General Burnside Island State Park
4.5(780)google
4.7(3)yelp
IslandGolfOutdoor
Overview
General Burnside Island State Park is a park located just south of Somerset, Kentucky in Pulaski County. The park encompasses 430 acres (170 ha) in the middle of Lake Cumberland, making it Kentucky's only island park. The park is named for General Ambrose E. Burnside, a Union general during the Civil War who stationed his troops at the location that the park now occupies.
Practical Info
Every dayOpen 24 hours
Suggested Duration3-5 hours
Best TimeMay through September offers immaculate island landscape symmetry and premium outdoor recreation conditions. As Kentucky's only state park located entirely on an isolated island in the middle of a river lake, playing their 18-hole championship golf course between 8:30 AM and 11:30 AM is unparalleled; heavy morning mist drifts off Lake Cumberland, backlighting the fairways beautifully.
Getting TherePerched beautifully on an island sanctuary at 8877 S Highway 27, Burnside, just south of Somerset. Driving via personal vehicle is seamless; speed south out of the city center along US Highway 27 South for 10 miles, which takes you directly onto the massive Lake Cumberland bridge, featuring a dedicated mid-span off-ramp dipping straight onto the island lots.
Travel Tips
- The single access bridge has a strict 15-ton load limit; dual-axle RVs over 40 feet are banned and must reroute to secondary boat launches.
- The golf course and shoreline trail are high-strike lighting zones; evacuate to hard-roofed structures immediately during 14:00-16:00 storms.
Photo Tips
Best LightArrive at the Point Isabel Overlook between 06:00 and 07:00 to capture windless mirror reflections and morning mist over Lake Cumberland.
Reviews
Positive
- Situated on an isolated island in the lake, the unique topography offers excellent privacy, and the pristine natural scenery makes you feel incredibly relaxed.
- The on-island 18-hole golf course is widely praised as one of Kentucky's best public courses, featuring perfectly manicured turf and challenging fairways by the water.
- The campsites are planned generously with great shade, each equipped with a clean picnic table and fire ring, and the overall cleanliness is superb.
- Accessing the island is highly convenient via a short bridge, and the dedicated boat launch ramp inside is a huge plus for visitors bringing private boats.
Heads up
- Aside from golf and camping, there are few pure hiking trails with any depth; non-campers who don't play golf may find the available activities rather limited.
- Because there is only one main road bridge to the island, severe traffic congestion easily occurs at the bridge head when large waves of RVs and boat trailers exit/enter on weekends.
- Public restrooms and showers are limited in number and located too far from remote campsites, and the lack of lighting makes walking there at night inconvenient.
- There are no convenience stores or dining options inside the park, requiring a drive off the island to the nearest town if you fail to pack enough food and water.