Green River Lake

Green River Lake

Green River Lake is a  recreational paradise offering 8,210 acres of beauty and excitement!

Two of the county’s thirteen campgrounds can be found lakeside, offering adventure-seekers a front-row seat to all the recreational opportunities Green River Lake has to offer.

With an average depth of 50 feet and a distance of one mile at its widest point, it is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and water skiing – with over 50 miles of trails that twist around the picture-perfect spot. Visitors can explore the terrain by hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Looking for a little R&R? Public beaches at Green River Lake State Park Campground, Smith Ridge Recreational Area, and Holmes Bend are welcome respite on a warm summer day.

Twelve boat ramps are available for public use, including one at each campground. Three marinas offer complete services on the lake, including boat rental, slip rental, gas, bait, fishing gear, and picnicking supplies.

Fishing at Green can be quite rewarding too. Walleye, crappie, white bass, channel catfish, muskie, and bluegill are all found in good numbers in the lake. Hunting on the land surrounding Green River Lake is also popular.

 

Map

Green River Lake Map

Green River Lake Quick Facts

  • 8,210-acre lake
  • 147 miles of shoreline
  • The average depth is 50 feet
  • 28 miles from one end to the next and one mile across at its widest point
  • 12 Boat ramps allow easy access to the lake. No launch fee is charged at the two ramps at the State Park, the Tailwater(river) ramp, Green River Marina, Snake Creek, Butler Creek, or Arnold’s Landing. A daily fee is charged to use the following boat ramps: Ramp #1, Holmes Bend, Pikes Ridge, Smith Ridge, and Emerald Isle Marina.
  • 3 full-service Marinas offer all types of boat rentals including paddleboards, kayaks, canoes, jet skis, ski boats, fishing boats, and houseboats. Green River Marina, Emerald Isle Resort & Marina, and Holmes Bend Marina
  • Complimentary slip rental is provided for your boat when you rent a lakeside condo from Emerald Isle Resort & Marina.
  • 4 sandy beaches: Green River Lake State Park, Smith Ridge, and Holmes Bend beach are all open to the public and no fee is charged. Pikes Ridge Campground also has a sandy beach but it is for registered camper’s use only.
  • Over 50 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding surround the lake
  • Shopping and Dining are only 10 minutes away in Downtown Campbellsville
  • 21,037 acres of land for hunting deer, turkey quail, squirrel, dove, and waterfowl
  • Green River Stables is a Horse Camp adjacent to 22.5 miles of equestrian trails at the State Park.
  • Picnic Shelters are available to rent for weddings, family reunions, birthdays, etc… starting at only $50
  • Pets are welcome in the cabins, condos, boats, and most hotels.

Accommodations on Green River Lake

  • Condo rentals at Emerald Isle Marina will accommodate up to eight persons (adjoining units may be requested)
  • There are several Vacation Homes to choose from that are only minutes away.
  • Hotels and motels located in the city of Campbellsville are within 10 minutes of the lake.
  • Green River Lake State Park and Pikes Ridge Campground are lakeside campgrounds with a total of 289 campsites right on the lake. A dozen more local campgrounds offer over 400 campsites just minutes from the Lake.

 

Fishing

  • Largemouth, Smallmouth, and Kentucky bass are common over 5 pounds.
  • Walleye have been noted up to 12 pounds
  • Crappie average 2 pounds
  • Muskie are also inhibiting the waters weighing in at 40 plus pounds
  • Guided fishing trips are available for crappie and musky

 

History of Green River Lake

The Army Corps of Engineers began construction of a dam on Green River in April 1964 to control flooding and completed the project in June 1969. The dam is 141 feet high and 2,350 feet long. The 8,210-acre lake has a 147-mile shoreline and covers parts of Adair, Casey, and Taylor Counties.