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The best camping near Carter Caves State Resort Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Carter Caves adventure.

100% (5 reviews)
100% (5 reviews)

Forest hikes, subterranean wonders, and lakeside fun await at Carter Caves.  

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Carter Caves State Resort Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Carter Caves State Resort Park

100%
(415)

The Viking Longhall

10 sites ¡ Lodging, Tents5 acres ¡ Peebles, OH
The Viking longhall has been 9 years in the making by a group of semi serious Viking enthusiasts: the result is a 60 foot long building that has 18, 8,x4' sleeping berths. Set apart from the main open area it also boasts 2 meeting rooms and a kitchen. The campsite is a very peaceful place. Some go as far as to say a healing place! We are proud of what we have achieved and now want people to come out and enjoy it also. The field is close enough to the Appalachian highway (state route 32) for convenience, but far enough not to be bothered by it. The area is steeped in Native American culture. In fact, the world famous Serpent Mound is but 8 miles away, with many other Adena culture sites within easy driving distance. It's also in the heart of the Amish community. The area is known for its natural beauty with many hiking trails and canoeing opportunities. The area is awash in beauty and history from the ancient mound culture to the amish culture. The area has many hiking trails some of which are part of the buckeye trail and range in length from an easy 1 mile loop to rugged hikes of many miles. Come out and share the land that we have loved for the last 30 years PLEASE NOTE….WE WILL NO LONGER BE SUPPLYING BEDDING OR TOWELS.
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$50
 / night
97%
(50)

Big Laurel Ranch

9 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents350 acres ¡ Blaine, KY
Big Laurel is a working cattle farm on land that has been in our family for 4 generations. The farm consists of 370 acres of bottomland pasture along the creek and quiet woodlands where you can explore jagged rock cliffs and beautiful vistas. The woodlands are undergoing transformation as we continue an ongoing forest rehabilitation project to return our land to its natural state as a deciduous hardwood forest. Spotted on the farm is an amazing abundance of wildlife including wild turkeys, white tailed deer, pileated woodpeckers, bobcats, coyotes, foxes, bear, and red tailed hawks.
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$12
 / night
81%
(26)

Rush Creek RV Campsite

9 sites ¡ RVs3 acres ¡ Cannonsburg, KY
Experience our small and private RV sites in a quiet location in the rural town of Rush, near Ashland KY. We provide full hook ups with 30 amp electric connection, water, and sewage. We also provide wifi throughout the property. We are an 8 minute drive from Rush Off-Road - a 7,000 acre off-road park with over 100 miles of trails with new trails being opened up regularly. The RV sites can accommodate up to a 50 ft RV or trailer as well as parking for an additional car or truck. The site dimensions are 30ft wide by 60ft long. Your RV/trailer must be self-contained as we do not have a toilet onsite. The sites are flat and guests will have to back-in. Pets are welcome but you must keep them on leash. Campfires are permitted as long as there is no fire ban. PLEASE NOTE, I can provide a discount if you are booking for one month or more. Please contact me for the discount code if you're interested in booking a long-term stay.
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$50
 / night
100%
(19)

Hardwood forest

5 sites ¡ Tents57 acres ¡ Morehead, KY
Learn more about this land:There are several camp sites to choose from. This is natural forest and terrain. You can camp on top of the ridge, near the cliffs, by the cave, or by the creek. If you dont mind a few curious cows and goats you can fish in the pond too. There’s 57 acres to hike. Some trails and a lot of unbroken forest.  If you like hiking in Kentucky then you know that you should bring your bug spray if you plan to break some trails..
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$50
 / night
100%
(14)

Possum Ridge Ranch

4 sites ¡ Tents375 acres ¡ Sandy Hook, KY
Our remote 375 acres part farm and part natural woodland nestled up to Daniel Boone Forest is ideal for hikers and nature lovers. There are several hiking trails onsite and plenty of woods to explore. We are a short driving distance from Cave Run Lake, Grayson Lake, Carter Caves, and Red River Gorge.
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$25
 / night
98%
(62)

Myhio Haven Horse Farm

4 sites ¡ Tents60 acres ¡ West Portsmouth, OH
Established in 1983 on a 60-acre plot of land right in the Shawnee State Forest. The property is beautiful with flat land, fields, and at the back are the foot hills of the Appalachian Mountains. We put a horse farm on the land in 2000. The horses here are my family and I want to expand and offer more opportunities on the land. That's when I came across Hipcamp! I'm excited to share a piece of my heaven that I'm fortunate enough to call home.
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$30
 / night
97%
(17)

Bear Pond

2 sites ¡ Lodging3 acres ¡ West Union, OH
Serene, Rolling Hills, Fresh air. Hiking Buzzards Roost, Canoe/Kayaking @ MoonDoggie LIVERee, visiting Family Traditions Animal Zoo, Miller’s Amish furniture and Bakery, Shawnee National Forest, Adams State Lake, Serpent Mound, Tranquility Wild Life Shooting Range, your away from everything but close to what ever you want. Bigfoot Country (Sasquatch Hunting is allowed, however like fishing, they are catch and release only😎) . Nice private spot accommodates Tent Camping, Car camping, or even if your taking an Overland Trip. Bearpond will accommodate small RVs and Travel trailers. Nola's Cabin is a New availability as an Extra. Nola's Cabin is a Cozy small quiet cabin situated at the end of the gravel driveway under the trees. Overlooks the small valley down into the hill across the creek. Nice cozy place out of the elements. Electric is available. accommodates 4 people nicely. Twin (1) over full bunk (2) with Trundle (1). 6 inch Memory foam pads with liners are present on beds. Get a good nights rest while on your getaway, and still enjoy your outdoor cooking, fishing and star gazing.
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$35
 / night
100%
(15)

Family Farm Experience

9 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents86 acres ¡ Wallingford, KY
Learn more about this land:What an awesome place for kids to experience farm life. Accessible on site is a shelter house, playground, farm animals for kids to see, feed or pet, and the privacy of a small working cattle farm to enjoy. We have a gas and wood pellet smoker, tv and DVD player, fridge and freezer, and tables under roof. There is a small game room in case of implement weather. Also have an above ground pool available in season. So much to do! Also local shopping in historic Maysville and Washington
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$50
 / night
Booked 2 times

Ohio River Private Paradise

3 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents17 acres ¡ Stout, OH
Enjoy our private paradise with over 800 feet of riverfront on 17 acres along the shores of the beautiful Ohio River. We have a great landing for fishing, swimming, or kayaking. The sunsets are fantastic and the night sky incredible! Behold the barges passing by on the river as you unwind and relax in the peacefulness of nature! This is a primitive camp with three sites available for you to consider. Some things to know: We will provide a key code close to your arrival time so you can enter the gate by the road. If you are coming by river, we will put a flag on our landing. You can drive your vehicle right down to the sites. The farm is flat and easily navigated as long as it is dry. There will be a 5 gallon cooler of potable water for you to use. More water is available if we are at the property. We have 2 outhouses located on either end of the property. Firewood is plentiful by the river. We have some wood under a black tarp by the pavilion fire pit available for an additional fee. We have one neighbor who can make some noise with ORVs especially on weekends. Activities in the area include: 4 nature preserves The Conservancy properties Adams Lake State Park Lynx Prairie Serpent Mound Cedar Falls Moondoggie Livery Shawnee State Park Shawnee State Forest with over 60,000 acres and 8.000 acres of wilderness. Horse and ATV trails The Buckeye Trail The Ohio River Way Lewis and Clark Trail
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$42
 / night
100%
(25)

Red River Gorge Glamp Camp

3 sites ¡ Lodging20 acres ¡ KY
There are many vacation listings claiming to be "in the Gorge", actually almost all of them are miles away. Don't be mislead, check our location on the map! The Glamp Camp is a very rare private property actually inside the Red River Gorge. It is surrounded by 30,000 acres of scenic, mostly uninhabited Forest Service land. No need to drive to distant trails. Walk from the camp into miles of primitive forests. Massive cliffs, giant boulders and pristine streams surround the camp. Walk to the Red River and world-class climbing sites. Short drive to major trail heads, caves, waterfalls and stunning arches. *Ask me about where to go and what to see, I'm happy to help. Free map in your glamper. Dunkan Branch, a pristine, babbling stream flows feet from the Glamper. The property is gated and access restricted to our guests only. Guests get 10% discounts for kayaking with Red River Adventure, and at Mill Creek Lake at nearby Natural Bridge State Park.
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$139
 / night

The Landing Strip Campground

68 sites ¡ RVs5 acres ¡ Morehead, KY
Join us for your next camping trip. 68 sites are open with 30 and 50-amp services at each site, as well as water and sewer. Wifi is coming soon! The Landing Strip is a large developed RV campground providing full hookups with more coming soon!
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$45
 / night

Dagwoods Land of the patriot

2 sites ¡ RVsGimlet , KY
This land has been in my family for many generations! Once owned by the founder of Gimlet, KY. Untouched and clean primitive land!Learn more about this land:Bring a tent or a self-contained camper! Pets are allowed to enjoy freedom! Also, it's just a short drive to Grayson Lake and Paintsville Lake with fishing, boating and swimming! Both a 10-15 minute drive.
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$75
 / night

The best camping near Carter Caves State Resort Park guide

Overview

About

Kentucky’s largest concentration of caves lie hidden beneath the forested hills of the Carter Caves State Resort Park. Venture underground to admire Cascade Cave with its 30-foot subterranean waterfall and X Cave with its dazzling stone arches, spirals, and pipes. More than 30 miles of trails wind through the surrounding woodlands, so bring your hiking boots, mountain bike, or horse, and set out to explore. That’s not all—there’s also a rock climbing and rappelling area, an 18-hole miniature golf course, and the 45-acre Smoky Lake, where you can fish, boat, or rent a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard.

Notable campgrounds

  • Best for family campers: Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground has primitive tent camping and RV sites with electric hookups.
  • Best for horsey Hipcampers: Equestrian Campground has eight RV sites with electric hookups and space for horse trailers. 
  • Best for backcountry campers: Eagles Nest Campsite has a half-faced shelter and backcountry tent site along the 4 C’s Trail.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. You can reserve 129 tent, RV, or equestrian campsites at Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground via the Reserve America website. 
  2. Permits for the Eagles Nest and Johnson Homeplace backcountry campsites can be reserved by contacting the Lewis Caveland Lodge.
  3. Campsite reservations open 12 months in advance and should be made a minimum of one day before arrival.  

When to go

Outdoor adventures can be enjoyed through all four seasons at Carter Caves. Plan a summer visit to paddle the lake, or come in spring or autumn when the weather is ideal for hiking, horseback riding, and rock climbing. Bird-watchers will be in their element in winter and early spring, while cave tours are held daily throughout the year. Carter Caves State Resort Campground stays open year-round. 

Know before you go

  • Carter Caves State Resort Park is 90 miles east of Lexington or about a 90-minute drive, off Interstate 64.
  • There is no admission fee, but camping reservation fees apply. Some activities, such as miniature golf and cave tours, charge a fee, and fishing permits are also required.
  • Facilities include a lodge, restaurant, and bunkhouse; a welcome center and gift shop; restrooms and picnic areas; and a boat launch.

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