Waitsboro Recreation Area

Waitsboro Recreation Area offers convenient access to Lake Cumberland, the largest man-made lake east of the Mississippi River. Located on Somerset's southern edge (5 miles south of town on Highway 27, then right on Waitsboro Road), this U.S. Army Corps of Engineers facility features a public boat ramp suitable for launching kayaks, canoes, and motorboats onto the 100-mile-long reservoir. The calm, deep waters of Lake Cumberland provide excellent paddling conditions for various skill levels.

The recreation area is part of Waitsboro Campground, which offers full facilities including water and electric hookups, hot showers, laundry, and picnic areas—making it ideal for multi-day paddling trips. Additional amenities include a fish cleaning station, playground, and hiking trail. With over 1,200 miles of shoreline to explore, paddlers will find plenty of coves and inlets to investigate. For overnight stays, camping is available through Recreation.gov reservations. The area is also near Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument for land-based exploring. Contact the facility at 606-561-5513 for specific information about ramp conditions, hours, and any applicable fees.

Overview
Waitsboro Campground is at 500 Waitsboro Road and is situated on beautiful Lake Cumberland in southern Kentucky.Click here for the Lake Cumberland virtual tour.
Recreation
Lake Cumberland is the largest man-made lake east of the Mississippi River. Its large surface acreage and over 1,200 miles of shoreline provide a myriad of recreational activities.

The lake has an abundance of...

Overview
Waitsboro Campground is at 500 Waitsboro Road and is situated on beautiful Lake Cumberland in southern Kentucky.Click here for the Lake Cumberland virtual tour.
Recreation
Lake Cumberland is the largest man-made lake east of the Mississippi River. Its large surface acreage and over 1,200 miles of shoreline provide a myriad of recreational activities.

The lake has an abundance of largemouth, smallmouth, white and Kentucky bass, bluegill, crappie, rockfish and walleye, making it a favorite among anglers.

The Black Walnut Nature Trail, located near the lake office, is a self-guided educational trail. The trail is open Monday through Friday 8:00am to 4pm EST.Facilities
The campground offers 17 RV sites, all with electric hookups, and five tent-only sites. Eight of Waitsboro's sites are on the waterfront, making them prime locations for weekend recreation.

Amenities include flush toilets, showers, drinking water, laundry facilities and a dump station. A day-use area with a group picnic shelter and a parking area is also available.Natural Features
The campground overlooks the main body of the lake, offering sweeping scenic views. Dense stands of mature hardwoods forest the site, offering scenic views, pleasant shade and wildlife habitat.

Because of the temperate climate and relatively long recreation season, the lake provides varied outdoor recreational opportunities for millions of visitors each year.
Nearby Attractions
General Burnside Island State Park is nearby. It was named after Civil War General Ambrose Burnside, who led patrols along the Cumberland River, circling this 400-acre island to keep watch for Confederate soldiers. Visitors come today to enjoy boating, fishing, golfing and picnicking on Kentucky's only island state park.
Burnside Marina is 10 minutes away, with boat rentals, a restaurant and general store.

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