Carr Creek Lake Shelters
Carr Creek Lake
Carr Creek Lake Shelters are located on Carr Creek Lake on the same side of Kentucky Highway 160 as Littcarr Campground. The U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers, in cooperation with the Commonwealth of Kentucky, manages the land and water at Carr Creek Lake for wildlife, fisheries and recreation.
A total of eight picnic shelters are open for use from April through September. The shelters are known as Dogwood, Holly, Laurel, Pin Oak, Poplar, Sycamore, White Pine and Willow. Each is accessible and equipped with electricity, grills, picnic tables and lighting. Each shelter can accommodate up to 200 people; However we are asking that the number of people at each site will be limited to 10 persons due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Willow, Pin Oak, White Pine and Dogwood are located at the Littcarr Recreation Area, offering access to a boat ramp, playground, horseshoe pit and shoreline fishing. Sycamore and Poplar are in the Dam/Tailwater Area, with a horseshoe pit, large playground and volleyball courts nearby. Laurel and Holly are at the marina, where guests have access to a boat ramp, playground, horseshoe pits and accessible fishing pier. Restrooms are located near all shelters.
Need to Know
- Golden Age/Access Passports are not accepted for group shelter reservations
- No alcohol is permitted
- Pets must be leashed at all times; domestic pets only
- No off-road vehicles allowed
- Please bring confirmation letter
- Learn more about Carr Creek Lake
- Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.
Natural Features
Carr Creek Lake is located in the mountainous region of southeastern Kentucky, about 16 miles from Hazard and 18 miles from Whitesburg. The dam is located 8.8 miles above the mouth of Carr Fork, a tributary of the North Fork of the Kentucky River.
Recreation
The 710-acre lake and surrounding area offer a wide variety of outdoor recreation opportunities. Boating and water skiing are popular activities on the lake.
For the sportsman, fishing is an ever-present activity. Crappie, bass, bluegill and walleye are plentiful in the lake and provide hours of fishing enjoyment. Also, the
Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife release trout in the tailwater throughout the summer months.
Hikers can find a short nature trail, less than a mile long, in the Dam/Tailwater area. For a bit more adventure, the 6-mile Sugar Branch Trail begins at the dam and ends at Sugar Lake Road.
Contact Information
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843 Sassafras Creek Road Sassafras KY 41759
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
Carr Creek Lake's Littcarr Recreation Area is located apprioxiately 19 miles from Hazard, Kentucky. Route from Hazard to Littcarr Recreation Area is via KY Route 15 south 17 miles to KY Route 160, then 2 miles to Littcarr Recreation Area.
Dogwood Shelter: After turning from KY 15, Dogwood Shelter is located on the first right turn at the Littcarr Recreation Area. (Dogwood Shelter is located next to the restroom, just above the Willow Shelter).
Holly Shelter: After turning from KY 15, the Marina Recreation Area is the first left turn after turning onto Smith Branch Road. (Holly Shelter is the first shelter on your right as one enters the recreation area).
Laurel Shelter: After turning from KY 15, the Marina Recreation Area is the first left turn after turning onto Smith Branch Road. (Laurel Shelter is the second shelter on your right as one enters the recreation area).
Pin Oak Shelter: After turning from KY 15, Pin Oak Shelter is located on the second left turn at the Littcarr Recreation Area.
Poplar Shelter: After turning from KY 15, the Tailwater Recreation Area is the second left turn after passing the Carr Creek Lake Dam. Poplar Shelter is the first shelter on your right as one enters the recreation area. (Poplar Shelter is located in the same recreation area as Sycamore Shelter, which is the second shelter one would encounter in the recreation area.)
Sycamore Shelter: After turning from KY 15, the Tailwater Recreation Area is the second left turn after passing the Carr Creek Lake Dam. Sycamore Shelter is the second shelter on your right as one enters the recreation area.
White Pine Shelter: After turning from KY 15, White Pine Shelter is located on the first left turn at the Littcarr Recreation Area. Also, the only boat ramp in the Littcarr Recreation Area is located near the White Pine Shelter.
Willow Shelter: After turning from KY 15, Willow Shelter is located on the first right turn at the Littcarr Recreation Area. (Willow Shelter is located at the bottom of the hill just past the Dogwood Shelter).
Available Campsites
- Site Willow Shelter, Loop Willow , Type Group Shelter Electric
- Site Holly Shelter, Loop Holly , Type Group Shelter Electric
- Site Pin Oak Shelter, Loop Pin Oak , Type Group Shelter Electric
- Site Laurel Shelter, Loop Laurel , Type Group Shelter Electric
- Site White Pine Shelter, Loop White Pine , Type Group Shelter Electric
- Site Sycamore Shelter, Loop Sycamore , Type Group Shelter Electric
- Site Dogwood Shelter, Loop Dogwood , Type Group Shelter Electric
- Site Poplar Shelter, Loop Poplar , Type Group Shelter Electric
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