Kentucky Lake: Geode Digging in Lyon County, Kentucky

Updated June 2026

Kentucky Lake is a mapped rockhounding spot in Lyon County, Kentucky. Reported finds include geode, jasper, quartz. Below: coordinates, access notes, nearby spots, and trip-planning links.

Quick details

Access: Public area
County: Lyon County
State: Kentucky
Nearest road: Forest Service Road 111-A
Coordinates: 36.93743, -88.16991

Geology at Kentucky Lake

This spot sits on Tuscaloosa Formation, mapped as gravel that formed roughly 100 to 66 million years ago. Geodes weather out of their host rock and collect in gravels like these, where their round shape and light heft help them stand out.

Mapped unit: Tuscaloosa Formation
Age: 100–66 Ma (Late Cretaceous)
Rock types: gravel
Elevation: 350 ft

Geologic mapping via Macrostrat and the underlying state geological survey maps (CC BY 4.0). Bedrock at the surface can vary within a mapped unit.

Best time to visit Kentucky Lake

Best months: September to June. Typical highs run 91°F in midsummer and 48°F in midwinter, with winter lows near 30°F.

Climate normals: NOAA 1991-2020 monthlies, EDDYVILLE 5S station (9 mi away), adjusted for elevation.

Land & collecting status

Generally open to casual rockhounding

Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig.

Public-land rules vary by agency, season, and field office. The RockHoundR app pulls live BLM, USFS, NPS, and tribal overlays so you can see exactly which agency manages the ground at this spot.

Sources & verification

Spot details combine the public RockHoundR location dataset, normalized mineral labels, agency land-status checks in the app, and community submissions. Coordinates are approximate until verified in the field.

Sources: RockHoundR public spot dataset, app land overlays, and local agency review before each trip.

Found at Kentucky Lake

Each chip opens all spots that produce that material; the encyclopedia link opens the full ID and field guide.

Nearby rockhounding spots

Other rockhounding spots within driving distance of Kentucky Lake.

Across the state line from Kentucky Lake

Kentucky Lake is close enough to the Kentucky border that the next-closest rockhounding spots are in a neighboring state. Worth knowing if you are already on the road.

Kentucky Lake FAQ

Where is Kentucky Lake?+

Kentucky Lake is in Lyon County, Kentucky, at 36.93743, -88.16991. Nearest road: Forest Service Road 111-A.

What rocks and minerals can you find at Kentucky Lake?+

Kentucky Lake is reported to produce Geode, Jasper, Quartz.

Is collecting allowed at Kentucky Lake?+

Generally open to casual rockhounding. Most public-tagged spots sit on BLM, U.S. Forest Service, or other federal land where reasonable hand collecting of common rocks and minerals is allowed. Confirm posted rules and active mining claims before you dig. Always confirm current rules with the managing agency before a trip.

What tools should I bring to Kentucky Lake?+

Bring a crack hammer, a chisel, safety glasses, and a bucket. Candidates are rounder and lighter than solid rock; a soil pipe cutter opens them cleaner than a flat smash.

When is the best time to visit Kentucky Lake?+

The most comfortable months at Kentucky Lake are September to June.

How do I get to Kentucky Lake?+

Open the directions link to navigate to 36.93743, -88.16991 in Google Maps. The nearest road is Forest Service Road 111-A.

More rockhounding in Kentucky

See all 37 Kentucky spots →

Open Kentucky Lake on the map

Use the RockHoundR app for live land overlays, weather, geology, directions, and saved finds.