Rough River State Park: Open Boat Ramps Explored

Rough River Lake, a Y-shaped reservoir located in Breckinridge, Hardin, and Grayson counties in Kentucky, has five boat-launching ramps. The Axtel, Cave Creek, Laurel Branch, North Fork, and Everleigh boat ramps provide access to the lake for boaters. Each ramp, except for one, charges a small fee, and an annual pass is available at a discount for senior citizens. This article will explore the locations and features of these boat ramps, providing essential information for visitors planning to explore Rough River Lake by boat.

Bill's Marina: open April 1 to October 15, no service fees

If you're looking to get out on the water at Rough River Lake, Bill's Marina is a great option. Conveniently located at 346 Peter Cave Ramp Road, Leitchfield, KY 42754, this marina is just what you need to get boating.

Bill's Marina is open during the boating season, which usually falls between April 1 and October 15. It's important to plan your visit within this timeframe to ensure you can take advantage of the marina facilities. The marina is about 6 miles (9.7 km) north of Leitchfield, making it easily accessible for those in the area.

One of the standout features of Bill's Marina is that there are no service fees associated with launching your boat onto Rough River Lake. This makes it an economical choice for boating enthusiasts. You won't have to worry about additional costs beyond your usual boating expenses.

The marina is situated on the Y-shaped reservoir, which spans across Breckinridge, Hardin, and Grayson counties in Kentucky. The reservoir was formed by the construction of a dam between 1955 and 1961, and it offers a dynamic experience as its size varies with the seasons. During the summer, the lake expands to about 5,100 acres, while in the winter, it decreases to approximately 2,180 acres.

So, whether you're a seasoned boater or just starting out, keep Bill's Marina in mind when you're planning your next outing on Rough River Lake. Mark your calendars for the boating season, from April 1 to October 15, and take advantage of the convenient location and absence of service fees to create memorable experiences on the water.

Rough River Dam Marina: open seasonally, may stay open until October 31

The Rough River Dam Marina is open seasonally, usually closing at the end of October. The specific date of closure is dependent on lake levels, and so it may stay open until the 31st of October. The Rough River Dam Marina is located adjacent to the Rough River Lake State Resort Park, with an address of 450 Lodge Road, Falls of Rough, KY, 40119. This is in Breckinridge, Hardin, and Grayson counties in Kentucky, about 70 miles southwest of Louisville. The Rough River Lake itself was created by the building of a dam, which began in 1955 and was completed in 1961. The lake and its surrounding land and wildlife are managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

The Rough River Dam Marina is one of three main marinas on the Rough River Lake, the other two being Bill's Marina and Nick's Boat Dock. Bill's Marina is open during the boating season, which is from the first of April to the 15th of October. Nick's Boat Dock is open from the first of April to the 30th of November.

The Rough River Lake varies in size depending on the season. During the summer, the lake is about 5,100 acres, with 220 miles of shoreline, a length of 39 miles, and a depth of 65 feet at its deepest point. In the winter, the lake decreases to 2,180 acres at an elevation of 470 feet.

There are five boat-launching ramps located around the Rough River Lake, four of which have a $2 fee, with an annual pass for these launches costing $25, with discounts available for senior citizens. The Axtel boat ramp, located 4 miles east of the dam off KY 79, is one of these four. The remaining ramp with a fee is the Cave Creek boat ramp, located 5 miles south of the dam off KY 736. The Laurel Branch boat ramp is 6 miles east of the dam off KY 110 and is one of the free ramps. The North Fork boat ramp is 7 miles east of the ramp off KY 259, and the Everleigh boat ramp is in the lake headwaters, 2 miles south of Madrid off KY 259; these two ramps are also free of charge.

Nick's Boat Dock: open April 1 to November 30

Nicks Boat Dock: Open April 1 to November 30

Nicks Boat Dock & The Sometimes Grill is a family-owned and operated full-service marina on Rough River Lake in Kentucky. It is located at 722 Hwy 79 South McDaniels, Kentucky 40152, and can also be contacted via mail at PO BOX 236 ​McDaniels, Kentucky 40152, or by email at [email protected].

Nicks Boat Dock offers a range of services and rentals, including pontoons, slips, and watercraft. It also features a full-service pro shop and the Sometimes Grill, which serves the "best soft-serve ice cream on the water".

The boat dock is open seasonally from April 1 to November 30, with slip rentals available from May 1 through October 15. All boats must be out of the rented slips by October 15, and slip rent must be paid in full by May 1. Electrical service charges are checked monthly, and boaters must pay these charges at the end of the month at the store.

Nicks Boat Dock is conveniently located near Axtel Marina and the Rough River Lake House, a vacation rental property that can accommodate up to 15 guests. The lake house offers stunning views, comfortable accommodations, and easy access to water activities such as jet skiing and kayaking. It is also close to local attractions such as the Historic Grayson County Courthouse and Rough River Dam State Resort Park.

Axtel boat ramp: 4 miles east of the dam, off KY 79

The Axtel boat ramp is a convenient option for boaters looking to access Rough River Lake, a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts in south-central Kentucky. Here's what you need to know about the Axtel boat ramp and its location:

Location and Distance from the Dam:

The Axtel boat ramp is situated 4 miles east of the Rough River Lake dam. To access the ramp, you need to head off KY 79, providing a direct route to and from the dam. This location offers a great starting point for exploring the lake, which is known for its stunning natural scenery and abundant wildlife.

About Rough River Lake:

Rough River Lake is a Y-shaped reservoir located in Breckinridge, Hardin, and Grayson counties in Kentucky. The lake is approximately 70 miles southwest of Louisville and covers about 5,100 acres during the summer months, with a shoreline stretching over 220 miles. The lake's depth reaches up to 65 feet in its deepest portion during the summer. The size of the lake fluctuates with the seasons, decreasing to 2,180 acres during the winter.

Lake Activities and Attractions:

Rough River Lake offers a wide range of recreational activities. Boating and fishing are among the most popular pursuits, with bass, crappie, and catfish being the most sought-after fish species. Bass tournaments are held throughout the year, and boat rentals, including pontoons, johnboats, and jet skis, are available at nearby marinas. The lake also attracts over two million visitors annually for camping, picnicking, swimming, and relaxation.

The surrounding area boasts ancient sandstone, shale, and limestone cliffs, as well as nearby attractions such as the historic Green Farm, which includes a golf course, and Mammoth Cave National Park, home to the world's longest cave system. The lake itself is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, with migratory songbirds and waterfowl among its residents.

Camping Facilities:

The Axtel Campground, located on the shore of Rough River Lake, offers 158 campsites, many of which have electric hookups. The campground provides sweeping views of the lake and an array of amenities, including a swimming area, flush toilets, showers, drinking water, a playground, and a fish-cleaning station. Quiet hours are observed from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., ensuring a peaceful atmosphere for campers.

Boat Ramp Fee:

There is a nominal fee of $5 per day to use the Axtel boat ramp, providing access to the vast waters of Rough River Lake. It is important to note that reservations are not marked in advance, and setting up at a campsite without prior reservation is not permitted.

Everleigh boat ramp: 2 miles south of Madrid, off KY 259

The Everleigh boat ramp is located 2 miles south of Madrid, off KY 259. This boat ramp provides easy access to Rough River Lake for boaters in the area. It is a convenient option for those looking to get out on the water, whether for fishing, water sports, or simply enjoying the beauty of the lake.

The Everleigh boat ramp is just one of many access points to Rough River Lake, which is a popular destination for boating enthusiasts in Kentucky. The lake is known for its excellent fishing opportunities, as well as its scenic views and recreational offerings. With a variety of boat ramps and launches located around the lake, visitors have multiple options for getting their boats in the water.

When planning a trip to the Everleigh boat ramp, it is important to be aware of any regulations or restrictions that may be in place. These could include operational hours, permits or fees required, and any size or speed limitations for boats. Checking ahead can help ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience when launching your boat.

In addition to the Everleigh boat ramp, there are several other options for boaters looking to access Rough River Lake. These include both public and private ramps located at various points along the lake's shoreline. Some of these may be more conveniently located for certain boaters, or offer different amenities and services.

By offering multiple boat ramps, such as the Everleigh boat ramp, Rough River Lake ensures that boaters have convenient and efficient access to the water. This helps promote recreational activities on the lake and contributes to the overall enjoyment of visitors. With proper planning and adherence to any applicable regulations, boaters can take full advantage of the access provided by these ramps.

Frequently asked questions