Southcentral Kentucky offers plenty of outdoor recreation for a great road trip retreat for families or friends.
I’m sharing more about fun things to do during your weekend getaway at Lake Cumberland.
One of the first steps in planning your Lake Cumberland getaway is deciding your base for your weekend adventures.
We discovered Cabins on the Cumberland in Jamestown, Kentucky, offers a relaxing riverfront retreat and a great base for nearby adventures near Lake Cumberland.
This article is written in partnership with Cabins on the Cumberland. All opinions are my own. This article may contain affiliate links.
Where is Cabins on the Cumberland located?
Cabins on the Cumberland is located in Jamestown, KY, a gateway to Lake Cumberland.
The destination is about 3 hours from downtown Cincinnati, Ohio & Evansville, IN; 2.5+ hrs from Knoxville, TN; 2.25 hours from Louisville, KY & Nashville, TN; 2 hours from Lexington, KY; and 1.5 hours from Bowling Green, KY.
I also want to note that this destination is in Central Time, which we didn’t realize until we arrived and called to check what time a restaurant closed.
Shared Amenities for Guests at Cabins on the Cumberland
Several shared amenities are available on the property for guests to use during their stay at Cabins on the Cumberland.
Guests can easily spend the majority of their time at the cabin property, especially if they’re visiting with kids.
We had an assortment of additional amenities to choose from on-site as a bonus during our stay.
Community Game Center at Cabins on the Cumberland
Overnight guests at Cabins on the Cumberland can access a shared game center by using their cabin’s unique door code.
The game center has a pool table, arcade games, table shuffleboard, and a ping pong table.
We enjoyed “friendly” competition playing ping pong and classic arcade games that were a blast from the past.
There’s also a nice card table with a poker set for guests to enjoy.
The game room also has two bathrooms, which is very convenient if you don’t want to walk back to your cabin.
Food isn’t permitted in the Game Center, and drinks aren’t allowed on game tables or electronics.
Additional rocking chairs and seating are available at the covered porch area for the game room.
This is also nice if you want to watch kids or friends playing on the nearby courts.
Pickleball Court/ Full Basketball Court
The pickleball court also doubles as a full basketball court with adjustable rims, which is great for guests who want to stay active during their stay.
Community Playground
Kids will enjoy the playground with multiple swings, a slide, and climbing structures.
Barrel Saunas
The two barrel saunas are a nice perk for adults to enjoy during their visit.
Read the instructions before entering the sauna so you know how to operate it properly.
Robes in your cabin are available to use during your stay, and if you want to keep your robe after your stay, it’s available for purchase.
Outdoor Showers
There are outdoor showers available to use right next to the barrel saunas.
Private Firepits at Cabins on the Cumberland
We had rain our first night but enjoyed relaxing by the fire pit the following night after a long day of outdoor adventures.
Guests can add firewood to their stay for an additional fee, and don’t forget to save your dryer lint for a diy fire starter.
Our fire pit also had four Adirondack chairs, so we didn’t need to pack additional camping chairs.
Private Hot Tub
Our cabin had a private hot tub on the side deck.
It was nice to relax in the hot tub after a long day of outdoor adventures.
Private Boat Ramp for Guests at Cabins on the Cumberland
Guests have access to the Cumberland River from the private boat ramp on-site. The property requests that guests wear life jackets if you’re going to be near or on the river. (You need to supply your own life jacket)
Vehicles need to be 4-wheel drive, or All Wheel Drive, if you plan on using the boat ramp.
It’s also recommended that you check the river and dam schedule because the water levels and currents can change rapidly due to the hydroelectric dam at Wolf Creek. We noticed a big difference in the current and water level during our visit.
Swimming in the river isn’t permitted because of the strong currents, but you can bring your own gear to fish, kayak, canoe, or use 18 ft or smaller fishing boats.
Is Cabins on the Cumberland Dog-friendly?
If you’re traveling with a dog, Cabins on the Cumberland has several cabins that are dog-friendly for up to 2 dogs and an additional pet fee.
Dogs must be kept on a leash and pack doggie bags for cleanup afterward.
Tour the Mariner Cabin at Cabins on the Cumberland
During our visit, we stayed in the Mariner Cabin, which sleeps 6 guests.
There are 3 beds and 1 bathroom. Check-in is self-service with a smart lock and a code provided prior to your arrival.
The cabin has an open floor plan, which makes it easy for everyone to hang out together between meals.
There is complimentary Wi-Fi, and you can log into all your streaming services from the Smart TV in the living room over the electric fireplace.
There are also a variety of board games in the game closet and a high chair and Pack ‘ n Play in the storage closet for younger families.
The loft bedroom has a ceiling fan and its own mini-split unit to control the temperature, air conditioning or heating, depending on when you visit.
(All of the mini-splits in the cabin need to be set on the same setting, cooling or heating, to work, and there are remotes for all 3 units)
No door or wall is separating the loft space, so keep that in mind if you have a light sleeper staying in that room.
The private bedroom has a king-sized bed on the main floor and is located directly across from the bathroom.
The third sleeping option for our cabin was a sofa sleeper in the living room.
The large bathroom had a shower/tub and a stacked washer/dryer. Towels, washcloths, shampoo, conditioner, and body wash are provided.
The dining table could seat six people, and the kitchen had all of the dishes and pots and pans needed for making and baking meals…not that we did. But we did use the kitchen table to play euchre.
There’s also a starter supply of paper towels and dishwasher pods.
If you want to purchase groceries for your meals, DG Market is on Main Street in Jamestown, about 25 minutes away.
We also had a charcoal grill on-site with charcoal included at our cabin.
We really appreciated the fully stocked coffee bar (with good coffee) that we used each morning.
Our porch had rocking chairs and side tables perfect for a morning coffee with a view.
Additional Cabins at Cabins on the Cumberland
The 9-acre property has 12 individual cabins, each with 1 bathroom, and sleeps 6 guests with 3-4 beds, depending on the cabin.
The cabins are close enough for multiple families or friends who want to stay near each other.
But the cabins are far enough apart that it still feels like you have privacy if you aren’t staying with a group.
The Cove for Groups
The Cove consists of Cabins 7-9 and can sleep up to 18 people. There are 6 bedrooms, 9 beds, and 3 baths.
Events at Cabins on the Cumberland
The full property of Cabins on the Cumberland can be bought out for exclusive private events.
A private buyout includes all 12 cabins, the indoor/outdoor event pavilion, indoor game center, barrel saunas and outdoor entertainment area, pickleball court and playground.
Additional Things to Do in the Area
We enjoyed exploring the Jamestown area near Lake Cumberland for the first time.
Paula’s in Creelsboro (formerly Creelsboro Country Store)
(2 minutes away – 4838 S Hwy 379, Jamestown, KY)
This general store offers a variety of apparel and local products. I found a cute hat and scarf, and my friend purchased a few items too.
While you’re there, add a pin for your location to their map, which showcases where visitors are from throughout the United States.
Dining at Paula’s at Creelsboro
Paula’s at Creelsboro is also a great stop for Southern comfort foods offered at an affordable price.
We tried the fried bologna sandwich and Philly steak, Reuben, and “The Malinda”, a local favorite made with Cajun turkey.
Go on a Guided Kayak Trip With Creelsboro Kayak Co.
Creelsboro Kayak offers guided kayak trips if you want to explore the Cumberland River.
They offer a 6-mile Rockhouse Bottom Float and a 12-mile Winfrey’s Ferry Adventure, and they provide the life jackets, paddles, and shuttles.
Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to kayak during our visit, but I’d love to check out their tours in the future.
The river is also the only public viewing of Creelsboro Natural Arch, known as “Rockhouse Arch.” It’s the largest natural bridge east of the Rockies, spanning 104 feet.
The arch is on private land, with public access currently closed for a construction project.
BBQ and More at Timber Point Tavern
2671 KY-92, Jamestown, KY
If you’re going out to eat for only one meal, I highly recommend Timber Point Tavern.
This locally owned smokehouse has fantastic barbecue and incredible cocktails.
We tried the ribs, pulled pork, chicken sandwich, and nachos along with their mac n’cheese, baked beans, coleslaw, and potatoes as sides.
Rent a Pontoon Boat and Explore Lake Cumberland
It had been years since my last visit to Lake Cumberland, and it was fun to experience it again as an adult.
You can rent pontoon boats from State Dock Marina (6365 State Park Rd, Jamestown, KY) to explore Lake Cumberland.
Our friends purchased fishing licenses and caught a few fish on the water that day. If you prefer a fishing guide, check out Cumberland Trout Outfitters.
The lake has lots of coves where you can feel like you have it all to yourself, and I’d highly recommend boating to Seventy Six Falls.
The best vantage point of Seventy Six Falls is from the water.
We also drove to the Seventy Six Falls Recreational Area, but the views of the waterfall weren’t as great from the top as from the water.
If you want to stay on the lake a little longer after your boat cruise, The Wheelhouse restaurant is located at State Dock Marina.
There is also live entertainment and karaoke on weekends seasonally.
Hiking at Lake Cumberland Resort Park
5465 State Park Rd, Jamestown, KY
We didn’t have enough time to check out the hiking trails at Lake Cumberland Resort Park during our visit, but they were recommended by several locals.
- Lake Cumberland Trail – 2.1-mile out-and-back easy trail (.5 – 1 hr estimated time)
- Baugh Branch Trail – 3.4 mile out and back moderate trail (1-1.5 hr estimated time)
Drive Across Wolf Creek Dam
24 minutes from Cabins on the Cumberland
You can drive across one of the longest dams in the United States.
Wolf Creek Dam is the largest man-made reservoir east of the Mississippi River and the ninth largest in the United States. It’s 101 miles long with 1255 miles of shoreline.
The dam, completed in 1952, separates Lake Cumberland and the Cumberland River.
Make sure you check out Wolf Creek Dam Overlook for scenic photo ops.
Visit Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery
50 Kendall Road, Jamestown, KY
The Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery is worth checking out.
There’s no admission fee to visit the Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery, which has an educational center with interesting exhibits.
Indoor and outdoor fish hatcheries are open to the public, self-guided, and provide insight into how the trout are raised and released.
The Hatchery Creek is a popular spot for trout fishing and is a short walk from the hatchery visitor center.
Anglers ages 16 and up need a valid Kentucky fishing license and trout permit.
There’s also a 3/4 mile National Explorer Hiking Trail nearby.
Burger With a View from Big Daddy’s Snack Shack
80 Kendall Rd #6502, Jamestown, KY
Big Daddy’s has incredible smashburgers and scenic views of the dam by a riverside park. The menu also offers chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders, BBQ sandwiches, and hot dogs.
Fair warning: a double patty burger is HUGE, so I recommend sticking with a single. Their onion rings are also really good.
The park has public restrooms nearby and a boat ramp with loaner life jackets.
Reel Java Restaurant
302 Monument Square, Jamestown, KY
I’m going to share menu recommendations we got from locals after we visited Reel Java Restaurant.
Our group ordered a few pizzas to share, but we didn’t like the crust. If we had more time in the area, we would’ve had time to try a few other menu options for other meals.
Multiple locals told us about their Hot Honey sticks. They’re made with a thin or hand-tossed traditional crust, loaded with extra mozzarella, baked, and topped with parmesan, garlic butter, and a Hot Honey drizzle.
We also heard great things about their burgers for dinner and speciality coffee and breakfast pastries for the morning.
Three Daughters Coffee and Sweets
543 Main St B, Russell Springs, KY
We also stopped at Three Daughters Coffee and Sweets for a latte. This cute coffee shop has speciality coffees, smoothies, and homemade treats.
See Cumberland Falls at Cumberland State Resort Park
7351 KY-90, Corbin, KY
We decided to visit Cumberland Falls on our way down from Northern Kentucky before we checked into our cabin.
It’s around 1.5 hours from Cumberland Falls State Park to Cabins on the Cumberland.
We road-tripped with friends from Michigan who had never visited Cumberland Falls before, and thought the falls were worth the additional drive time.
If you visit Kentucky during moonbow dates (a nighttime rainbow) at Cumberland Falls, consider a night visit to witness the natural phenomenon.
More Information on Cabins on the Cumberland
Find more information about Cabins on the Cumberland on their website for booking your next getaway.
