Reservations are available and recommended at Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground, which runs from April through October with nightly rates between $20 and $80. The roads into the park are notably winding, so drivers towing large rigs should take their time on the approach. Sites accommodate RVs up to 45 feet, though mature trees throughout the campground can make maneuvering into some spots genuinely difficult. Several reviewers with larger rigs report needing 50-foot water hoses to reach hookup boxes, and water pressure at shared connections can run low enough that filling a fresh tank and running off it becomes the practical solution.
Site quality varies considerably across the campground. Spots near the road into the horse campground tend to be flatter, and reviewers consistently recommend sites 100 and 102 for shade and spacing. Some electric hookups serve two sites from a single shared box, and the distance from pad to pedestal can be significant. Not all sites with electric also have sewer, so checking individual site details before booking saves confusion on arrival. The campground splits into a tent area and an RV section, and the two tend to operate at different energy levels, especially on weekends.
The caves are the main draw. Guided tours run at low cost, and several trails weave through the park's geology, including natural bridge formations and arches. As Heather H. puts it, the roads in are "super winding but go slow." Bill B. lists the park's draws as "hiking, geocaching, exploring, mini golf, fishing and of course caves." A pool is available to campers at a discounted rate, and a lodge with a restaurant sits within the park. Firewood is sold at the camp store, though it runs expensive.
Pets are allowed, and WiFi is available on-site. Verizon service has been confirmed by multiple visitors. The bathhouse has showers and toilets, though hours aren't always posted clearly. Campers heading out for the day should secure gear at their site, as rangers may interpret a cleared campsite as a departure. The Equestrian Campground at Carter Caves State Resort Park sits roughly a mile northwest for those arriving with horses, and Valley Breeze RV Campground to the east is worth considering for RV campers who prioritize level, full-hookup sites with fewer access constraints.
Description
Hidden deep under the northeast forests of Kentucky, strange formations with names like Giant Turkey, Headache Rock, and The Cathedral mingle with cave corals, underground waterfalls and thousands of endangered bats. This is what awaits visitors to Carter Caves State Resort Park, approximately 90 miles east of Lexington. The park was only established, and the cave environments protected, in 1946. Prior to this, the land—and caves—have a long and storied history. It begins millions of years ago, when North America was in its development stage, with the land rising and falling, cracking and washing away. This began forming the caves as seen today. Fast-forward to the 1800s, and the caves served as a resource during the War of 1812. Today however, this 2000-acre park—both above and below ground—serves as a recreation destination for campers and adventurers. The resort at Carter Caves offers a variety of overnight options, including camping, cottages and a lodge. Campers will find a large campground with 89 RV sites with utilities, 30 primitive tent sites, eight equestrian sites, and two bunkhouses. Most RV sites are back-in, and can accommodate vehicles/trailers up to 60 feet; bunkhouses can accommodate up to six people. The campground features bathhouses with showers, water faucets, picnic shelters, horse stables, and a playground. The park’s cottages are fully equipped with linens, cookware, and most have wood-burning fireplaces; these can accommodate up to eight people. The Lewis Caveland Lodge offers 28 rooms with full amenities, balconies and patios. Dogs are permitted in designated areas, and must remain leashed. Campsite rates are $18–$55/night; cottages and lodge rooms are $75–$240/night. The main attraction at Carter Caves State Resort Park is … the caves! There are six named caves in the park for exploring. Some are open year-round, some are only open during the summer. The park offers guided walking tours in four of the caves. Tours range from 45 minutes to 2.5 hours, and require some stair-climbing and stooping. There are also two caves open for self-exploration. These are undeveloped, and require visitors to provide their own light source. For the adventurous, there are also two cave crawling expeditions. These tours are three hours long, and explore tight, undeveloped passages that require lots of crawling, stooping and duck-walking in muddy conditions. For visitors who would rather stay and play above ground, the park features 26 miles of hiking trails, guided horseback rides, putt-putt golf, rock climbing, and fishing and paddling on Smoky Valley Lake.
Warning 3 Alerts are In Effect
There are 3 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 3 Alerts are In Effect
There are 3 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Due to weather, Kentucky State Parks cannot guarantee the availability of water or other resources at our campgrounds during inclement weather months when freezing temperatures are possible. Please contact the park directly for available resources if traveling during months that are conducive to freezing temperatures.
Reservations for the Equestrian Campground are accepted ONLY by contacting the Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground directly at 606-286-4411. Select option 4 for the campground. Online reservations or calls to ReserveAmerica are not available for the Equestrian Campground. Camping in the Equestrian Campground is open to Equestrian Campers year round. Non-Equestrian Campers choosing this campground must wait until 10 days before chosen arrival date to make a reservation. As always, all information is SUBJECT TO CHANGE without notice.
Burn Bans may be in effect. Please contact the Park for details on restrictions.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsCarter Caves State Resort Park Campground is located in Kentucky near Olive Hill
Directions
Take 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.
Address
344 Caveland Drive
Olive Hill, KY 41164
Coordinates
38.37200043 N
83.11800018 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/11/26
Verizon5GGood Coverage- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/11/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/11/26
- Verizon5GGood Coverage
- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/11/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
