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 Reservation
- You can reserve 129 tent, RV, or equestrian campsites at Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground via the Reserve America website.
- Permits for the Eagles Nest and Johnson Homeplace backcountry campsites can be reserved by contacting the Lewis Caveland Lodge.
- 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.
Carter Caves State Resort Park
Forest hikes, subterranean wonders, and lakeside fun await at Carter Caves.
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.
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.
Activities in the park
1 campground in Carter Caves State Resort Park
At Carter Caves State Resort Park, you’ll find a whole smorgasbord of amenities. If you stay at the fieldstone lodge, you’ll get a private balcony or patio looking out into the forest; if you cozy up in one of the cottages, you’ll get a wood-burning fireplace, a dishwasher and microwave (Hello, conveniences!). If you want to camp out with your hor Read more...
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Notable Campgrounds
Notable Campgrounds
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
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
Public campgrounds (book externally) —