Lake Malone State Park is a small forested area in central Kentucky. Located four miles from Dunmor, Kentucky, it is a popular camping and fishing spot for many of the locals, along with a significant amount of tourist traffic. Located on State Route 331, it is situated just four miles from U.S. Highway 431 on the Muhlenberg County and Logan County line. There are two main access roads, with one on the Muhlenberg County side and the other on the Logan County side. State Route 331 also intersects with U.S. Highway 181 seven miles south of Greenville.
Lake Malone State Park is adjacent to a very sparse population area with an abundance of scenic driving. Cabins are available for rent, mostly from local individuals near the lake. Between Dunmor and the park lies Dogwood Lake, which is combined with a nine-hole golf course. Dogwood Lake has changed management a few times in recent years and is currently under renovation. Dogwood also includes a developed camping area, but is not part of the park system. It is a general local addition and is known for it’s setting and blue-water swimming area.
The Kentucky Parks system maintains a shower room and small swimming area at the marina. Lifeguards are only provided during daytime hours in the summer season. The swimming area doesn’t officially open until Memorial Day and closes each year at the end of Labor Day weekend. The campground, however, is open year round with special monthly rates for the off season. There are twenty-five developed campsites which feature water and electrical hookups for full service recreational vehicles. The lake is surrounded by some impressive sandstone cliffs and timberland, making fall a colorful event. There are several local residents who own property right on the lake and it is a very friendly community of neighbors.
Lake Malone State Park also features two sheltered picnic areas, complete with rest rooms and grills. It is recommended to schedule a booking for the sheltered picnic areas well in advance for weekends. Availability is better during the weekdays. Grills and picnic tables are also provided at the campsites. In addition to the primary fishing lake, there is a small spillway that makes for convenient quick-access fishing at the roadside loop.
Fishing is a primary objective for most visitors, but not necessarily. Lake Malone State Park also contains two walking trails, with Laurel Trail being the longest and Wildflower Trail being more like a garden stroll at only 1/4 mile in length. There are several local restaurants at Shady Cliff and Dunmor, along with two private-sector general stores to serve the park visitors.
Though Lake Malone is nestled in a rural setting, it is not far from the nearest communities that offer access to life’s necessities. Fifteen miles south of the park is the town of Russellville and twenty-five miles north is Central City. Both communities have populations in excess of 5,000 residents and provide entertainment choices in addition to the Lake Malone area. Individuals from both towns are very familiar with the Lake Malone area and are an area extension of the park in many ways.
Anyone interested in visiting this quiet and peaceful state park can get more information at www.ky.gov/parks or contact Lake Malone State Park management at 270-657-2111 or at the park office.