Lake Barkley State Resort Park

During a time when state budgets have been cut to the bone, the state of Kentucky has taken the opposite route and turned a dozen of their state campgrounds into "glampgrounds," a place with a range of accommodations ranging from nice to very nice. Take Lake Barkley for instance. Lake Barkley State Park Resort is nearly 4,000 acres. 

Available accommodations range from RV hookups to log cabins, chalets, and nicely decorated bungalows, as well as premium lodge rooms. In certain seasons, there are even houseboats to rent. The park has the usual things to do, like hiking and fishing, but they also have guided horseback rides, an 18 hole golf course, kayaking, even its own airstrip. 

Clearly, this isn't your grandfather's campground. What's arguably the best aspect of the Lake Barkley Park Resort is the fact that the resort is fully pet-friendly. Well, within reason- you can't take your dog with you into the 331 seat premium lodge restaurant or kayaking. But you can bring your dog with you into any lodging at the resort, even the houseboat. 

And you can bring your four-legged family members with you to most of the attractions at the park. Even swimming and horseback riding. There is a small, off-leash park for your dog, but you won't want your dog to spend much time there since there are so many dog-friendly activities throughout the park. There are miles of paths and trails throughout the park, some are paved, but most are covered in gravel. 

The resort is co-located with the Woodlands Nature Station which has many animals on display, such as the Red Wolf and the Great Horned Owl. You and your dog can explore the area on your own, or you can take a guided tour. You can also visit the Elk and Bison Prairie, where you and your dog can take an up-close look at the animals.