The state parks department has announced that beach access at Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park will be limited to registered campground and lodging guests on weekends and holidays effective Thursday, July 1.
In a release, the parks department said the measure was being taken “in an effort to ensure the safety of state park guests.” They added the decision was made due to ongoing safety concerns relating to overcrowding, estimating that current beach crowds exceed the park’s capacity by more than 10 times.
State Park officials said beach parking can accommodate 109 vehicles. Due to capacity limits, parking outside of that area is unsafe for park guests due to the 200 vertical feet elevation change in order to access the beach area. They added golf cart transportation will no longer be available.
Beach access will continue to be available for non-registered park guests on weekdays only. The parks department did not say how long the guest restriction would last.
