Lake Malone State Park Campground in Kentucky on map - free

The bluffs of Lake Malone and primitive sites make a great camping combination.

Lake Malone is a small state park; however, it makes the most of its size. The setting here helps. Some may argue this point, but Lake Malone may be the Bluegrass State's most attractive impoundment. I spent a Sunday afternoon in spring relaxing on its shores, the bright sun warming my bones. The wind was gently lapping waves onto the steep shoreline. Boaters were cruising the clear water framed by 200-foot sandstone cliffs. Families fished from the banks, while a young boy played with his puppy. An older couple grilled hamburgers by the picnic shelter. In other words, it was one of those idyllic tent-camping days you dream of during long winter nights.

The two park campgrounds aren't idyllic, but they will more than suffice. The main campground is small, like the state park. It makes a small loop beneath a mix of tulip trees, oaks, and maples. Most campsites radiate outward from the hilltop center of the campground, but they're kept level with landscaping timbers. Some of the sites have obscured views of Lake Malone. The sites in the center of the loop are too open to the sun, have no privacy, and are undesirable. Because the main campground has water and electricity, the big rigs like it, though a stray tent camper or two will overnight here. Pass the fully equipped bathhouse, and cross a field large enough for the University of Kentucky and the University of Tennessee to play a football game. Future sports stars will be frolicking here with footballs and Frisbees. There is also a more conventional playground by the field.

Reach the primitive-camping area. This is where tent campers will find a site. And there are plenty. The park brochure boasts of having more than 100 sites; however, there are around 40 picnic tables and grills set beneath tall trees—pine with a mix of hardwoods— adjacent to the field. They are situated in a hodgepodge fashion, with no marked or numbered sites. Just pull your vehicle up to the spot you desire and pitch your tent. Campsite spaciousness is at its maximum here. With the size of the primitive campground, you will never be turned away for lack of a site. When the other campgrounds fill on summer holiday weekends, come to Lake Malone. Park personnel told me that if the primitive area under the trees somehow fills, you could camp in the field, but the main campground fills before the holiday weekend starts. The 26 sites of the main campground can be reserved.

The swim beach and state-park marina are not directly accessible from the campground. This is a double-edged sword: the lack of direct access keeps the campground quieter, but you have to get in your car to reach the beach, which is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. This swim beach looks down on the attractive lake. Parents will be happy to know a lifeguard is on duty. The small park marina stands alongside the swim beach, where boats will be launching in search of channel catfish, crappie, and bass. Other folks will be pleasure-boating on the 788-acre Lake Malone. If you are boatless, you can rent pontoon boats, fishing boats, and pedal boats to see this pretty lake. For hiking, the Laurel Trail is directly accessible from the campground. Walk down to the picnic area and pick up the path, which runs for 1.5 miles along the lake, passing rock shelters and native flora. Supplies can be found at a general store just outside the park entrance. I hope the weather will be as fine for you as it was for me on my trip to Lake Malone.

From Exit 58 on Wendell H. Ford Parkway near Central City, go south on US 431 21 miles to KY 973. Turn right on KY 973, and follow it 4 miles to the state park, on your left. The campground is at the second entrance to the park, coming from US 431.

GPS COORDINATES   N37° 4.557'   W87° 2.294'

ADDRESS: P.O. Box 93, 331 State Route Rd. 8001, Dunmore, KY 42339

OPERATED BY: Kentucky State Parks

CONTACT: 270-657-2111, parks.ky.gov; reservations: 877-444-6777, reserveamerica.com

OPEN: Year-round

SITES: 60

SITE AMENITIES: Picnic table, fire ring; main campground sites also have lantern posts, water, and electricity

ASSIGNMENT: First come, first served and by reservation

REGISTRATION: At campground ranger station

FACILITIES: Hot showers, water spigots

PARKING: At campsites only

FEE:$17-$21 main campground, $12-$17 primitive campground

ELEVATION: 600 feet

¦ Pets: On 6-foot leash only

¦ Fires: In fire rings only

¦ Alcohol: Prohibited

¦ Vehicles: None

¦ Other: 14-day stay limit