Camping at CARTER CAVES STATE RESORT PARK
Overview of Carter Caves State Resort Park
Carter Caves State Resort Park is located in northeastern Kentucky in Carter County near Olive Hill. The park encompasses over 2,000 acres and is well-known for its beautiful limestone caves and rugged terrain. The park's unique geological features include more than 20 caverns winding beneath its forested hills, two of which are open for guided tours year-round.
Camping at Carter Caves State Resort Park
Camping Facilities: The park provides a campground that includes facilities such as electric and water hookups, a dump station, and a central service building with restrooms and showers. The campsites can accommodate tents and RVs, with some spots being pull-through sites for larger vehicles.
Reservations: It's recommended to make reservations in advance, especially during the peak season or around popular holidays when the park experiences increased visitor traffic. You can make reservations online through the Kentucky State Parks reservation system or by calling the park directly.
Season: The campground is usually open from early spring through late fall. Specific opening and closing dates can vary by year, so visitors should check with park announcements or contact the park staff for current information.
Activities in the Park
Cave Tours: One of the main attractions of Carter Caves State Resort Park is exploring the caves. Guided tours are available for X-Cave and Cascade Cave, where you'll see stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and underground waterfalls. The temperatures inside the caves remain constant, making cave tours enjoyable year-round.
Hiking and Trails: The park features over 30 miles of hiking trails that range from easy to difficult. These trails offer visitors the chance to explore the region's natural beauty, including forests, caves, cliffs, and canyons.
Fishing and Boating: There are opportunities for fishing at Smoky Valley Lake, where anglers can catch bass, bluegill, and catfish. A valid Kentucky fishing license is required. Rowboats and canoes are available for rent seasonally.
Other Activities: The park also provides various other activities, including a miniature golf course, a swimming pool (seasonal), horseback riding, picnicking, and a range of scheduled educational and recreational programs.
Park Amenities
Lodging and Dining: In addition to camping, the park offers hotel-style lodging at the Lewis Caveland Lodge. There is also a restaurant on-site providing meals with a view of the surrounding woodlands.
Visitor Center: The park's visitor center has exhibits on local history, geology, and wildlife, as well as a gift shop with souvenirs and educational materials.
Accessibility: The park strives to accommodate guests with disabilities wherever possible, but due to the natural terrain, some areas may not be fully accessible. Visitors with specific needs are encouraged to contact the park directly for more information.
Important Tips for Visitors
- Always check the weather forecast before arriving and plan your activities accordingly.
- Follow all park rules and guidelines to preserve the natural habitat and ensure safety.
- Precautions should be taken when exploring caves, such as wearing appropriate footwear and staying on designated paths.
- Pack out what you pack in, to maintain the park's cleanliness and protect wildlife.
- Leave no trace principles should be followed to minimize your impact on the environment.
Address and Contact Information: The park is located at 344 Caveland Dr, Olive Hill, KY 41164. For more information or to make reservations, you can contact Carter Caves State Resort Park by phone.
Before you embark on your trip to Carter Caves State Resort Park, it’s a good idea to visit the park’s official website or contact the park directly for the most recent information about trail conditions, cave tour availability, campground updates, and any advisories or restrictions.
