State Parks Near Bowling Green, Kentucky
8 state park units lie within 50 miles of Bowling Green, including 2 parks across the line in Tennessee. The closest is Barren River Lake State Resort Park, about 22 mi east of town. 1 park is within 25 miles, close enough for an evening visit.
- Closest park
- Barren River Lake State Resort Park22 mi east
- Within 25 miles
- 1of 8 within 50 mi
- With camping
- 42 with cabins
- Dog-friendly
- 3pets allowed
State parks near Bowling Green, nearest first
Straight-line distance from central Bowling Green; driving distance is usually longer.
Barren River Lake State Resort Park
Visitors come for golf, boating, swimming, biking, and wildlife watching. Camping is available: 101 campsites, including tent sites. Roofed lodging includes cabins.
Hours, fees and rules for Barren River Lake State Resort Park →Nolin Lake State Park
Popular activities here are boating, swimming, biking, wildlife watching, and fishing.
Hours, fees and rules for Nolin Lake State Park →Lake Malone State Park
Things to do include boating, swimming, fishing, and hiking. Overnight options include 59 campsites across 2 camping areas, with tent sites.
Hours, fees and rules for Lake Malone State Park →Bledsoe Creek State Park
Visitors come for canoeing and kayaking, boating, fishing, and hiking. Water access includes a boat ramp. Overnight options include 3 camping areas, with RV sites, tent sites, and group camping.
Hours, fees and rules for Bledsoe Creek State Park →Rough River Dam State Resort Park
The park supports golf, boating, swimming, wildlife watching, and fishing. If you'd rather not camp, the park offers cabins.
Hours, fees and rules for Rough River Dam State Resort Park →Old Mulkey Meetinghouse State Historic Site
Popular activities here are historic sites, wildlife watching, hiking, and picnicking.
Hours, fees and rules for Old Mulkey Meetinghouse State Historic Site →Jefferson Davis State Historic Site
In Christian County, about 10 miles east of Hopkinsville, Jefferson Davis State Historic Site covers about 16 acres.
Hours, fees and rules for Jefferson Davis State Historic Site →Port Royal State Historic Park
Visitors come for canoeing and kayaking, fishing, and hiking.
Hours, fees and rules for Port Royal State Historic Park →
Best picks by activity
Camping near Bowling Green
- Barren River Lake State Resort Park 22 mi east · 101 campsites
- Nolin Lake State Park 25 mi northeast · Campground listed
- Lake Malone State Park 35 mi west · 59 campsites
- Bledsoe Creek State Park 42 mi south · Campground listed
Cabins and lodging near Bowling Green
- Barren River Lake State Resort Park 22 mi east · Cabins or other roofed stays
- Rough River Dam State Resort Park 44 mi north · Cabins or other roofed stays
Dog-friendly state parks near Bowling Green
- Barren River Lake State Resort Park 22 mi east · Pets allowed under park rules
- Nolin Lake State Park 25 mi northeast · Pets allowed under park rules
- Lake Malone State Park 35 mi west · Pets allowed under park rules
Swimming near Bowling Green
- Barren River Lake State Resort Park 22 mi east · Beach, pool or swim area
- Nolin Lake State Park 25 mi northeast · Beach, pool or swim area
- Lake Malone State Park 35 mi west · Beach, pool or swim area
- Rough River Dam State Resort Park 44 mi north · Beach, pool or swim area
Hiking near Bowling Green
- Barren River Lake State Resort Park 22 mi east · Hiking trails listed
- Nolin Lake State Park 25 mi northeast · Hiking trails listed
- Lake Malone State Park 35 mi west · Hiking trails listed
- Bledsoe Creek State Park 42 mi south · Hiking trails listed
- Rough River Dam State Resort Park 44 mi north · Hiking trails listed
+ 2 more in the list above
Fishing near Bowling Green
- Barren River Lake State Resort Park 22 mi east · Fishing listed
- Nolin Lake State Park 25 mi northeast · Fishing listed
- Lake Malone State Park 35 mi west · Fishing listed
- Bledsoe Creek State Park 42 mi south · Fishing listed
- Rough River Dam State Resort Park 44 mi north · Fishing listed
+ 1 more in the list above
Questions about state parks near Bowling Green
What is the closest state park to Bowling Green?
Barren River Lake State Resort Park is the closest, about 22 miles east of Bowling Green in a straight line. Next are Nolin Lake State Park and Lake Malone State Park.
How many state parks are near Bowling Green?
8 state park units are within 50 miles, and 1 within 25 miles. That includes parks, recreation areas, historic sites and natural areas run by the state.
Which state parks near Bowling Green have camping?
4 parks list camping, the nearest being Barren River Lake State Resort Park, Nolin Lake State Park and Lake Malone State Park. Check each park page for site types, hookups and how to reserve.
Are dogs allowed at state parks near Bowling Green?
Yes, at 3 parks, including Barren River Lake State Resort Park, Nolin Lake State Park and Lake Malone State Park. Dogs usually must be leashed, and some areas such as beaches or buildings may be off-limits.
Are there free state parks near Bowling Green?
None of the nearby parks list free entry; most charge a daily vehicle fee or accept an annual pass. Fees are on each park page.
State parks near other cities
- Near Franklin, KY19 mi south
- Near Glasgow, KY28 mi east
- Near Gallatin, TN41 mi south
- Near Hartsville/Trousdale County, TN43 mi south
- Near Lebanon, TN54 mi south
- Near Clarksville, TN58 mi southwest
- Near Hopkinsville, KY58 mi west
- Near Elizabethtown, KY59 mi northeast
Or see all Kentucky state parks, Tennessee state parks or every city we cover.
Built from official park data and updated as parks change; this list was last rebuilt Oct 30, 2026. Features shown are those the official source lists. Filter these parks on the map.