Where to escape for a lake vacation not too far from l'ville? (Louisville: rentals)

[onthemovetx]

Hi,

We've lived in Louisville for about 7 months now and we're wanting to plan a summer vacation for our family but want to go somewhere rural to take our two young children. We'd like to rent a camp or house on a small, less commercial lakeside area on the water. It'd be great if there was a town near by that had a grocery store and maybe a decent restaurant if we want to return to civilization for one night, but we're more interested in getting into a relaxing setting, nothing fancy, but running water, electricity, safety, etc. is required. Any thoughts? We're both from the Northeast (Connecticut, but have spent time in Maine and Upstate New York) to give you some background on where we're coming from.

Thanks for any suggestions or sites that can help us out!

[mdawg]

Nolin Lake and Rough River Lake are nice and each have houses you can rent out for a week or a long weekend. Both are pretty rural. Rough River is less developed than Nolin. Leitchfield is probably going to be the closest "big" town and it has a few local restaurants as well as some chains. It is about 25-30 min. to Leitchfield depending on where you are around the lakes.

[MissingIndiana]

You could also think about Patoka Lake in Indiana (Patoka Lake Indiana - Camping, Resorts, Cabin & Boat Rentals). It's the 3rd largest lake in Indiana (second if you don't count Lake Michigan). They have cabins as well as camping spots. It's also very rural and a very pretty drive to get there from Louisville. You can find all the nearby restaurants and things on the website. The closest town is going to be French Lick which is 10-15 miles away depending on what part of the lake you're at and they have plenty to do there if you wanted to head up that way. I especially recommend stopping by to look at the hotels (Premier Indiana Resort, Spa, Casino, Golf, Fine Dining & More | French Lick & West Baden Resorts). The kids would also probably enjoy Marengo Caves which is between Louisville and Patoka (Marengo Cave U.S. National Landmark)

Deam Lake is also nearby, to the north of Louisville and just west of I-65 a little ways, but is much smaller and doesn't have as many things nearby. Taylorsville Lake is SE of Louisville in Kentucky, but I've never been there so can't speak too much about it.

[missymomof3]

depending on how far you want to go, Lake cumberland is about 3 hours away and has all you are looking for plus Cumberland falls is close by too. Russell County Tourist Commission

http://parks.ky.gov/findparks/resortparks/cf/

[rboling]

Take a look at [url]www.patokacabin.com[/url]

[kygman]

I'm like missymom. If you don't mind a little extra driving you should check out Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lakes and the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area in western Kentucky. Taking I-65 to WK Parkway, Lake Barkley is (according to google maps) 196 miles. Kentucky Lake is the largest man made lake by surface area east of the Mississippi River. Lake Cumberland is the largest by volume. There's no cabins allowed in the LBL but you shouldn't have any trouble finding cabins or any kind of lodging around either lake.
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MissingIndiana mentioned Patoka Lake. If you're going into Indiana, you'll have to take the kids to Holiday World in Santa Claus, In. It's just about 6 miles further than Patoka Lake, but in opposite direction from I-64. I think the whole family would enjoy it. Holiday World & Splashin' Safari in Santa Claus, Indiana | Holiday World
Wherever you go, hope you have a good trip!

[missymomof3]

we are going to get down to Barkley this year.. I haven't been since I was a kid and we used to go down there every year

[kygman]

Let me know when you're coming. I live about 5 miles from the lodge.

[missymomof3]

Originally Posted by kygman

Let me know when you're coming. I live about 5 miles from the lodge.

Ok gman.. I'm not sure when yet but I'll let ya know!