Public Beaches:

• Axtel (open only to campers)
• Laurel Branch
• North Fork (closed)

Campgrounds:

• Axtel
• Laurel Branch
• North Fork (closed)

Public Boat Ramps:

• Operated by Corps of Engineers:
  • Axtel
  • Laurel Branch
  • North Fork (closed)
  • Cave Creek (Grayson County)
  • Eveleigh (Grayson County)

Public Marinas:

• Bill's at Peter Cave
• Rough River Dam State Park Marina

You don't have to own a boat (or be friends with someone who owns a boat) to enjoy the lake! You can rent a boat or take a boating adventure with one of our local guides in the area.

Boat Rentals:

• Nick's Watercraft Rentals
• Clement's Marine

Fishing Guides:

• Boating Adventures with Captain Chris

The Dam Safety Modification project is a result of a report from July 2012, which highlighted unacceptable risk due to the dam’s foundation being constructed on karst geology. The report recommended major rehabilitation to ensure the structure’s integrity and to lower the project’s risk. Phase I, which relocated the crest road and completed Exploratory Drilling and Grouting across the centerline of the dam, was finished in May 2017.

Phase 1 was successful, however, the Phase II project, which will provide the permanent risk reduction, has not yet been fully funded. Since the completion of the drilling and grouting, instrumentation and visual observations have shown that the foundation conditions are continuing to deteriorate causing increasing concern. Phase II includes construction of a new outlet works and a full-depth cutoff wall across the dam and is awaiting additional funding.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville District will implement Interim Risk Reduction Measures (IRRM) to ensure life safety and to further protect the integrity of Rough River Dam in Falls of Rough, Kentucky.

The risk associated with Rough River Dam does not meet current tolerable levels in its current condition; therefore, action must be taken to reduce risk to human life and property.

After thorough analysis, USACE technical experts recommend reducing water levels in the reservoir to relieve pressure on the dam. The Louisville District will target a summer pool elevation (water level) at Rough River Lake of 490, which will be 5 feet below normal summer pool, until long-term repairs to the dam can be completed. Additionally, the lake will operate on a delayed fill schedule. Typically, the reservoir begins holding back water for the recreation season on March 15. The operation of the dam will be revised to begin the rise to the new summer pool target approximately two weeks later beginning on April 1.

These interim risk reduction measures allows USACE to reduce risk to the public and help to ensure that the dam is safe until long-term repairs to the dam can be completed.

For more information, please view the press release or contact the United States Army Corps of Engineers.

Based on the proposed elevation of 490 feet, Rough River Lake will still be able to provide multiple recreation benefits to visitors. Two public beaches will be impacted (North Fork and State Park) and some private docks. Marinas, USACE-managed boat ramps, most licensed out granted boat ramps and USACE managed day-use areas should be able to operate as normal, or with minimal changes.

As always, use caution when boating and navigating waterways. For full list of boater safety rules and regulations, please visit the USACE website.