Rough River Lake covers 5,100 acres and is located in south-central Kentucky in Breckinridge, Hardin and Grayson Counties. Around the county’s waters, you can choose from fishing, boating and camping, as well as city parks, history and seasonal events.
Lakes, Fishing and Camping
Rough River Lake has four campgrounds, ranging from developed sites with full amenities to basic backcountry sites. Check the specific amenities at each campground before your trip. Rough River Dam State Resort Park offers opportunities for fishing and boating; kayak rentals are also available at the park.
At Nolin River Lake, you can fish for bass, sunfish, catfish, crappie, trout and walleye. Available species and regulations may change; check the current rules before fishing. Wax Campground is in Grayson County and has 110 sites, 86 of which have electric and water hookups. Check reservations and fees before your trip.
History and Local Experiences
The Jack Thomas House was the earliest brick residence in Grayson County. Jack Thomas built it around 1810; he was the first clerk of the County and Circuit Court. The Grayson County Historical Society Museum offers free tours. Check current tour times before your visit.
General George Stillhouse is located on a farm that once belonged to George Washington. The Founding Fox Bourbon Tour is designed as an educational experience: it begins with an explanation of the production process and ends at the Fox Den. Check available tour dates in advance, as the schedule may change.
Walking Trails, Parks and Swimming Season
James D. Beville Park offers a one-mile paved walking trail with ponds and wooded areas. Firefighters Memorial Park & Splash Pad includes a 0.5-mile paved trail and several playgrounds. The stated trail lengths make for a clear comparison: one mile at James D. Beville Park versus half a mile at Firefighters Memorial Park.
Leitchfield Aquatic Center has a 217,000-gallon pool with a zero-depth entry, two three-story slides—one enclosed and one open—and a winding lazy river. Its seasonal opening period runs from Memorial Day weekend in May through Labor Day in September. Check the specific operating days for the season before your visit.
Lafayette Golf Club offers another option: the course covers 250 acres, has five tee boxes at each hole and plays from 4,200 to 6,900 yards. It opened in May 1997.
Events Throughout the Year
GCA Art in the Park takes place annually on the second Saturday in May at James D. Beville Community Park in Leitchfield. The free juried fine art and crafts show features local and internationally known artists. The multi-day Clarkson Honeyfest follows annually on the third weekend in September; activities include rides, food, music and a 5K run.
The Grayson County Fair has offered a week of family entertainment since 1949, with rides, pageants, a demolition derby and more. The Dam Triathlon combines paddling, cycling and running on the second weekend in August at Rough River Lake, through the state park and the surrounding lake area. The Rough River Yard Sale takes place annually on the second weekend in October along Highway 79 in Grayson County. Check the exact dates for each year’s events.
Find Hotels for Your Trip
Plan your travel dates around seasonal schedules and event dates.
Discover more destinations: Leitchfield, Taylor County, Lawrence County, Scott, Livingston, Allen County, Jefferson, Simpson County.
For the broader travel overview: Kentucky.
