Rough River Lake

07/31/2026

No Wake Zones are there for a reason. Reducing your speed helps protect swimmers, paddlers, and wildlife, keeps docks and boats safe from damage, and protects shorelines from erosion.

Remember, when you enter a No Wake Zone:
✅ Slow to idle speed
✅ Minimize your wake
✅ Stay alert for others on the water
✅ Take precautions to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning
✅ Make sure every passenger stays on the vessel and keeps their life jacket on

07/29/2026

Keep these rules in mind to help ensure that you and your loved ones have the best time at your favorite lake or river.

07/27/2026

Closure Update: Due to changing lake conditions, we have updated the list of campground and recreation area closures at Rough River Lake.

The following portions of Axtel and Laurel Branch recreation areas will remain temporarily closed for visitor safety:

🚫Axtel Campground closures through Wednesday, July 29:
• Part of F Loop, #'s 114–121: Sites will reopen Thursday, July 30.

🚫Axtel Campground closures continuing through Wednesday, Aug. 5:
• B, C, D, and E Loops, #’s 27-105: Closed due to water inundation and power has been turned off, affecting multiple sites.

🏖️Axtel Beach
• Closed until further notice

🚫Laurel Branch Campground
• C and D Loops, #'s 45–51, 54, 55: Closed due to water inundation.

🏖️Laurel Branch Beach
• Closed until further notice

We understand many of our visitors were looking forward to spending part of their summer at Rough River Lake, and we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience. While we know this is disappointing, these closures are necessary to help ensure everyone's safety.

The safety of our visitors is our top priority. Please respect all closures and barricades, and do not enter flooded areas.

If you had a reservation at one of the affected campsites, you should have received an automatic cancellation email and refund. If part of your reservation falls within the closure dates and you need assistance modifying your reservation, please call our office at 270-257-2061 so we can assist you.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we monitor conditions and work to safely reopen these areas as water levels recede. We will continue to provide updates as conditions change.

Send a message to learn more

07/27/2026

That inflatable raft can be a lot of fun—until an unexpected fall turns into a fight for your life.

A fall from a raft, kayak, or boat can leave even experienced swimmers struggling in open water. Lakes, rivers, and ponds have currents, cold temperatures, uneven bottoms, and changing conditions that you won't find in a swimming pool.

Protect yourself and those you love—wear a life jacket whenever you're in, on, or near the water. Please Wear It

07/25/2026

Dealing with wave action and currents caused by boats or wind can make swimming exhausting in open waters, regardless of how well you can swim. A belt-style inflatable life jacket is designed for swimmers. They won’t restrict your swimming ability and will be there if you need it so Please Wear It .

YouTube link:

This video shows a friend challenging another friend to swim out to...

07/24/2026

Safety shouldn’t be an afterthought! Before heading out on the water make sure that safety always comes first. Please Wear It

07/23/2026

07/20/2026

Closure Update: Due to changing lake conditions, we have updated the list of campground and recreation area closures at Rough River Lake.

Recreation Area Closure Notice (New and extended sites): Due to recent heavy rainfall and rising lake levels, the following portions of Axtel and Laurel Branch recreation areas will remain temporarily closed for visitor safety.

🚫 Axtel Campground Closures through Wednesday, July 29:
• Part of F Loop, #'s 114–121: Closed due to water inundation and power has been turned off, affecting multiple sites.

🚫 Axtel Campground Closures extended through Wednesday, Aug. 5:
• B, C, D, and E Loops, #’s 27-105: Closed due to water inundation and power has been turned off, affecting multiple sites.

🏖️ Axtel Beach
• Closed until further notice

🚫 Laurel Branch Campground
• C and D Loops, #'s 31, 33, 34/35, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44–55: Closed due to water inundation and power turned off, affecting multiple sites.

🏖️ Laurel Branch Beach
• Closed until further notice

We understand many of our visitors were looking forward to spending part of their summer at Rough River Lake, and we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience. While we know this is disappointing, these closures are necessary to help ensure everyone's safety.

The safety of our visitors is our top priority. Please respect all closures and barricades, and do not enter flooded areas.

If you had a reservation at one of the affected campsites, you should have received an automatic cancellation email and refund. If part of your reservation falls within the closure dates and you need assistance modifying your reservation, please call our office at 270-257-2061 so we can assist you.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we monitor conditions and work to safely reopen these areas as water levels recede. We will continue to provide updates as conditions change.

Send a message to learn more

07/20/2026

Before towing a skier, wakeboarder, tuber, or other rider, make sure the person being towed and everyone involved understands the standard hand signals used to communicate on the water.

The spotter’s role is especially important. Because the boat operator must focus on safely operating the vessel, the spotter is responsible for watching the rider and relaying hand signals and messages to the operator. Clear communication helps ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

07/19/2026

Did you know drowning is a silent killer? Most people expect a drowning victim to wave, yell, or call for help, but drowning is often quiet and difficult to recognize. It’s estimated that around 60% of drowning incidents are witnessed. Bystanders don’t realize someone is in distress because they do not know the warning signs.

Common signs of a drowning person include:
• Head tilted back, bobbing up and down
• Mouth open, gasping for air
• Not yelling, can’t call for help
• Arms extended to the sides, pressing down on the water to keep the head above the surface