Taylorsville Lake State Park
4.4(926)google
3.9(13)yelp
LakeCampingBoatingFishing
Overview
Taylorsville Lake State Park is a public recreation area encompassing more than 1,650 acres (670 ha) in Spencer County, Kentucky, roughly midway between Louisville and Lexington. Taylorsville Lake, its major feature, extends into parts of Anderson County and Nelson County.
Practical Info
Every dayOpen 24 hours
Suggested Duration3-6 hours
Best TimeLate spring for legendary freshwater bass fishing or mid-October for peak equestrian trail changing leaves. Plan your stroll near the massive Taylorsville Lake Marina boardwalk between 4:00 PM and sunset; the setting sun blankets the expansive reservoir completely unhindered, casting gorgeous elongated shadows past floating slips and sleek fishing speedboats.
Getting ThereTucked inside central Kentucky's rolling agricultural valleys at 1320 Park Rd, Taylorsville. Personal vehicle travel via road trip is mandatory. From downtown Louisville, speed east on I-64 E to Exit 19 for I-265 S, take Exit 23 for State Road 155 South (Taylorsville Road), and travel east for 20 miles straight to the state park gatehouse; features large paved lots.
Travel Tips
- Possum Ridge campground has weak AT&T/FirstNet signals (1-3 bars) while Verizon is a total blindspot; prepare alternative communication.
- The Saddle Horn equestrian trail consists of steep loose gravel; early morning dew creates slipping hazards, making hiking footwear mandatory.
- Strict firewood quarantines apply to stop the emerald ash borer; burn only certified local wood purchased directly at the park office.
Reviews
Positive
- This is a paradise for horse lovers, boasting a 24-mile equestrian/hiking trail network winding through rolling hills and dense forests with excellent ecology.
- Positioned between Louisville and Lexington, the location is exceptionally superior, making it an ideal weekend self-drive escape for city dwellers.
- The campground features specialized horse stabling and dedicated equestrian campsites with hitching posts, a thoughtful and rare management feature among US state parks.
- Taylorsville Lake is a famous fishing hotspot in the state, rich in bluegill and bass; fishing from the shore or marina often yields a great catch.
Heads up
- Because the trails are shared by horses, bikes, and hikers, many sections are left rutted by hooves, and manure scattered everywhere creates an unpleasant odor.
- In recent years, the campground has frequently closed or limited reservations due to upgrades and power grid renovations, disrupting plans for many returning guests.
- Despite the large lake size, there are almost no public sandy beaches or open swimming areas under park jurisdiction, meaning you can only look at the water without swimming.
- The park's directional signage is ambiguous in some places, and a few trail intersections lack clear distance markings, making it easy for first-timers to lose their way.