All special events are subject to change and may be cancelled or postponed by the Kentucky Department of Parks due to unforeseen circumstances. Please confirm event schedule prior to arrival for date, time and fee information, especially if you plan to visit a Kentucky State Park for a specific event. Event details and contact information for all 52 Kentucky State Parks can be found on this website.
Rook Tournament
1/16/2009 to 1/18/2009
Rook, the card game with the wild black bird, is back at Rough River once more! Play against some of the best Rook players across the state of Kentucky, while making some lasting memories and new friends! Play will begin at 6:00pm (CDT) on Friday evening, then starts again Saturday at 9:00am and will continue until the conclusion on Saturday night. Receive two nights lodging for the price of one. For additional information, please contact Sheila Jones at 1-800-325-1713 or Sheila.Jones@ky.gov.
Dulciburr 2009 - Dulcimer Music Festival
2/6/2009 to 2/8/2009
The Dulcimer is the Official Kentucky State Instrument. Join us for a celebration of great American dulcimer music. Package includes two nights lodging, Saturday breakfast and Saturday night dinner, and Sunday morning breakfast. Concerts, jam sessions and workshops are also included in the package for $225 plus tax per couple! Registration deadline is January 31st. Please contact Sheila Jones at 1-800-325-1713 for more information.
Sweetheart Weekend
2/13/2009 to 2/15/2009
Bring your sweetie out and feel a little Triple R- Rough River Romance! With this package of only $225 plus tax per couple you will enjoy two night's stay, good food (Prime Rib Buffet), good entertainment and a lot of love and laughter! There will be many Valentine/couple related activities, special entertainment, and a dance for you and your honey! Contact Sheila Jones at 1-800-325-1713 or Sheila.Jones@ky.gov for more information. Registration deadline is February 9th.
Rough River Buffalo Buffet
3/7/2009
In the mood for something different to eat? Then join us at Rough River for a Buffalo Buffet! Carved Steamships of Buffalo, Buffalo Chile, BBQ Wild Boar & Pork Shoulder, Duck and Dumplings, Fried Catfish, Fried Chicken and Crawfish & Sausage Gumbo will be served. You do not want to miss out on this opportunity to enjoy this great specialty food! $18.95 adults $9.75 children (beverages included).
Bowfishing 101 Seminar
3/20/2009 to 3/21/2009
Since the sport of Bowfishing keeps gaining popularity at Rough River, we are now offering a FREE seminar as an introduction to Bowfishing. The event includes classroom-style instruction as well as hands-on demonstrations. You will learn about the equipment, safe bowfishing practices, how to handle the fish after they have been shot, proper cleaning and disposal, and much more! Once you're familiar with shooting, you'll target shoot with prizes awarded. Bowfishing is the fastest growing archery activity today that everyone can participate in, which makes this a great family outing. There will be a meet and greet on Friday evening, with the seminar beginning on Saturday Morning. For more information, please contact Sheila Jones at 1-800-325-1713 or Sheila.Jones@ky.gov
Earth Day & Camper's Appreciation Weekend
4/24/2009 to 4/26/2009
To celebrate Earth Day and show our campers we appreciate them, we are offering two nights camping for the price of one! Stay Friday night and get Saturday night free! Activities will be nature related including a scavenger hunt, fishing, archery, and more! Live entertainment and food will also be provided on Friday night! Join us at Rough River and we will get the camping season started together! For more information, please contact Sheila Jones at 1-800-325-1713 or Sheila.Jones@ky.gov
Passing on the Tradition KY Youth Bowfishing Championships
5/9/2009
Rough River Dam State Resort Park would like to recognize National Youth Bowfishing Day by hosting “The Passing on the Tradition Kentucky Youth Bowfishing Championship” on May 9th 2009, on Rough River Lake. This tournament is open to those 17yrs. and under, and gives them the opportunity to compete in the healthy, fast growing outdoor sport of bowfishing. Awards will be presented in all divisions as well as an Overall Tournament Champion Award. Registration will begin at 8:00am (CDT) and will last until 9:45am. Entry fee is $10 per child and they must have an adult present. They must also attend a pre-shoot meeting at 9:45am to go over safety, tournament instructions, rules and regulations. The tournament will run from 10:00am to 5:00pm. Refreshments will be provided. For more information, contact Sheila Jones at 270-257-2311 or 1-800-325-1713.
Mint Julep Model Airplane Scale Meet
5/14/2009 to 5/17/2009
Come and see some high flying action at Rough River Dam State Resort Airport! Radio controlled model airplanes are built to scale and are judged on detail and precision. Planes are split up in to divisions that include Best Civilian, Best Military, Fun Scale Sportsman, Fun Scale Aerobatics, and more. You can see these planes up close and personal and watch them doing unbelievable stunts high above your head! This is a spectator only event and is free of charge! Contact Sheila Jones at 1-800-325-1713 or Sheila.Jones@ky.gov for more information.
Rumble Over Rough River Fireworks Show
7/4/2009
Celebrate the Fourth with fireworks over Rough River Lake! We will have live entertainment before the show and concessions will also be available. Fourth of July related recreation activities will be going on all weekend long! So come on out and show your spirit for the red, white, and blue with us! Fireworks will begin around dusk.
Magnolia 5K Run
7/11/2009
Come on out to Rough River Dam State Park for the Magnolia 5K run/walk! Pre Register and pay a $15 fee if you pay before July 11th, or pay a $20 fee the day of the race. T-Shirts, prizes, and awards will be given. Race begins at 8:00am (CDT). This is the final race of the Kentucky State Parks Race Series, and the fianl awards ceremony will follow this race. You can register for all four races or just the race of your choice. Please see www.parks.ky.gov and look for the Ky State Parks Race Series link to register or to get more information. You can also call Sheila JOnes at Rough River Dam State Resort Park at 270-257-2311 or 1-800-325-1713.
Download Informational Brochure.
Download Magnolia registration form
KY State Old Time Fiddler's Contest
7/17/2009 to 7/19/2009
Bring your lawn chairs and listen to the great music provided by some of the best musicians in the state of Kentucky and around the country! Fiddles, harmonicas, banjos, guitars, bluegrass bands, jig dancing, dulcimers and much more! Admission will be $6 on Friday and $10 on Saturday (children 10 and under free). Concessions will be available. Prices subject to change. For more information contact Shelia Jones at 270-257-2311.
Rough River Rumble Wakeboarding Tournament
7/25/2009
Are you a water sports fanatic? If so, this is the event for you! NWL (National Wakeboard League) Kentucky Division, is hosting a Tournament on July 25th at Rough River Lake. All ages and all divisions are welcome from beginner to expert. A Cash payout and/or prizes are given for all divisions. The event is free for spectators so bring a lawn chair or blanket down to the State Park Beach and enjoy the rides!! Contact Sheila Jones at 1-800-325-1713 for more information.
Trash Bash 2009 - Lakeshore Cleanup
9/19/2009
Join us on September 19th for Trash bash 2009 and help cleanup our lakeshore! After the cleanup, for those who participated, we will provide lunch, entertainment, and give away many prizes! The cleanup will begin at 8:00 a.m. and the festivities will wrap up around 2:00-2:30 p.m. For more information, please contact Sheila Jones at Rough River State Resort Park (270) 257-2311 or Wendy Warren with the USACE at(270)257-2061. Please come out and volunteer and help us help the environment!
Rough River Overnight Canoe Excursion
9/19/2009 to 9/20/2009
Ready to get outdoors? Join the Recreation Staff at Rough River State Park for an overnight canoe trip! No experience is necessary and all equipment and food will be provided. Contact Sheila Jones at 1-800-325-1713 or sheila.jones@ky.gov for prices and more information. Registration deadline is Sept. 14th.
Overnight Backpacking Trip - Mammoth Cave National Park
10/17/2009 to 10/18/2009
Up for an adventure? Join us as we travel to Mammoth Cave National Park and hit the trail for an overnight backpacking trip. No experience is necessary, and all equipment and food are provided. You must be at least 16 years old to sign up, and the registartion deadline is Oct. 12th. Please contact Sheila Jones at 1-800-325-1713 or Sheila.Jones@ky.gov for more information.
Halloween Spooktacular
10/30/2009 to 10/31/2009
Join the ghoulish staff of Rough River for a fun Spooktacular Weekend! Kids and adults both will enjoy hayrides, contests, trick-or treating, games, and much more! If you are camping be sure to bring your Halloween Decor for our campsite decorating contest! Call Rough River Dam State Resort Park at 1-800-325-1713 or email sheila.jones@ky.gov for more information.
Rough River's Winter Wonderland
12/1/2009
Bring in the holiday season with us! View our tree lighting ceremony, our light displays throughout the park, and of course, Santa Claus will make an apperance! Refreshments will be provided to keep you warm. This event is free of charge and a canned food box will be on site for donations for the needy of the local area.
New Years Eve Celebration
12/31/2009 to 1/1/2010
Ring in the New Year with us! A live band will be playing all your favorites while you dance your way out of 2008 and into 2009! We will pause the party to watch the ball drop at midnight and we will also provide light snacks and other goodies! Package includes: One nights lodging, a prime rib dinner buffet, a breakfast buffet on New Year’s day and the evening entertainment including live music, party favors, and snacks! $135.00 plus tax per couple. Contact Sheila Jones for more information at 1-800-325-1713 or sheila.jones@ky.gov