Recreation AreaRecreation.gov

Barkley Lake

Grand Rivers, Illinois · Livingston County

Lake Barkley was named for former Vice-President Alben Barkley. Land Between the Lakes (US Forest Service) and Fort Donelson National Military Park are on Lake Barkley?s western shore.

🧭 Get Directions
Advertisement
37.02167, -88.22000
Open in OpenStreetMap

About Barkley Lake

Lake Barkley was named for former Vice-President Alben Barkley. Land Between the Lakes (US Forest Service) and Fort Donelson National Military Park are on Lake Barkley?s western shore.

Plan Your Visit to Barkley Lake

Heading to Barkley Lake? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for Barkley Lake?

No central reservation system listed for Barkley Lake. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/382) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Barkley Lake?

From Louisville, south on I-65 to Western Kentucky Parkway, 13 miles west on US 62 through Eddyville.

How do I contact Barkley Lake?

You can reach the park at phone: (270) 362-4236.

Guides & rankings

More on Illinois parks & hiking

View all posts →
Sunlit forest trail winding through tall conifersPhoto: Sergei Akulich
State Rankings

The 10 Longest Hiking Trails in Illinois, Ranked

Illinois's longest mapped hiking trails, ranked by distance with notes on what makes each route worth the commitment.

By The OutsideAtlas Team6 min
Hiker standing on a rocky summit overlooking deep mountain valleysPhoto: Holly Mandarich
State Rankings

Illinois's 10 Most Punishing Trails by Elevation Gain

Steep is hard. These are the ten Illinois trails with the most total elevation gain — quad-burners earned by hard climbing.

By The OutsideAtlas Team6 min
Alpine lake reflecting jagged mountain peaks at sunrisePhoto: Joshua Earle
State Rankings

The Best Beginner-Friendly Hikes in Illinois

Ten gentle, well-marked Illinois trails perfect for first-time hikers, families, or recovery days.

By The OutsideAtlas Team6 min
Sunlit forest trail winding through tall conifersPhoto: Sergei Akulich
State Rankings

The 10 Most Challenging Hikes in Illinois

Illinois's ten hardest hikes — expert difficulty, big mileage, or serious exposure. Reserved for experienced hikers.

By The OutsideAtlas Team7 min
Alpine lake reflecting jagged mountain peaks at sunrisePhoto: Joshua Earle
Parks & Travel

The Best National Parks & Recreation Areas in Illinois

Federal parks and recreation areas in Illinois ranked by what they actually offer hikers and campers, not just popularity.

By The OutsideAtlas Team6 min
Sunlit forest trail winding through tall conifersPhoto: Sergei Akulich
State Rankings

Best Waterfall Hikes in Illinois: 10 Trails to See Falls Up Close

Illinois's best hikes to named waterfalls — from short family-friendly viewpoints to all-day cascade chasing.

By The OutsideAtlas Team7 min