Hiking Trails Through the Pennyrile State Forest, Swimming Pool and Miniature Golf, Near Dawson Springs Christian County Western Kentucky
Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park is a state resort park within the 15,331-acre Pennyrile State Forest near Dawson Springs, Christian County, western Kentucky, managed by Kentucky State Parks. The park features a lodge with restaurant and meeting facilities overlooking 56-acre Pennyrile Lake, a campground with hookups and rental cottages in a forested setting, fishing for largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and channel catfish on Pennyrile Lake, an 18-hole golf course winding through mature hardwood forest, hiking trails through the surrounding Pennyrile State Forest — one of the largest state forests in Kentucky, a swimming pool and miniature golf for families, pedal boat and canoe rentals on the lake, and a full-service resort experience in the heart of western Kentucky’s Pennyrile region.
The golf course is a hidden gem — 18 holes winding through mature hardwood forest with elevation changes and tree-lined fairways create a challenging and scenic round. The course is consistently rated among Kentucky’s best value public courses.
The name “Pennyrile” comes from the local pronunciation of “pennyroyal” — the wild mint plant that grows abundantly in this region of western Kentucky. The Pennyrile region is Kentucky’s least-visited area, making this park a genuine escape from crowds.
Things to Do
- Lodge — resort, restaurant
- Golf — 18-hole forest course
- Fishing — bass, bluegill, catfish
- Camping — hookups, cottages
- Hiking — 15,331-acre forest
- Swimming — pool, mini golf
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Near Dawson Springs, Christian County, KY |
| Forest | 15,331-acre Pennyrile State Forest |
| Lake | 56-acre Pennyrile Lake |
| Lodge | Resort with restaurant |
| Golf | 18-hole forest course |
| Managed By | Kentucky State Parks |
| Coordinates | 37.0833° N, 87.6333° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
Pennyrile Forest SRP — 863 acres within Pennyrile State Forest (15,000 acres). The park’s lake, mixed hardwood-pine forest, and rocky outcrops support white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and red foxes. American pennyroyal herb (the region’s namesake) grows throughout.
Nearby Attractions
Dawson Springs — adjacent. Lake Barkley — 15 miles east. Land Between the Lakes — 20 miles east.
What does Pennyrile mean?
“Pennyrile” is the local pronunciation of “pennyroyal,” a wild mint plant abundant in western Kentucky. Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park near Dawson Springs offers a lodge with restaurant overlooking 56-acre Pennyrile Lake, an 18-hole golf course through hardwood forest, camping with hookups and cottages, fishing for bass and catfish, and hiking within the 15,331-acre Pennyrile State Forest. Managed by Kentucky State Parks.
The full-service resort model means you can arrive with nothing and still enjoy a complete outdoor vacation. Between the lodge restaurant, rental boats, golf course, pool, and groomed trails, Pennyrile provides everything for visitors who want outdoor experiences without roughing it. It is one of Kentucky’s most accessible and comfortable state park destinations.
Last updated: May 2026
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