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Carter Caves State Resort Park
Overview
Carter Caves State Resort Park is a premier destination for subterranean exploration and forest immersion in Eastern Kentucky. Located in the heart of the Kentucky highlands, this park is famous for having the highest concentration of caves in the entire state. RVers will find a well-maintained campground that serves as a perfect basecamp for discovering a hidden world of limestone formations, **cascading waterfalls**, and lush hardwood forests that transform beautifully with the seasons.
Location & Surroundings
Situated in **Olive Hill, KY**, the park is easily accessible via I-64, making it a convenient stop for travelers moving between Lexington and Huntington. The surrounding landscape is defined by the rugged beauty of the **Appalachian Plateau**, featuring deep ravines and dramatic natural rock arches. Visitors are greeted by a dense canopy of oak and hickory trees that provides excellent shade and a refreshing sense of seclusion from the busy outside world.
Amenities & Park Features
The campground features several **full hookup sites** along with standard electric and water options suitable for various RV sizes and configurations. Practical amenities include clean bathhouses, a central dump station, and a laundry facility to accommodate longer stays. Guests can also enjoy a variety of on-site facilities designed for comfort and recreation:
- A **seasonal swimming pool** and miniature golf course.
- On-site dining at the **Caveland Lodge** restaurant.
- A camp store stocked with essentials and souvenirs.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The main draw is undoubtedly the guided **cave tours**, which range from easy walking paths in lighted caverns to strenuous crawl-through adventures for the truly brave. Above ground, travelers can explore over 26 miles of hiking trails that lead to impressive natural bridges and the peaceful **Smoky Valley Lake**, which is perfect for fishing and paddling. For a more relaxed afternoon, the park offers gem mining, tennis courts, and bird-watching opportunities within its protected wildlife habitats.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is an ideal fit for **active families** and nature enthusiasts who enjoy a mix of organized activities and wild exploration. It is particularly well-suited for RVers who appreciate a **resort-style atmosphere** with the convenience of on-site dining and structured tours while still being surrounded by raw, geological beauty. If you are looking for a destination that offers both underground wonders and lush forest hikes, this park is a top-tier choice for your next Kentucky road trip.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Internet
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
D M
We stay here every year when visiting family in Grayson. The park is beautiful, family friendly and pet friendly. The rooms are clean and the beds are comfortable! Nothing but good things to say. The only negative “for me” is driving back from Grayson into the park at night … the roads are very curvy and it’s dark!!
James C Davis
Booked my elderly parents at the hotel for a treat in their travels. The room ( whilst older in structure) was very, very comfortable. They were well treated, with extra care and their needs were meet. The resturant nearby the hotel is service by the park and they enjoyed the friendly waitstaff and the food was very good and within a reasonable price zone for them. They said they look foward to visiting the park again.
Pete Williams
Park is in great shape. Very cool drive into the park that winds along the river. We did the X cave tour with our 2 toddlers, they had a fantastic time. We also played mini golf and camped in the primitive campsite. Overall very impressed with this park and encourage anyone to visit!
Mark Blackburn
We had a wonderful time at Carter Caves State Resort Park. The weather was beautiful, so we focused on hiking to the 5 different natural bridges. There are cave tours, horse back riding, and even an area for repelling. If you are local, it is a great place for a day trip, picnic, or family get together. If you travel to the park, I would suggest staying 2 or 3 days at the campground, lodge, or one of the cottages. Carter Caves is very scenic with a number of beautiful views, streams, and a lake. The picnic areas have tables, grills, and access to play areas. Carter Caves has pavilions, but I would suggest contacting the park to see if you can reserve them. I would highly recommend visiting Carter Caves State Resort Park and beginning your visit at the welcome center to see everything they have to offer. Please see the pictures I posted which include the brochure, cave tour pricing, and maps. Important! Contact the park in advance regarding camping. Camping is either very limited or closed at this time. Carter Caves is renovating the campground and installing full hookups at many of the campsites.
Robert Olmstead
This is a hidden gem of a park and resort lodge. Stayed here 2 days in August, 2025. Rooms are clean and AC works. Shower good and bathroom exhaust fan worked. Price very affordable (under $100. a night). Lots of cave tours, and hiking was incredible -- amazing rock formations to see. Would not recommend the lodge restaurant. Did not try pool or lake, but they're included in a lodge stay. Lodge staff and park guides very responsive and informative. I do wish the web instructions on cave tour schedules were more clear, and how to book tours was clearer. The carpeting in the main lodge needs replacing, but it's a small detraction. This place is great.