Turkey Bay OHV Area provides designated OHV and primitive trails for OHV camping opportunities. The area consists of approximately 100 miles of primary, secondary, and tertiary trails for many different OHV riding experiences.
All riders must sign a liability waiver. By signing, registrants agree to obey all rules and regulations posted at Turkey Bay OHV Area and on Land Between the Lakes’ literature and website.
The permit holder is responsible for all uses of the registered vehicle, ensuring it is operated in a safe and prudent manner at all times.
Information and Frequently Asked Questions
Annual Permit Information
• Annual Permit: $100
• 1 to 3-day Permit: $20; 1-3 consecutive days from date of purchase
• Where to purchase permits: If the gatehouse is not staffed, you must get your riding permit at Golden Pond Visitor Center. For faster registration, please print and fill out the Turkey Bay OHV Area Registration and Liability Waiver Form. Bring the form to either Turkey Bay OHV Area Gatehouse or Golden Pond Visitor Center to register.
• Camping – primitive, $12 per camping unit per night
• (2 tents or 1 camper is considered a camping unit at Turkey Bay). Two-24 hour generator areas, chemical toilets, and drinking water are available. Camping registration is self-service at the information kiosk in front of the gatehouse. Camping is not permitted outside of the designated camping area.
• All riders must sign a liability waiver. By signing, registrants agree to obey all rules and regulations posted at Turkey Bay OHV Area and on Land Between the Lakes’ literature and website.
• Operating a vehicle in a manner that damages, mutilates, or removes any natural feature or other property is prohibited (36 CFR 261.9 a and b). This includes mud bogging, mudding, and creating new trails.
• Riding passengers on OHVs not designed to carry passengers is prohibited. (36 CFR 261.55b)
• Passengers are only allowed in vehicles intended by the manufacturer to carry such passengers. The vehicle must contain the following: enclosed metal cab, roll bar protection, and seatbelts. Golf carts are not permitted at Turkey Bay.
• All users are required to wear DOT-approved motorcycle safety helmets while vehicles are in operation, except in vehicles with fully enclosed metal cabs and/or roll bar protection and seatbelts.
• No person under age 16 may operate an ATV with an engine size exceeding 90cc displacement, and no person under age 12 may operate an ATV with an engine size exceeding 70cc displacement. (KY State
Law 189.515)
• Direct parental or adult supervision is required for all persons under the age of 16 years operating an OHV. (KY Revised Statute 189.515)
• OHVs are to be operated from sunrise to sunset only. Legal riding hours are posted at gatehouse.
• Stay on designated trails. If a trail is not signed, it is not a legal trail.
• Users must remain within the boundaries of Turkey Bay Off-Highway Vehicle Area. The lakeside boundary fluctuates with the summer and winter pool lake levels. The water’s edge serves as the western boundary of Turkey Bay.
• Operators/passengers of motorized vehicles, except motorcycles, ATVs, and six wheelers, must use a fastened seatbelt while the vehicle is in use.
• All off-highway vehicles must be registered with Land Between the Lakes before being used in Turkey Bay OHV Area. The permit sticker must be properly displayed on the registered vehicle at all times. When the gatehouse is not staffed, riders must obtain a permit from the Golden Pond Visitor Center, open daily from 9am-5pm.
• A 15 mph speed limit will be enforced on the entrance road. Camping and unloading areas are 10 mph. Please use these areas for their designated use. No exhibition riding will be permitted.
• All vehicles and operators must be in compliance with all state and federal laws.
• OHVs must have properly functioning spark arresters and mufflers.
• Land Between the Lakes is neither liable nor responsible for damage, loss, or theft of personal property or for injuries to visitors.
• Litter laws are strictly enforced throughout all of Land Between the Lakes. Users are expected to use the trash receptacles or to remove any trash they bring.
• All users must enter and exit Turkey Bay OHV Area by way of Road 167 off Woodlands Trace National Scenic Byway. All other accesses are prohibited.
• Anyone under 18 years of age must have a parent or legal guardian’s signature to ride.
• Kentucky state law prohibits the public consumption of alcohol.
• All users must use existing trails appropriate for the size of their vehicle. Travel off of the trails is prohibited.
• Narrow, more challenging trails serve as connectors between primary trails.
• Tertiary Trails Trails | Blue Blaze
• Narrowest, most challenging trails serve as connectors between both primary and secondary trails.
• Challenge Areas | Red Rings
• These are typically 2-10 acres of steep, washed-out hill climbs. Although individual trails within our Challenge Areas will not be marked, boundaries are marked by red rings on the trees. Only ride on trails already established.
Turkey Trot Youth Trail
• A 1/2 mile kids’ riding and learning trail is available in the flat, wooded area near May’s Cemetery. The area is fenced off and incorporates many fundamental obstacles for beginning riders like small rocks and logs, sharp turns, uphill/downhill/side hill challenges, and whoop-dee-doo’s. Help build your child’s confidence; teach basic trail riding techniques on Turkey Trot Trail.
• Only riders 16 years or under are allowed.
• Helmets must be worn at all times. We recommend wearing protective safety gear such as gloves, boots, eye protection, and body armor.
• Direct supervision is mandatory at all times.
• We encourage parents or legal guardians to walk the trail with young riders.
• Only ATVs and dirt bikes 90cc or less are allowed on the trail. No go-carts.
• A Turkey Bay riding permit is required for all vehicles
• Obey 10 mph speed limit. This trail is not a race track
• Trail traffic is ONE WAY. Stay on the marked trail and follow the arrows.
• You are responsible for your own safety. Trail use has inherent risks and you may encounter a variety of unexpected and dangerous conditions. It is your responsibility to be informed and take precautions.
• Ride at your own risk; know your limits.
• Follow safety practices recommended by the AMA and ASI — wear heavy shoes, protective clothing, shatterproof eyewear, and substantial helmets.
• Use caution while unloading and while riding in camping areas.
• Trails have two-way traffic. For safety, drive with headlights on.
• Be aware of the emergency helicopter landing zone. Do not park in its borders, denoted by white boundary markers.
• Small game, archery (deer), and turkey hunting also occur in the OHV area. Be courteous to other users on and off the trail at all times.
• Refer to the informational kiosk near the gatehouse for additional information and emergency procedures.
Official Website for Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area
