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Access Site KY

Holly Bay Campers Only Ramp

Sam Branch - Laurel River Lake Laurel River

Source: kentucky_department_of_fish_and_wildlife_resources Updated 1 year ago

City: London, KY
County: Laurel County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 36.98330000, -84.26046000
Air Temp: --
Location
Nearby Gauge Conditions
About This Access Site
Holly Bay offers a developed boat ramp facility located on the scenic Laurel River Lake, about two miles north of Laurel River Dam in the Daniel Boone National Forest. The ramp is situated within Holly Bay Campground on the lake's west side, providing convenient access for kayakers, canoeists, and power boaters. **Important note: This ramp is for campers only**, so you'll need an overnight reservation to use it. The campground is easily accessible from London via I-75 Exit 38, then west on KY 192 for 14.2 miles and south on KY 1193 (about 3 miles to the entrance).

The location is ideal for a paddling trip combining water and land activities. Laurel River Lake provides a calm, scenic paddling environment within a forested setting, and the 4.2-mile Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail connects the campground to the dam—perfect for exploring after paddling. The nearby Holly Bay Marina and several other public boat ramps (Craigs Creek, Flatwoods, Grove, and others) offer alternatives if you're not staying overnight. For campground reservations and details, contact the facility at 606-528-6156 or book through Recreation.gov.
Federal Facility Information
606-528-6156 Free Access Reservations Available

Overview
Holly Bay, located two miles north of the Laurel River Dam, sits on the west side of Laurel River Lake. Visitors enjoy the campground for its proximity to the water and beautifully forested location. Plus, Holly Bay is ideal for activities like power boating, canoeing and fishing.

The forest was named after Daniel Boone, a famous frontiersman and explorer who settled in Kentucky in the...

Overview
Holly Bay, located two miles north of the Laurel River Dam, sits on the west side of Laurel River Lake. Visitors enjoy the campground for its proximity to the water and beautifully forested location. Plus, Holly Bay is ideal for activities like power boating, canoeing and fishing.

The forest was named after Daniel Boone, a famous frontiersman and explorer who settled in Kentucky in the late 18th century.Recreation
Boating and water activities are a big hit. A boat ramp is located a short distance from the campground.Hikers take pleasure in the 4.2-mile Sheltowee Trace Trail that leads from the campground to the dam.
Facilities
The campground offers single and double-family campsites, some of which have 20, 30 or 50-amp electric hookups. Some campsites overlook the lake.Flush toilets (one is accessible), two shower houses, drinking water and a dump station are provided. Firewood and ice are available for purchase.
Natural Features
Most campsites are surrounded by a mixture of hardwood trees that provide picture-perfect colors in autumn. Laurel River Lake spans 5,600 acres of deep, clear water and 192 miles of cliff-lined shore. Bountiful hills from the Appalachian foothills create a backdrop for the lake area.
Nearby Attractions
Head to the Cumberland Falls Trail that begins at Cumberland Falls and ends at the mouth of the Laurel River. This trail is a 30-45 minute drive from the campground.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (606) 878-8134.

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Nearby Recreation Areas
Laurel River Lake Located within
Nearby Boat Facilities
Bee Rock Boat Ramp On-site
Amenities
parking