54 Acres of Unrestricted Land Along the Cumberland River for Sale in Barbourville, Kentucky
A large tract of unrestricted land along the Cumberland River in Knox County, Kentucky, is currently listed for $90,000, following a significant $25,000 price reduction on September 6, 2026. Located at 5380 South KY #11 near Barbourville, this approximately 54-acre property offers a combination of river access, wooded and recreational opportunities, wildlife habitat, hunting and fishing possibilities, and multiple potential building locations.
Unlike a conventional residential listing, this property is being offered as unimproved land, with no bedrooms or bathrooms currently associated with the parcel. The listing describes the property as unrestricted, meaning buyers may have greater flexibility in considering future uses, subject to local zoning, permitting, floodplain regulations, environmental requirements, and other applicable rules.
One of the property’s defining characteristics is its relationship to the Cumberland River. The listing notes that the parcel located near the river is within a floodplain, while another parcel area on the opposite side of the road is not. This distinction is especially important for anyone considering construction or other permanent improvements.
With utilities reportedly present along the road frontage, which extends across the full width of the property, the land may offer several locations worth evaluating for a future homesite or other permitted use.
54 Acres With Multiple Potential Uses
The property encompasses approximately 54 acres, giving prospective buyers considerably more land than a typical residential homesite.
The listing describes the acreage as unrestricted and highlights a wide range of potential recreational and residential possibilities. Buyers could consider the land for a future home, outdoor recreation, hunting, fishing, trails, wildlife observation, or simply as a larger private tract in a rural Kentucky setting.
The actual use of the property will depend on zoning, parcel boundaries, access, floodplain restrictions, utility availability, and other local requirements. Therefore, buyers should verify which activities and structures are legally permitted before purchasing.
The property’s zoning is identified in the listing as AR, with the zoning description listed as Farm. This designation is an important part of the property’s profile and should be reviewed directly with the appropriate local authorities before a buyer makes assumptions about residential construction, agricultural activities, commercial uses, or subdivision possibilities.
Cumberland River Frontage and Outdoor Recreation
The Cumberland River is one of the property’s most prominent features.
The listing specifically promotes opportunities for fishing and recreation along the river. For outdoor enthusiasts, owning acreage associated with a major Kentucky waterway can create opportunities for spending time outdoors without having to travel to a separate recreation area.
The river setting may also provide scenic views and access to natural surroundings. Wildlife activity can be another attraction, particularly on a large rural tract containing a mix of open and wooded areas.
However, the exact nature of river access should be confirmed during due diligence. Buyers should verify the legal boundaries of the property, the location of the river relative to the parcel, access points, easements, and whether all portions of the riverbank are included within the property being sold.
Floodplain Considerations Are Important
One of the most important details in the listing is the distinction between the land near the river and the area on the opposite side of the road.
According to the listing, the parcel near the Cumberland River is located within a floodplain, while the parcel on the opposite side of the road is not.
This is a critical consideration for anyone planning to build.
Floodplain status can affect construction requirements, insurance, access, septic considerations, financing, and the types of improvements that can be placed on a property. A buyer should not assume that every part of the 54 acres has the same development characteristics.
Before purchasing, buyers should obtain current floodplain information and determine the precise boundaries of any flood hazard areas. They may also want to have a qualified surveyor identify the relationship between the property boundaries, road, river, and potential building sites.
For someone primarily interested in a homesite, the non-floodplain portion of the property may deserve particular attention.
Potential Building Sites Along Road Frontage
The listing states that utilities are present at the road frontage, and that the road runs along the entire width of the property.
This could provide multiple locations to investigate for potential building sites.
Having road frontage across a substantial portion of the property can be useful because it may offer flexibility when considering where a future home or other permitted structure could be positioned.
Still, utility presence at the road does not necessarily mean that every utility is already connected to the property or that connection will be inexpensive. Buyers should verify exactly which utilities are available, where the connection points are located, and what costs would be associated with extending services to a future building site.
The listing does not provide a completed residence, septic system, water connection, or other finished residential infrastructure. Therefore, anyone planning to build should budget separately for site preparation, driveway construction, utility connections, septic or wastewater solutions if required, foundation work, construction, permits, and other development expenses.
Unrestricted Land in a Rural Setting
The listing describes the property as unrestricted land, which is a notable feature for buyers looking for flexibility.
Restrictions can vary substantially between properties. Some rural developments have homeowners’ associations, architectural requirements, minimum house sizes, restrictions on animals, or other covenants. The listing for 5380 South KY #11 indicates no HOA, and the property is identified as being in a rural community.
The absence of an HOA may give an owner more independence in how the land is used, but it does not eliminate government regulations. Zoning, building codes, floodplain rules, environmental regulations, access requirements, and other laws may still apply.
Buyers should obtain documentation concerning the property’s title, easements, restrictions, zoning classification, and legal access before closing.
Hunting and Wildlife Opportunities
The listing highlights abundant wildlife and hunting opportunities.
A 54-acre rural property can provide significantly more room for outdoor activities than a conventional residential lot. Depending on the property’s terrain, vegetation, and surrounding land uses, it may provide habitat for various forms of wildlife.
For hunters, the location could be worth investigating as a private recreational property. Buyers should determine which hunting activities are permitted, review Kentucky wildlife regulations, and understand any requirements involving seasons, licenses, hunting methods, and safety.
Wildlife activity can also make the land attractive to people interested in photography, nature observation, hiking, and simply spending time away from more densely developed areas.
Recreational Trails and Exploring the Property
The listing also mentions recreational trails.
Existing trails can add practical value to a larger tract because they may make it easier to move around the property on foot or with permitted recreational vehicles. Trails can also provide access to different parts of the acreage and create opportunities for hiking, wildlife observation, or hunting.
Prospective buyers should walk the property during due diligence to understand its terrain and condition. A 54-acre tract can look very different on a map compared with its actual ground conditions.
Topography, drainage, vegetation, creek crossings, road access, steep sections, and property boundaries are all worth examining in person.
A Rural Property Near Barbourville
The property is located in the Barbourville, Kentucky, area of Knox County.
The listing describes it as being minutes from Barbourville while maintaining a rural setting. This combination may appeal to buyers who want a larger parcel without being completely isolated from town.
Barbourville provides access to everyday services and amenities, while the property’s rural location offers a different environment from a traditional neighborhood.
Exact travel times can vary depending on the route and destination, so buyers who are considering the property for a primary residence should independently verify commuting distances to work, schools, healthcare, grocery stores, and other regularly used destinations.
Farm Zoning and Future Residential Plans
The property’s zoning is listed as AR / Farm.
For a buyer considering construction, this is one of the first details that should be investigated.
Farm zoning may allow certain agricultural or rural uses, but the exact regulations can differ depending on the governing jurisdiction. Buyers should contact the relevant planning or zoning authority to determine whether a single-family residence is permitted, what setbacks apply, whether multiple homes could be constructed, and what requirements would apply to agricultural buildings or other improvements.
The listing itself promotes the possibility of building a dream home, but that should be treated as a potential use to verify rather than a guarantee of development approval.
Utilities at the Road
One potentially useful feature is the reported presence of utilities at the road frontage.
Because the road runs across the full width of the property, utility availability may provide several potential locations for future development.
Nevertheless, prospective buyers should ask exactly which utilities are available. The listing does not provide a detailed breakdown of electrical, water, natural gas, or sewer availability.
For a future homesite, buyers should determine whether public water is available or whether a well would be necessary. They should also investigate whether septic installation is possible on the desired building site, especially considering the property’s proximity to the river and the presence of floodplain areas.
A soil evaluation or other site-specific testing may be appropriate before purchasing if a septic system is required.
Recent $25,000 Price Reduction
The current asking price is $90,000, after a $25,000 reduction on September 6, 2026.
With approximately 54 acres, the current asking price equates to roughly $1,667 per acre, although acreage pricing alone does not determine the market value of a rural property.
Factors such as river frontage, road access, floodplain boundaries, zoning, timber, terrain, utilities, development potential, recreational value, and surrounding land uses can all influence how buyers evaluate a property.
The listing does not provide a Zestimate or price-per-square-foot figure, which is expected for an unimproved land listing.
The property has been on Zillow for 318 days, according to the supplied listing information, with the listing updated on September 5, 2026.
What Buyers Should Verify Before Purchasing
Large rural parcels require careful due diligence because important characteristics can vary significantly across the property.
Before making a purchase decision, buyers should consider verifying:
- Exact acreage and parcel boundaries
- Current property survey
- Legal road access
- Any easements crossing the property
- Cumberland River frontage and access rights
- Current floodplain maps
- Which portions are outside the floodplain
- Zoning and permitted uses
- Utility availability at the road
- Utility connection costs
- Septic feasibility if needed
- Well requirements if public water is unavailable
- Property taxes and assessments
- Hunting and recreational regulations
- Timber rights, if applicable
- Mineral rights, if applicable
- Any deed restrictions or covenants
- Drainage and topography
- Road and driveway access
- Building setbacks and other local requirements
These checks are particularly important because the property contains both river-adjacent land and land described as being outside the floodplain.
Who Might Consider This 54-Acre Property?
The property could be of interest to several different types of buyers.
A buyer looking for a future homesite may be interested in the road frontage and reported utility availability, particularly after confirming a suitable building area outside the floodplain.
A recreational landowner may focus more on the river, fishing, wildlife, trails, and hunting opportunities.
Someone interested in rural or agricultural land may want to investigate the AR Farm zoning and determine which agricultural activities are permitted.
The property could also appeal to a buyer who simply wants a larger tract of land for long-term ownership, privacy, and outdoor recreation.
For each of these uses, however, the buyer should verify the legal and physical characteristics of the property before assuming that a particular plan will be possible.
Final Thoughts on 5380 South KY #11
5380 South KY #11 in Barbourville, Kentucky, is a 54-acre unimproved property offered for $90,000 after a $25,000 price reduction. The acreage combines rural land with a prominent Cumberland River setting and is marketed as unrestricted property with opportunities for building, recreation, hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, and trail use.
One of the most significant advantages described in the listing is the road frontage extending across the full width of the property, with utilities reportedly available along the road. This may provide multiple areas to investigate for a future homesite.
At the same time, the floodplain distinction is an essential consideration. The listing states that the portion near the Cumberland River is in a floodplain, while the parcel on the opposite side of the road is not. Buyers should obtain current floodplain information and determine precisely where the buildable or otherwise usable areas are located.
The property is also identified as AR, with a Farm zoning description, making zoning verification another important step for anyone considering residential or agricultural development.
At $90,000, the property offers a substantially larger amount of land than a typical residential lot, but the total cost of turning raw acreage into a developed homesite could be considerably higher than the purchase price. Site preparation, utilities, access, septic or water infrastructure, permits, and construction would all need to be evaluated separately.
For buyers interested in Kentucky rural land, river recreation, hunting, fishing, or a potential future homesite, this 54-acre tract provides a range of possibilities worth investigating. The most important next step is thorough due diligence—particularly regarding floodplain boundaries, zoning, utilities, legal access, and the precise characteristics of each portion of the property.
From Zillow