Fill the Dog Days of Summer with Cool Things To Do

Cathy Peabody • July 21, 2026

School may be starting again soon, but the calendar says it’s still summer and so does the hot, humid weather. So, pack your bags and get set for more summer fun in Campbellsville KY and at Green River Lake.

 

·      Cool off at Green River Lake State Park
·      Explore Historic Downtown Campbellsville--nominated as the Best Downtown in Kentucky
·      A Calendar’s Worth of Cool

 

Cool off at Green River Lake State Park

If it’s hot summer days and cool starlit nights you’re looking for, Green River Lake State Park is your refuge. At this popular Campbellsville KY attraction, you’ll find inviting sandy beaches for lounging along a perfect lake shoreline ready for swimming and floating in the water.

 

Pack your fishing gear. Fishing in Green River Lake KY is some of the best around and is well known for bass and crappies.

 

Explore miles of trails for bicycling, hiking or horseback riding or simply relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

 

Bring your boat or rent one at one of the marinas to explore this beautiful lake, nominated once again by Kentucky Living Magazine readers as the Best Water Tourism Spot and the Best Camping or RV Spot in the State.

 

If camping is not your thing, there are plenty of intown Campbellsville lodging choicesand a selection of vacation homes and Air BNB rentals for your stay. Wherever you choose to stay, Downtown Campbellsville is close by for shopping, dining and entertainment.

 

There are so many Green River Lake things to do…what a great way to stretch out the final days of Summer.

 

 

Explore Historic Downtown Campbellsville

Charming and lively with community spirit and pride, Campbellsville is what home and freedom look like.  Kentucky Living Magazine readers have nominated Campbellsville as the Best Downtown District in Kentucky. We are sure that you will agree!

 

Campbellsville is a Certified Kentucky Trail Town so designated for its abundance of hiking, biking and horseback trails, and with Green River Lake  and other natural resources, just a short drive from town.

 

Anchored on one end by the beautiful campus of Campbellsville University, a center for music, arts and other cultural activities, Main Street is lined with unique local shops and boutiques, antique stores, home décor and gift stores and all kinds of specialty retailers. Maybe you’ll find the perfect souvenirs and gifts or some special items on your back-to-school shopping list.

                                 

If shopping works up an appetite, you won’t go hungry. A variety of downtown Campbellsville restaurants, pubs and distilleries offer up just about anything you have a taste for, including some of the Best Barbecue in Kentucky, according to Kentucky Living Magazine readers.

 

Campbellsville is full of history and cultural preservation sites. Be sure to stop by the Visitors Center for information on the Tebbs Bend Green River Bridge Civil War Battlefield and Homeplace on Green River, a 200-year-old working farm.

 

 

A Calendar’s Worth of Cool

There’s always something fun going on in Campbellsville, both in town and at Green River Lake. Campbellsville has long been recognized as the BEST 4th of July Celebration in Central Kentucky, and the enthusiasm continues throughout the year. Coming up this summer, fill your calendar with family-friendly events and activities for everyone.

 

·        Cruisin on Main – Every 3rd Friday April to October
Presented by Graveyard Relics Car Club

Car lovers--motorcycle, truck and tractor lovers too--bring your favorite ride and get ready to see some of the coolest vehicles around as they cruise Campbellsville’s Main Street in all their glory. Enjoy music, food trucks and family fun for this revved up Friday night tradition.

 
·        Tucker’s Tiki Restaurant & Bar BIKE NIGHTS – Every Wednesday, Seasonal

Speaking of motorcycles and fun-loving riders, Tucker’s is the place to be on Wednesday nights! The only restaurant and bar on Green River Lake, Tucker’s Tiki rocks with events, music and great food, suitable for the whole family.

 

·        Tuesday Night Golf Scramble – Every Tuesday night at Campbellsville Country Club, seasonal

Golfers, get ready to scramble. Tee up each week for fun and teamwork.

 

·        Green River Raft Up – July 25, 2026

This annual event is one of the biggest and most fun parties of the Summer! After all day fun on the water, continue the festivities at Tucker’s Tiki restaurant with food music and all kinds of activities.

 

·        Central Kentucky Clash Adult Grass Volleyball Tournament – Saturday August 1st 

Top competition tournament with food trucks, a photographer, music, and lots of fun!

 

·        Kid’s Fishing Derby – August 8

Little anglers of all ages and skill levels meet at the Green River Lake State park fishing pier for a day of fishing and fun with awards and door prizes throughout the day. Bring your own gear, or if you don’t have any, gear will be provided.


Summer is time for laid back fun and outdoor play and there is still plenty of time to enjoy the warm weather and beautiful resources around Central Kentucky. Campbellsville is right in the middle of everything you love about Kentucky and an easy day drive or weekend getaway.


Conveniently located in Central Kentucky, Campbellsville/Taylor County and the beautiful Green River Lake State Park are a short drive from all directions:

Lexington KY – 83 miles

Louisville KY – 85 miles

Nashville, TN – 134 miles

Cincinnati OH – 163 miles

Indianapolis IN – 200 miles


FAQs

·      How close is Green River Lake State Park to Campbellsville?

Campbellsville is about 7 miles (or around 11 minutes) from Green River Lake State Park. Take 55 north from the lake into Downtown Campbellsville.

 

·      Are Campbellsville stores and restaurants open every day?

Campbellsville Main Street has a variety of shops, boutiques, restaurants and businesses that are open daily during normal business hours.


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