Carter Caves State Resort Park

Star4.32
79 reviews
344 Caveland Drive, Olive Hill , Kentucky, 41164, United States

Quick Facts

1,043 ft

Price

$25 - $100/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Kentucky State Parks site

Official Website
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Carter Caves State Resort Park
$25.00 - $100.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Golf cart permits are $25 for a week or $100 for the calendar year. Cabins and cottages reservations require calling the park directly, while...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.32

Recommended

Based on 79 reviews

2550 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanwell-maintained

"User reviews are overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the park's natural beauty, diverse activities, and friendly staff. However, complaints include crowded sites, occasional maintenance issues, and inconsistent cell service."

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Campground Map

344 Caveland Drive, Olive Hill , Kentucky, 41164, United States

Carter Caves State Resort Park

344 Caveland Drive, Olive Hill , Kentucky, 41164, United States

Driving directionsTake I-64 to exit 161. Turn EAST onto US 60 for 2 miles. Then turn left onto NORTH KY Route 182. Park Entrance is 3 miles from turning north onto Rt. 182.
Access to the park from major roads includes paved routes. However, some reviewers warned about GPS navigation leading to rough gravel roads, especially if pulling a camper. One user review stated: 'Be warned if you are taking a camper to check Google Maps or a map first so that you don't get taken that direction.' Seasonal closures or access updates are not mentioned in the authoritative content.
Nearby places
Olive Hill (approximately 7 miles), Grayson, KY (approximately 25 minutes for supplies)
Nearby supplies
Supplies are available within the park, including retail shops selling firewood, ice, snacks, and bait & tackle. For larger needs, a user review notes traveling approximately 25 minutes to Grayson, KY.

Best Time to Camp at Carter Caves State Resort Park

Each season paints Carter Caves in its own distinctive palette. Summer days warm to the pleasant 80s, perfect for cave tours that offer cool underground respite. Autumn transforms the hillsides into a tapestry of gold and crimson that draws leaf-peepers from across the region. Spring awakens the trails with wildflowers and rushing streams, while winter brings a crystalline beauty to the landscape, with temperatures that can dip below freezing, creating magical ice formations in the cave entrances.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Pleasant summer temps and cool cave tours; popular and can be crowded in peak season.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 23% in KY

Fall recommended for comfortable temps and vibrant foliage; highly praised in reviews.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring recommended along with fall for comfortable temps and vibrant scenery.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Open year-round but some facilities limited in winter; quieter but fewer services.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Peak season dates are not explicitly mentioned, though activities and full services appear to be more active in late spring, summer, and early fall.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Available year-round, though some facilities, like water supply and bathhouses, may have seasonal closures. For example, one user review noted the campground had no water in the off-season but had electricity available.

About Carter Caves State Resort Park

Step into a world of underground wonders and outdoor adventure at Carter Caves State Resort Park, where limestone labyrinths meet forested trails in perfect harmony. Whether you're descending into mysterious caverns on guided tours, scaling rock faces with the morning mist at your back, or paddling through serene waters, this Kentucky gem delivers experiences that resonate long after you've returned home. From twilight glow golf sessions to sweet summer ice cream socials, the park weaves together natural exploration with family-friendly festivities throughout the seasons.
Carter Caves State Resort Park provides a variety of camping options, from primitive and backcountry sites to full-hookup RV sites.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in times are not specified.
Check-out
Check-out times are not specified.
Stay Limit
The authoritative content does not mention a maximum consecutive night stay limit.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

The park offers a diverse range of activities, including hiking, cave exploration, boating, fishing, swimming, biking, and wildlife viewing. Seasonal and special events like glow golf, haunted trails, and instructional programs add to the variety.
HikingThe park has over 30 miles of trails, with varying difficulty levels from easy to challenging. Notable trails include the Four Cs Trail and the Three Bridges Trail. Trails are generally well-marked, but one user noted mileage discrepancies.
ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.
FishingFishing is available in the park's small lake and nearby rivers. Specific types of fish are not mentioned, but the area is suitable for casual fishing.
SwimmingSwimming is available in a large outdoor pool, which is free for cabin guests. However, some users noted the pool can be cold, and the diving board area is closed.
Biking20 miles of mountain biking trails are available, suitable for various skill levels.
BoatingBoating activities include canoeing and kayaking on the park's lake and rivers. Rentals are available on-site.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSafety concerns include narrow gravel roads, steep terrain, and water hazards within caves. One user noted a trail section smelled like a septic system due to water runoff.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Carter Caves State Resort Park

Reviews

4.3
79 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Carter Caves State Resort Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the park's natural beauty, diverse activities, and friendly staff. However, complaints include crowded sites, occasional maintenance issues, and inconsistent cell service.
Review Summaries
Based on 79 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors appreciated the well-maintained trails, scenic caves, and the variety of activities. The lodge's restaurant received praise for its food quality and reasonable pricing. Cabins were described...
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Based on 79 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include crowded and closely spaced campsites, low water pressure in bathrooms, and outdated facilities in the lodge. Some users also mentioned rude maintenance staff and limited...
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Based on 79 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own extension cords and water hoses for RV hookups. Closed-toed shoes are recommended for cave tours, and visitors should call ahead to confirm cave tour availability. The park is best...
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Based on 79 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are the most recommended seasons due to comfortable temperatures and vibrant natural scenery. Summer is popular but can be crowded, while winter offers solitude but limited facilities.
Based on 79 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Could spend a couple weeks there and still not hike all the trails.' - Jasper Clayton. 2. 'The hiking trails were in good condition, well marked.' - Jessica Robinson. 3. 'Sites are close...
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Based on 79 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #88 was noted to need more grass. Outer edge sites are larger and more private. Sites with sewer are only on the outer loop.
Based on 79 reviews

Accessibility Features

Golf cart access with proper permits is a notable feature for disabled guests.
Based on 79 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome on trails but not allowed in caves.
Based on 79 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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