The Carter Caves region in Olive Hill, Kentucky sits in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains at approximately 800 feet elevation, characterized by limestone formations and dense hardwood forests. Camping seasons typically run April through October when temperatures range from 50-85°F, with several RV-friendly campgrounds offering varying levels of hookups near the cave systems and hiking trails.
What to do
Cave exploration tours: Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground offers multiple guided cave tours ranging from easy walking tours to more advanced spelunking adventures. "Various levels of cabing experience at a reasonable cost. Lots of hiking, fairly well marked. Almost every hike is relatively short with an arch or natural bridge as a feature," notes Bryan G.
Fishing and water activities: The Ole Cornfield provides direct access to the Licking River for fishing and kayaking. "The grandkids love to play in the river, which is about 1 to 2 feet deep at this location. Great for wading and catching minnows, crawdads, and such," shares Karen P., adding that the site is also "close to Cave Run Lake for boating and fishing."
Hiking natural bridges: Multiple trails wind through the area's unique rock formations. At Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground, "The park has a lot to do, not just the caves. There's tons of waterfalls off the trails, and other things to see," says Chris B., while Amanda S. notes the park "has some of the best natural bridges I have ever seen."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers repeatedly mention the well-maintained facilities at area campgrounds. At Outpost Campground & RV Park, visitors appreciate that "Laundry was inexpensive and accessible all hours," according to Marc A. For those seeking family-friendly amenities, Dustin L. reports the camp has "a nice addition" with its pool, and "the camp store has the essentials that you may need during your stay."
Riverside camping: Direct water access ranks high among camper preferences. At The Ole Cornfield, campers enjoy waterfront sites where "you arrive the host brings you wood and a picnic table. Helps if you need anything. The campground is always extremely clean as are the bathrooms," according to Karen P., who appreciated having "Lots of space for the kids to run."
Family-oriented activities: Many RV campgrounds near Olive Hill, Kentucky feature recreational options for all ages. Jason G. noted that at Outpost Campground & RV Park, there is "a great, centrally located playground where the kids were able to run around after being in the truck for eight hours," making it an "excellent stopover" for traveling families.
What you should know
Hookup distances: At Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground, be prepared for potentially long connections. "Some of the sites were around 50 ft from the electric hook up. Thankfully we were able to switch spots instead of renting an extension cord," advises autumn L. Several sites require extra-long hoses and cords.
Site spacing varies: Site proximity differs significantly between campgrounds. At 4 Guys RV Park at Red River Gorge, Anne D. notes it's a "Commercial campground, so sites are close without trees to separate," though they are "large level sites" that are "convenient to mountain parkway."
Seasonal considerations: Most RV parks in the area operate from April through October. At Oasis Point RV Resort, plan for limited shade as one camper described it: "This is not a campground in the woods. It is on a strip mine so expect a lot of rock and no shade."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water features: Oasis Point RV Resort & Adventure Lake offers unique water recreation. "They have a large pond that has a nice beach, a huge slide and a zip line. They have kayaks, paddle boards and floats first come first serve," reports Karen P., adding "The kids loved it."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campsites offer chances to spot local fauna. At Carter Caves, Becky H. suggests families should "hope you see a wildcat or two" and "watch out for skunks" while enjoying the park activities.
Holiday-themed camping: Several campgrounds offer seasonal events. Carter Caves hosts special weekends that are "a hoot" according to one camper, who recommends visiting "for pioneer week, Halloween is a hoot."
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Some sites in the area require careful setup. At Robert Newlon Airpark RV Park, Jason G. notes that "The sites did hold a bit of water after a strong rain, be prepared if bad weather is expected." Check weather forecasts before arrival.
Site selection considerations: When booking at RV campgrounds in Olive Hill, Kentucky, research site amenities carefully. At 4 Guys RV Park, Raven M. shares: "My only complaint, and I will say it is a very small complaint — it must be a relatively new park because there are no shade trees." Call ahead to discuss specific site features.
Seasonal RV park options: Many local campgrounds are new facilities with growing amenities. At Sheltowee RV Park & Cabins, Brad L. observes that "The sites are a little tight but overall very nice and kept up to date," while also being "Super close to all the sightseeing."
