Lake Barkley

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Lake Barkley This is the official Lake Barkley page managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District. Have fun. Be safe. Wear your life jacket!
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The lake provides a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities for millions of visitors each year. The lake covers 57,900 acres at summer pool, elevation 359 mean sea level, and is surrounded by 1,004 miles of shoreline. Natural conditions at Lake Barkley make it possible for the public to participate in activities such as hiking, fishing, hunting, camping, picnicking, and boating. In addition, there is a Civil War Monument, historic relics, commercial marinas, public parks and wildlife refuges. The many species of wildlife here, including golden and bald eagles, make bird watching and nature photography exciting pastimes. Lake Barkley is a shallow water lake impounding 118.1 miles of the Cumberland River from River Mile 30.6 above its confluence with the Ohio River to Cheatham Dam (River Mile 148.7). It is the lowermost mainstream project for the Cumberland River System. Barkley Dam was authorized in the River and Harbor Act of 1954. Lake Barkley is located in an area that varies from gentle to moderately rolling hills, typical of scenic southwestern Kentucky and north central Tennessee. It is a beautiful area interspersed with open fields, old growth timber and picturesque bluffs. The lake, in its upper reaches, passes through the site of the famous Civil War battlefield now preserved as the Fort Donelson National Battlefield located in Dover, Tennessee.

The 2026-2027 Lake Barkley Duck Blind Map
10/22/2026

The 2026-2027 Lake Barkley Duck Blind Map

10/21/2026

🌊 Lake Barkley Water Update 🌊
Good morning, Lake Barkley! Here’s your water conditions update as of 6 a.m.:
• Lake Elevation: 354.80’ above MSL
• Tailwater Elevation: 303.00’ above MSL
• Average Discharge: 6,400 cubic feet per second
• Average Water Temperature: about 78°
Whether you're planning a day on the water or just checking in, we’ll keep you posted daily with the latest conditions. Stay safe and enjoy the beauty of Lake Barkley! 🏕️ 🌅

10/21/2026
10/19/2026

⚠️ Rivers End Boat Ramp on Lake Barkley is currently closed due to maintenance.

For questions or concerns, please contact the Lake Barkley Resource Manager’s Office at 270-362-4236.

10/16/2026

🌊 Lake Barkley Water Update 🌊
Good morning, Lake Barkley! Here’s your water conditions update as of 6 a.m.:
• Lake Elevation: 354.45 above MSL
• Tailwater Elevation: 304.75 above MSL
• Average Discharge: 9,300 cubic feet per second
• Average Water Temperature: about 78°
Whether you're planning a day on the water or just checking in, we’ll keep you posted daily with the latest conditions. Stay safe and enjoy the beauty of Lake Barkley! 🏕️ 🌅

10/15/2026

🌊 Lake Barkley Water Update 🌊
Good morning, Lake Barkley! Here’s your water conditions update as of 6 a.m.:
• Lake Elevation: 354.75 above MSL
• Tailwater Elevation: 305.65 above MSL
• Average Discharge: 19,000 cubic feet per second
• Average Water Temperature: about 78°
Whether you're planning a day on the water or just checking in, we’ll keep you posted daily with the latest conditions. Stay safe and enjoy the beauty of Lake Barkley! 🏕️ 🌅

Sydney Curnes and the Tennessee Silver Jackets team earn national recognition from the National Flood Risk Management Pr...
10/14/2026

Sydney Curnes and the Tennessee Silver Jackets team earn national recognition from the National Flood Risk Management Program as Coordinator of the Year and Team of the Year. Discover how their interagency collaboration strengthens flood monitoring and community resilience across Tennessee after Hurricane Helene. Full article: https://www.army.mil/article/296098

This past weekend, Ranger Skinner and Ranger Garland had a great time at the infamous Ham Festival! 🐷A big THANK YOU to ...
10/14/2026

This past weekend, Ranger Skinner and Ranger Garland had a great time at the infamous Ham Festival! 🐷

A big THANK YOU to everyone who stopped by our booth to say hello and pick up some free water safety goodies! 🛟 We loved connecting with the community and sharing important information about water safety and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Thanks for making it such a fun and memorable weekend! We can’t wait to see you all again next year!

10/14/2026

History charting through our locks and rivers ⚓️!

The legendary USS LST-325, the last fully operational Landing Ship, Tank from WWII, recently completed an incredible journey down the Cumberland River.

The LST-325 relied on the navigable waterways and lock systems maintained by the USACE Nashville District to travel safely from state to state. From adjusting ballast tanks for shallow river depths to maneuvering into our lock chambers, our lock masters and the ship’s crew worked together to keep this incredible piece of history moving. While the 2026 fall tour has wrapped up, you can still step aboard this living museum by visiting its permanent home port in Evansville, Indiana.

Check out our video and read our article below to learn more about the history of the LST-325, and it's journey through our locks!

https://www.army.mil/article/296089

10/14/2026

🌊 Lake Barkley Water Update 🌊
Good morning, Lake Barkley! Here’s your water conditions update as of 6 a.m.:
• Lake Elevation: 354.90 above MSL
• Tailwater Elevation: 303.80 above MSL
• Average Discharge: 9,100 cubic feet per second
• Average Water Temperature: about 75°
Whether you're planning a day on the water or just checking in, we’ll keep you posted daily with the latest conditions. Stay safe and enjoy the beauty of Lake Barkley! 🏕️ 🌅

Address

200 Barkley Dam Overlook
Grand Rivers, KY
42045

Opening Hours

Monday 7am - 4pm
Tuesday 7am - 4pm
Wednesday 7am - 4pm
Thursday 7am - 4pm
Friday 7am - 4pm

Telephone

+12703624236

Website

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