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Lake Barkley State Resort Park – Lodge and Restaurant Review

Lake Barkley
Lake Barkley

My husband and I spent the first two days of our road trip back to California at The Land Between the Lakes. We stayed at the Barkley Lodge which is part of the Kentucky State Parks system.

I had read a few bad reviews about the lodge at Lake Barkley State Resort Park, so during the drive I told my husband to be prepared for a small, dirty motel room without a view. Since I booked the only pet-friendly room available I hadn’t noticed what type of room we had reserved. We were pleasantly surprised by a nice-sized room with a spectacular view of the lake and a balcony. The room did smell musty, but everything was clean. The beds were very comfortable and the pillows felt new. The sheets smelled fresh and were free of stains or hairs. The bathroom was very clean and I was surprised to find it didn’t appear too dated. I was also surprised to see a new flat screen TV. The carpet, curtains and walls did appear dated. The balcony could also use some TLC, but overall I was very impressed with the room at Lake Barkley Resort.

We were so excited to be right on the lake and to have a balcony where our dog, Toko,  could lounge. As soon as we unloaded the car we headed to the lake. Toko loved the walk around the lake. There is a nice sidewalk which runs the length of the lodge adjacent to the lake. Along the sidewalk are plaques that describe the wildlife found in the area. People were fishing from the shore and boaters were just yards away. The sun sets just to the left of the lodge which is perfect from viewing from the room’s balcony or the restaurant.

Toko enjoying Lake Barkley
Toko enjoying Lake Barkley

We had dinner at the restaurant, and I would recommend the restaurant for a convenient, casual meal or to enjoy the view. The prices are extremely reasonable and the portions are filling. I had the veggie wrap with a baked potato. The wrap was delicious; very cheesy and full of juicy vegetables. I couldn’t finish the wrap or the baked potato. My husband had fried catfish with the baked potato and salad bar. He said the catfish had a light flavor and the texture was flaky and buttery. I recommend the salad bar as it includes lots of beans and seeds as salad toppings. Our total was $19.06 without tip, which I think is a bargain. While the service isn’t stellar, the view is amazing. If you go somewhere else for dinner, stop here for a drink on the patio to watch the sunset.

Lake-Barkley-Restaurant-View
Sunset view from the patio at the Lake Barkley Resort Restaurant.
Lake Barkley Restaurant inside but with a beautiful view!
Lake Barkley Restaurant inside but with a beautiful view!

In addition to a restaurant the lodge has indoor and outdoor pools and hot-tubs, a game room, tennis courts and a fitness center.

Game Room at Lake Barkley
Game Room at Lake Barkley

I highly recommend the lodge at Lake Barkley State Resort Park. You can’t beat the price, and you get a fantastic view and great facilities.