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Kentucky
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Kentucky State Parks

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Highlands Region
Yatesville Lake State Park
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YATESVILLE LAKE STATE PARK
YATESVILLE LAKE STATE PARK
2667 Pleasant Ridge Road
Louisa, Kentucky   41230

Phone: 606-673-1492
Yatesville Lake provides plenty of room to skim the waves or catch some rays in your favorite cruisecraftbe it a houseboat, pontoon, speed boat or jet ski. The Yatesville Marina offers everything boaters and fishers need for lake fun. Relax in the scenic lakeside setting of Yatesville Lake's campground.
History of the Area
The creation of Yatesville Lake gave eastern Kentucky one of its most popular lakes and state parks. With the impoundment of Blaine Creek, the extreme eastern part of the commonwealth gained its largest lake. Yatesville Lake covers 2,300 acres, has three islands, and averages 40 feet in depth. Known for its cleanliness, the lake is a fishermans delight. Bass, bluegill, and crappie abound in these waters. The State Outdoor Boating Association named Yatesville Marina the most outstanding project of 1999.

The lake is located in Lawrence County, formed on December 14, 1821, out of portions of Floyd and Greenup Counties. Named in honor of Captain James Lawrence, the commander of the U.S.S. Chesapeake during the War of 1812, the county is located in the Eastern Coalfield region of Kentucky.

The county covers 420 square miles and borders West Virginia. Charles Vancouver settled in the area in 1789, but Indian hostilities forced him to leave. In 1815 Frederick Moore established a second settlement. In 1822 this community became the town of Louisa. By the 1840s, Lawrence County had a thriving timber industry and in the 1850s, coal became a vital part of the countys economy.
Camping
Relax in the scenic lakeside setting of the park's 47 site campground. Opened in 1999, the Pleasant Ridge Campgrounds has 27 full hook up campsites and 20 primitive campsites-16 boat in sites and 4 hike in sites. The campground also has a playground facility, nature trails, laundry room, restrooms showers, and a dump station. The boat in sites are maintained by a service road and three restroom facilities are spaced alongside. The sites are only accessible via boat, but the seclusion and lakeside access are worth it The hike-in sites are in the regular campground but set back into the woods with no electricity. The setting pays off in communion with nature. The campground also has the park systems first double RV campsites in which two recreational vehicles may park side by side. The Yatesville Campgrounds was named among the best campgrounds in all of Kentucky and Tennessee by the Menasha Ridge Press. Closed Nov 20 - Mar 31.
Swimming
A public beach area equipped with playgrounds, restrooms showers, and a snack bar is located near the marina.
Boating
The park hosts two launch ramps one at the marina, one at the campgrounds for better access to the lake. Yatesville Lake is well known for its cleanliness and you can rent pontoon boats from the marina to enjoy it to its full extent. The average depth of the lake is 40 feet.Kentucky fishing license required.
Fishing
An ADA-compliant fishing getty and scenic fishing lagoon may be found at our marina area. The Yatesville Lake is highly regarded for its bluegill, crappie, and bass fishing.

A Kentucky Fishing License is required.


Location
Yatesville Lake State Park is located near Grayson, Huntington and Louisa
Nearby Parks

Picnicking
The picnic pavilion at Yatesville Lake includes two picnic shelters, a playground area, volleyball, grill, water, and a lakeside setting. The large shelter can hold up to 10 picnic tables while the smaller shelter is often used as an entertainment stage. Reservations are accepted up to one year in advance.
Bicycling
Biking enthusiasts can explore the multi-use trails, suitable for all skill levels. Be aware of hikers and horseback riders sharing these paths.

The park's terrain varies greatly - flat lands to steep inclines are present. Exercise caution while biking on uneven surfaces or during inclement weather conditions.

Mountain bikers should note that some areas may be challenging due to rocky sections and sharp turns; helmets are strongly recommended in such instances.

For a leisurely ride, opt for paved roads within campgrounds but stay vigilant as they're shared with motor vehicles too.

Remember: always respect nature by staying on marked trails only - it helps prevent erosion and protects local wildlife habitats.

Lastly, ensure your bike is well-maintained before embarking any trail rides here - safety first!
Trails
There is plenty of opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors on several trails for all levels. The 2-mile Pleasant Ridge Trail is near the campground, and the 2.5-mile Mary Ingles Trail system is near the marina with a variety of choices from rugged wooded hiking to exercise paths, and even an ADA self-interpretive nature trail.
Birding
Birdwatchers can enjoy spotting various species like warblers, vireos and thrushes. The park is part of the Kentucky Birding Trail. It offers bird identification workshops for enthusiasts.

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Area Cabins and Lodges
Creekside Cabins
5461 N Highway 3
Louisa, KY
(606) 686-1335
Creekside Cabins & RV Park
5462 N Highway 3
Louisa, KY
(606) 686-2915
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