HARDIN, Ky. (Feb. 26, 2025) – Building on the New Kentucky Home initiative, Kenlake State Resort Park’s campground is undergoing $9.3 million in renovations to upgrade camping experiences. Gov. Andy Beshear signed legislation that allocated $40 million for campground improvements, which was approved by the General Assembly during the 2023 legislative session.
“Kenlake State Resort Park is full of rich historical heritage and has
provided Kentuckians and visitors unforgettable experiences for ages,” said Gov. Beshear. “This is the largest campground renovation in our state parks, and I look forward to the new memories families will create there visiting our New Kentucky Home.”The renovation project includes 63 full-service campsites, six camper cabins with lake views, a new 2,000-square-foot bathhouse, pull-through sites, sewer connections, new electrical and water lines, more handicap-accessible sites and two additional restroom facilities near the lake. This project demonstrates Team Kentucky’s strong commitment to improving facilities across Kentucky State Parks campgrounds, providing visitors with modern amenities to fit today’s needs. The campground will be closed for the 2025 season, and work is estimated to be completed by spring 2026.
“We are excited for Kenlake State Resort Park’s campground to undergo these important upgrades,” said Kentucky State Parks Commissioner Russ Meyer. “We take great pride in our Kentucky State Parks and look forward to positioning them for top-notch guest experiences. We appreciate Gov. Beshear and the General Assembly for providing the much-needed funding to make this renovation possible and thank our guests for making future plans to visit us.”
Located at 542 Kenlake Road in Hardin, Kentucky, Kenlake State Resort Park is a vacation and business retreat in the heart of one of the nation's finest outdoor recreation areas. The resort is only minutes away from Land Between the Lakes, a 170,000-acre National Recreation Area. Kenlake is located on the mid-western shore of Kentucky Lake and is a perfect spot to enjoy the great outdoors. Additionally, the park offers a variety of activities and amenities, including lodging, a restaurant, hiking, fishing, a marina, a swimming pool, a playground, seasonal events and more.
Kentucky is home to breathtaking views of mountain ranges, waterfalls, wildlife, scenic hiking trails, caves to explore, fishing, boating, kayaking, nationally recognized golf courses, camping, lodges, historic sites, museums and more, offering opportunities for exploration, entertainment and education to Kentuckians and visitors from across the world. Along with their natural, historic and economic significance, Gov. Beshear has used Kentucky State Parks and their dedicated teams to respond to tornadoes, flooding and other natural disasters by opening their doors to Kentuckians during difficult times.
During the 2024 legislative session, Gov. Beshear signed House Joint Resolution 56, releasing $71 million for capital construction projects, including building systems upgrades, accommodation improvements and recreational amenity enhancements. Gov. Beshear also signed House Bill 6, allocating over $66 million for state park upgrades for various parks.
Gov. Beshear announced that $720,000 in new grant funding is available for Kentucky Trail Towns to repair, enhance and promote recreational projects.
To capitalize on Kentucky’s historic economic momentum and record-breaking tourism success, Gov. Beshear recently announced New Kentucky Home, a strategic initiative to further drive economic investment, attract and retain talent and increase tourism across the commonwealth.
In 2024, the Governor announced that 2023 was the best year on record for tourism, with $13.8 billion in economic impact and 95,222 jobs. This followed a record-breaking 2022 when he announced that tourism had generated more than $12.9 billion in economic impact and secured 91,668 jobs in Kentucky that year.
Kentucky’s impressive economic success over the last five years is a direct reflection of the Beshear administration’s continued investments in the tourism industry.
In December 2024, Gov. Beshear announced that the commonwealth achieved another historic milestone, marking a new record with 10 new tourism development projects set to generate an estimated $256 million in economic investment. These projects also are expected to create 1,696 jobs once operational.
In 2022, Gov. Beshear announced $75 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding to boost the state’s tourism industry and economy. Previously, the Governor dedicated $5.3 million in federal funding to 103 tourism and destination marketing organizations in 88 Kentucky counties.
Since the beginning of the Beshear administration, 33 tourism development projects totaling an estimated investment of $1 billion have received final approval. Once operational, these projects will create roughly 4,825 jobs. This is the highest investment figure secured during the tenure of any governor in the commonwealth’s history.
For the latest updates and information on events, visit parks.ky.gov. Kentucky is home to 44 state parks, including 17 resort parks and 13 golf courses. For more information about Kentucky State Parks, visit parks.ky.gov.
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