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Laurel River Lake Picnic Area
USACEU.S. Army Corps of Engineers — London · Kentucky · Laurel River Lake
| Agency | USACEU.S. Army Corps of Engineers |
|---|---|
| Area | Laurel River Lake |
| Location | London · Kentucky · Laurel River Lake · 36.96790, -84.26805 · Map |
| Sites | 2 public sites counted from the federal listing — 2 group shelter electric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 2 of 2 sites (up to 20 amp where reported) Water hookups at 0 of 2 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 2 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 2 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Not reported in the federal data |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Not reported — the federal listing carries no fee description for this campground. |
| Check-in / out | In 7:00 AM · Out 10:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 2 sites, as reported |
| Accessible sites | 2 marked accessible in the listing |
| Accessibility | N |
| Amenities, as reported | Water spigots |
| Phone | 606-864-6412 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-02-25.
From the official listing
Overview Laurel River Lake Picnic Area is a day-use facility located on a peninsula along the shores of Laurel River Lake. The picnic area provides 19 individual picnic sites which are first-come, first-serve, and two reservable shelters. There is no overnight camping allowed in the area.
Click here for the Laurel River Lake Picnic Area virtual tour. Recreation Laurel River Dam was completed in 1974 creating a 5,600-acre lake which provides hydroelectric power, safe drinking water and recreation opportunities for the public. Since its impoundment, the Forest Service and the Army Corps of Engineers have cooperated in developing public recreation facilities on and around the lake. Facilities Laurel River Lake Picnic Area offers one small and one large reservable group picnic shelter, with 19 additional picnic sites with tables and grill. port-a-potties, drinking water, playground, horseshoe pit, fishing pier and a volleyball net are also provided.
Natural Features Laurel River Lake, with its cliff-lined shores and quiet coves, is a favorite destination for thousands of visitors each year. They come to boat, canoe, fish, hunt, hike, camp, swim, scuba dive, view wildlife and relax at one of the deepest and cleanest lakes in Kentucky. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (606) 679-6337. Nearby Attractions Less than a mile up the road is a 725-feet long sandy beach area with a parking lot and chemical treated toilets. The beach is unguarded so always wear a flotation device when you're on or in the water. While visiting the picnic area you can stay at one of the Forest Service drive-in campgrounds located at Holly Bay and Grove Recreation Areas. Whiteoak and Grove boat-in campgrounds are accessible only by boat or trail. Cumberland Falls is the second largest waterfall east of the Rockies. It is about a 20 mile drive from the area. Cumberland Falls State Park provides lodge and cabin accommodations for guests.
Directions, from the listing
From London, Kentucky, head west on HWY 192 for approximately 15 miles. Turn slight left onto KY-1193. Continue on KY-1193 until arrive at destination on left. Area is marked by "Laurel Dam Picnic Area" signs.
Nearest federal campgrounds
1 mi straight-line · London KentuckyFSU.S. Forest ServiceCraigs Creek Group Area
2 mi straight-line · LONDON KentuckyFSU.S. Forest ServiceGrove
3 mi straight-line · Corbin KentuckyUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersWaitsboro Campground
20 mi straight-line · SOMERSET KentuckyNPSNational Park ServiceAlum Ford Campground
21 mi straight-line · Whitley City Kentucky
Trip Card — Laurel River Lake Picnic Area
London · Kentucky · Laurel River Lake
| Agency | USACE · U.S. Army Corps of Engineers |
|---|---|
| Location | London · Kentucky · Laurel River Lake |
| Fees | Not reported in the federal data |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | Electric at 2 |
| Max RV | Not reported |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 2 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/249992 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.