Named for the tiny Pennyroyal plant found in the woodlands surrounding this resort, Pennyrile Forest is the perfect back-to-nature hideaway. Relax in the rustic wood and stone lodge or in one of the charming cottages near the lodge or beside the lake. In either case, the only sounds to wake you may be the gentle splash of a beaver or the melodic song of the wood thrush.

The resort offers a newly expanded 18-hole par-72 golf course, set in a oak-pine forest. Other recreational pursuits include tennis, hiking, canoeing, fishing and swimming at the pool or beach. Enjoy mountain biking on trails in the adjoining Pennyrile State Forest.

The rustic wood and stone Pennyrile Lodge, with 24 rooms, sits serenely on a high cliff overlooking Pennyrile Lake. Open year-round. A limited number of lodge rooms will be available for pets.

Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park located near Dawson Springs has some of the most beautiful forested land in the commonwealth. The 15,331-acre Pennyrile Forest is a showcase for Kentuckys magnificent hardwood trees. On July 9, 1954 Pennyrile State Resort Park originally called Pennyrile Forest State Park, became a part of the Kentucky State Parks System. The area had been under the supervision of the United States Department of Agriculture and other governmental agencies since the 1920s. The government wanted to restore the forests and the exhausted lands in the area. In the 1930s the National Parks Service and the Works Progress Administration WPA developed a 300-acre tract for recreational purposes. The WPA continued its work in the area until 1937 when the Kentucky Division of State Parks took responsibility for the land on an annual agreement basis. The state constructed a rustic lodge for visitors and made a number of improvements to the site. This continued until 1954 when the Kentucky Parks System took final oversight of the Pennyrile site.

The area that contains Pennyrile State Resort Park had two state parks in the 1930s and 1940s, Pennyrile State Park and Dawson Springs State Park. The Dawson Springs facility had 457 acres located near the Outwood Veterans Hospital. The University of Kentucky obtained a deed to this property in the 1950s and made it a 4-H Club Camp. Between 1948 and 1955, work continued on the Pennyrile property to establish a state resort park.

Pennyrile now has 863 acres with a 56-acre lake. The state had a new lodge constructed and with the completion of Lake Beshear in 1962, gave the area a 712-acre lake located in both Caldwell and Christian Counties.

Pennyrile Forest State Resort has the perfect meeting facility for your group. This contemporary room is adjacent to the lodge and can accommodate 100 people for meetings and banquets. For information on booking an event, phone Sharon at 800-325-1711.

The park has 12 cottages located in the wooded lodge area and on the shores of Pennyrile Lake. The one and two-bedroom cottages have unique features, offering wooded or lake views, and such amenities as private boat and fishing docks, fireplaces, or screened-in porches. Tableware, cooking utensils, and linens are provided, with fresh linens available daily.

Open year-round. Cottages available by late afternoon. Check-out by 11:00 AM, Central time.

Enjoy the beauty of the Pennyrile Forest in the 68-site campground. The campground features utility hook ups, a dump station, and one central service building with showers, rest rooms, and a laundry.

Open March 1-October 31. Camping rates are $15 per night for 2 adults. Each additional person over 16 years of age $3 per night. No advance reservations.Check-out by 2:00 PM, Central time. Call 1-800-325-1711 for rates. Pets are allowed if restrained.

The rustic wood and stone Pennyrile Lodge, with 24 rooms, sits serenely on a high cliff overlooking Pennyrile Lake. Open year-round. Rooms available by late afternoon. Lodge room check-out by 1100am, local time. A limited number of lodge rooms will be available for pets.