Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground offers both tent camping and glamping close to Olive Hill, Kentucky. The area sits within the Appalachian foothills at approximately 800 feet elevation, surrounded by sandstone cliffs and limestone formations. Average summer temperatures range between 60-85°F with humidity levels often reaching 80% during peak camping season.
What to do
Cave exploration permits: Obtain permits for self-guided cave trips like Horn Hollow at the park office. "Make sure to get a permit for Horn Hollow on a day of no rain or else you will not be able to enter it," notes a visitor at Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground.
Lake activities: Fish for crappie, bass, and catfish at Cave Run Lake, approximately 35 miles from Olive Hill. "Very clean and fun lake, close to campgrounds, boat rentals, marina, and hiking close," according to a camper at Cave Run Lake.
Trail hiking: Follow the red trail at Carter Caves to see natural bridges and waterfalls. "My family have been coming here for 5 generations... hike the red trail, see the natural bridge, come for pioneer week, Halloween is a hoot," advises a long-time visitor.
Mini golf: Play at the campground course at Carter Caves for approximately $3 per person. "There are a lot of activities to do while at the state park, caving, hiking, kayaking, mini golf, golf, etc," mentions a camper from Shawnee State Park Campground.
What campers like
Private tent sites: Find secluded spots at Twin Knobs Recreation Area where sites are separated by tree lines. "You camp on rock sites so it drains great if it rains. The sites are kinda secluded from one another by tree and bush lines," explains one camper.
Seasonal festivities: Experience Halloween events in October with campsite decorating contests. "We went to the campground during the Halloween festivities in October. There are a lot of activities to do while at the state park," reports a visitor.
Shower facilities: Access clean bathhouses centrally located throughout Carter Caves. "The shower and bath house was clean, could use updating but overall acceptable," notes a reviewer.
Water recreation: Swim at the Carter Caves pool during summer months or the beach area at Zilpo Campground. "Nicer spot then twin knobs in my opinion. Plently of nice spots to choose from... In walking distance to the lake so you can have a nice swim," shares a Zilpo visitor.
What you should know
Hookup distances: Electric hookups at Carter Caves may require extension cords. "You will need extra water hose and extension cords to get hooked up in a lot of the sites though," advises a camper. Another adds, "The only issue was that some of the sites were around 50 ft from the electric hook up."
Cell service limitations: Expect minimal to no cellular connectivity in some areas. At Shawnee State Park Campground, "There is absolutely no cell service in the Campground. the lodge at the top of the hill has a weak signal, but is better than nothing if you really need to check in with outside world."
Wildlife encounters: Watch for snakes during summer months, especially near water. "My only complaint is we saw at least 6 poisonous snakes. However, that is expected when venturing outdoors," reports a visitor at Grayson Lake.
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds in the area operate from April through October. "The park is amazing and I have no idea how it took me 39 years to find it so close to home," mentions a Carter Caves visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Select sites near play areas at Ashland Huntington West KOA for toddlers and young children. "Loved the fenced in soft play area for the toddlers. Great field for flying kites," notes a family camper.
Educational opportunities: Participate in ranger-led programs to learn about local geology and wildlife. "The caves are great to explore as well. Grab a ranger-guided tour and learn something! Great for the kids!" advises a Carter Caves visitor.
Site selection for groups: Reserve double sites for larger family gatherings. "We had 2 campers on the site with plenty of room. One is 37 ft and the other is 24 ft," shares a Twin Knobs camper.
Safety precautions: Keep food secure at night as raccoons and skunks are common. "Watch out for skunks, hope you see a wildcat or two, tell a ghost story," suggests a long-time visitor to the area.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Pack leveling blocks as many sites require adjustment. "Site was NOT very level. On gravel," reports a visitor at Ashland Huntington KOA.
Utility extensions: Bring extra-long water hoses and electrical cords for hookup flexibility at Iron Ridge Lake Vesuvius. "Some sites are more difficult for parking a camper than others... the water pressure was extremely high," cautions an RVer.
Sewer connections: Only certain sites at Carter Caves offer full hookups. "Also make sure to check in the details, which sites have sewer as they don't label it full hookups up front. The line of sites along the road into the campground all have sewer holes."
Site privacy considerations: Research site layout before booking if separation from neighbors is important. "I was turned off when I saw a Lazyboy by a camper. The state park looks pretty, but not campground," notes one reviewer about spacing concerns.
