Cave Run sits in the Eastern Highlands, about sixty miles east of Lexington, almost entirely inside the northern reach of the Daniel Boone National Forest. The Corps of Engineers finished the dam in 1973. In summer the lake covers 8,270 acres and runs about 48 miles.
It is a muskie lake first — the current Kentucky state record came from here — and a working water for crappie, bluegill, catfish, and largemouth. Submerged timber holds fish. Spring and fall are the trophy months.
No-ski and shallow water are marked. Two full-service marinas sit on opposite ends of the lake. Forest Service launch ramps need a pass, sold at the visitor center on KY 801 South and at vendors around the lake.
Alcohol is illegal on Cave Run Lake. Camp at Twin Knobs or Zilpo for developed sites, Clear Creek for semi-improved, Clay Lick for boat-in primitive.