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Access Site KY

Laurel Branch Ramp

Rough River Lake North Fork Rough River Rough River

Source: kentucky_department_of_fish_and_wildlife_resources Updated 1 year ago

City: McDaniels, KY
County: Breckinridge County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 37.60660300, -86.45905600
Air Temp: --
Location
Nearby Gauge Conditions
About This Access Site
Laurel Branch provides convenient access to Rough River Lake, a 5,100-acre reservoir in south-central Kentucky near McDaniels. Located approximately 6 miles east of the dam off KY 110, this U.S. Army Corps of Engineers facility offers a full-service launch area with amenities including a boat ramp, fish cleaning station, and nearby campground. The large, developed lake attracts over two million annual visitors and supports a wide variety of paddling and boating activities.

The Laurel Branch Campground adjacent to the ramp features 62 campsites (many waterfront), flush toilets, showers, drinking water, a nature trail, and public beach access—making it an excellent base for multi-day trips. For boaters planning a visit, contact the facility at 270-257-8839 for current conditions and availability. Note that the campground offers reservable sites, so advance planning is recommended during peak seasons. Nearby alternative ramps include Cave Creek (5 miles south of the dam) and Bangor (off KY 1274) if you're exploring different sections of the lake.
Federal Facility Information
270-257-8839 Free Access Reservations Available

Overview
Laurel Branch Campground is located on the shore of Rough River Lake in south central Kentucky.

The 5,100-acre lake is a hometown paradise for visitors who love the outdoors, and more than two million visitors camp, picnic, fish, swim, boat and relax on the lake shore each year.Recreation
A wide variety of recreational activities and facilities are provided at the lake, including ample...

Overview
Laurel Branch Campground is located on the shore of Rough River Lake in south central Kentucky.

The 5,100-acre lake is a hometown paradise for visitors who love the outdoors, and more than two million visitors camp, picnic, fish, swim, boat and relax on the lake shore each year.Recreation
A wide variety of recreational activities and facilities are provided at the lake, including ample opportunities for boating and fishing.

The most sought after fish are bass, crappie and catfish, and bass tournaments occur at the lake throughout the year.

Additionally, pontoon, johnboat and jet ski rentals are available at the nearby marinas.Facilities
Laurel Branch Campground offers 62 campsites, several of which have electric hookups. Most of the campsites are waterfront, while others are just a short walk away from the lake. Additional amenities include flush toilets, showers, playground, boat ramp, drinking water, nature trail, public beach, and fish cleaning station.Wi-fi is available from an outside source.
Natural Features
The rolling, forested hills of rural south central Kentucky offer an extraordinary setting for those who visit the lake. Rough River Lake provides views of ancient sandstone, shale and limestone cliffs.

An abundance of water in the area, both surface and underground, has carved through limestone to create a myriad of sinks and caverns.

The lake itself is home to numerous species of wildlife, including migratory songbirds and waterfowl.
Nearby Attractions
The historic Green Farm is adjacent to the lake. It consists of about 3,000 acres, a large ancestral home, an old water-powered mill and store and a golf course. George Washington once owned part of the land.

Mammoth Cave National Park, which boasts the longest cave system in the world with more than 240 miles of mapped passageways, is about a one-hour drive away.

Other nearby attractions also include the historic Holt House in Hardinsburg, the Jack Thomas House in Leitchfield, and the new Aquatic Center in Leitchfield.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (270) 257-8839.Charges & Cancellations
Once a reservation has been created, there will be a $10 fee to cancel your reservation, change sites, or change dates. Cancellations made the day before you are scheduled to arrive through the day after your arrival date will also be charged the first night's use fee. No-show's are charged a $20 fee plus the first night's use fee. If your reservation is for only 1 night, and you have been charged the first night's use fee, there is no $10 or $20 service fee charged.

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Nearby Recreation Areas
Rough River Lake Located within
Amenities
parking
restrooms