About Big Oak Picnic Shelter
Overview Big Oak Picnic Shelter is located within the Dam Area Day Use Area. Situated along Kentucky's Highland Rim, the Dam Area is surrounded by forested tracks, rolling meadows and the pristine banks of Green River Lake. Recreation With 8,000 surface acres of water, the lake is an ideal place for boating. With ten boat ramps located around the shoreline, guests have plenty of room for fishing, jet skiing, wake boarding and more. Three full-service marinas are also located around the lake. Fishing is a popular activity at Green River Lake: Walleye, crappie, white bass, channel catfish, muskie and bluegill are all found in abundance. Hunters enjoy the surrounding land, with various habitats supporting deer, turkey, rabbit, quail, squirrel, dove and waterfowl. There are also miles of trails that wind around the lake and along the shore, affording some of the most scenic views in the region. Facilities Big Oak Picnic Shelter is located within the Dam Area Day Use Area of Green River Lake. The shelter is located .5 miles off of KY-55 and is .5 miles from the Corps of Engineers Visitor Center. Site 1 boat ramp is also located .5 miles from the shelter off of Lake Rd. Amenities at the shelter include electricity hookup, 9 picnic tables, grills, additional picnic area, parking and access to a playground and restroom. The shelter restroom is only open seasonally (closed over the winter months). If the shelter has been reserved for the day, a "Reserved Today" sign will be placed on the shelter's sign to indicate that it not avaible for walk-ups. If the shelter has not been reserved for a particular day, it may be used free of charge, on a first-come, first-served basis. Natural Features Green River Lake area encompasses a total of some 32,000 acres in the central portion of Kentucky, creating countless recreational activities for visitors on the water and on land. Nearby Attractions The Corps of Engineers Visitor Center and the Historical Civil War Atkinson-Griffin Log Cab
How to Get There
From Columbia: Head south toward Burkesville St (266 ft). Exit the traffic circle onto Campbellsville St (1.6 mi). Continue onto KY-55 N for about 10 miles. Turn right onto Hwy 1061/Lake Rd (0.5 mi). Destination will be on the right. From Campbellsville, KY: Head southwest on E Broadway St toward Lebanon Ave (0.6 mi). E Broadway St turns slightly right and becomes US-68 W/Greensburg Rd (0.5 mi). Turn left onto KY-55 S (8.3 mi). Turn left onto Hwy 1061/Lake Rd (0.5 mi). Destination will be on the right.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Big Oak Picnic Shelter
Heading to Big Oak Picnic Shelter? 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 Big Oak Picnic Shelter?
No central reservation system listed for Big Oak Picnic Shelter. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10228743) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Big Oak Picnic Shelter?
From Columbia: Head south toward Burkesville St (266 ft). Exit the traffic circle onto Campbellsville St (1.6 mi). Continue onto KY-55 N for about 10 miles. Turn right onto Hwy 1061/Lake Rd (0.5 mi). Destination will be on the right. From Campbellsville, KY: Head southwest on E Broadway St toward Lebanon Ave (0.6 mi). E Broadway St turns slightly right and becomes US-68 W/Greensburg Rd (0.5 mi). T…
How do I contact Big Oak Picnic Shelter?
You can reach the park at phone: 270-465-4463 or email: LRL-Pagemaster-GRG@usace.army.mil.
References & Official Resources
