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Carter Caves State Resort Park

Carter Caves State Resort Park is located in Olive Hill, Kentucky and is a popular destination for outdoor recreation. The park features a variety of activities, including camping, hiking, fishing, canoeing, and more. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, wild turkey, and a variety of birds. The park also features a variety of caves, including the X-Cave, Cascade Cave, and Saltpetre Cave. Visitors can explore the caves on guided tours or explore them on their own. The park also offers a variety of lodging options, including cabins, cottages, and a lodge. The park also features a restaurant, gift shop, and a swimming pool. Carter Caves State Resort Park is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the natural beauty of Kentucky.

Amenities

- Recreational Facilities

• Swimming Pool
• Pool Extra Fee ($)
• Lake
• Swimming
• Fishing
• Ramp
• Body Of Water (Smokey Valley Lake)
• Horseshoes
• Rec Hall
• Playground
• Golf
• Archery Range
• Kayaking/Canoeing

- Policies

• Pets Welcome
• Day Max Stay (14)
• Tent Camping Allowed

- Other Amenities & Services

• Restroom and Showers
• Laundry
• Guest Services
• Self-Service RV Wash

- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)

• Fishing
• Hiking
• Boating
• Kayaking/Canoeing
• Mountain Biking
• Rock/Mountain Climbing
• Snow Sports

- Facility

• Type (State Park)

- Internet

• WiFi Hotspot

- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)

• Season: Winter

- On-Site Rentals

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- Sites

• Spaces Available (120)
• Width (30)
• Paved Sites (120)
• Max Length (45)
• 30 Amp
• 50 Amp
• Water (120)
• Electric (120)
• Max Amps (50)
• Pull-thrus (5)
• Pull-thru Size (30 x 45)
• Back-ins (30 x 35)
• Site Length (45)
• Fire Rings

User Reviews

Carla Miller

May 03, 2025

What an amazing hidden gem, we stay in a cabin, so many amazing trails and caves, our favorite was Laurel Cave, access by permit only, we were the first this season it opened May 1, be prepared to get wet. Horn Hollow cave was cool as well, also permit only. We saw salamanders in both of these. The guides cave tours were ama7as well, two different bats Indiana and Tri colored as well as salamanders. Be sure to check out all the natural bridges, Smoky Bridge was the best, Box Canyon was a pleasant surprise as well short trail amazing rock formations. Plenty of spring flowers still out. The staff and Park Rangers have all been very knowledgeable, professional and friendly. Definitely coming back, bonus pet friendly our guys loved the trails.

keely harra-shepard

May 01, 2025

Very beautiful, very hidden state park, with lots of great hiking trails for the more experienced hiker! Lots of very beautiful woods all around! We came 10 yrs ago, and as a family, all of us loved it, and talked for 10 yrs about when we could go back - so we finally did a week ago! Very happy we stayed again!

Racheal Rauck

March 15, 2025

Cabin was clean and very nice. There were some minor issues: not all windows could be open and pots and pans were somewhat limited. Breakfast at the lodge was delicious and reasonable. Our waitress was friendly and attentive. The front desk staff were helpful and friendly. Trails were well marked and there were some nice spots to park next to creek.

Adena Gwirtz

February 15, 2025

Absolutely stunning place to go caving! Crawling, yes I mean crawling on all fours or belly sliding as some prefer was a fantastic treat to a full body workout. Getting permits was pretty easy and the rangers were very informative.

Scott S

February 03, 2025

I stayed one night along with a friend. We took the Cascade Cave tour on the first day. It is a beautiful cave.. it's a short tour but worth the $12. Hayden was a great guide. The lodge was average. The heat didn't seem to work well in our room, but the rooms were clean and reasonable for the price. We didn't check out the restaurant, but the food smelled good.

James Stearnes

March 21, 2022

Carter Caves has always been a favorite place or mine to go for a day or a week. I rented a cottage and did some day hiking. It is a great place to hike , mountain bike, canoe or kayak, and there is now a climbing and rappelling area. I like to go there in the Spring and Fall best. I go there dozens of times each year. Just did a overnight backpacking trip on the Four Cs trail to Johnson Home Place back country camping. You need a permit but you can get it at the lodge. Nice trip

Bluepriest18

March 21, 2022

Cool trail system with lots to see, will return. Only problem is the cave tours weren't running alot when I visited but it was off season so I understand but ill be returning. Great gift shop, lots of stuff. Lodge was a bit run down and looked more like a motel, so I don't think I'll be booking a room.

Ricky Adams

February 27, 2022

Anybody who has not went to Carter caves should really go with your entire family. I went with my kids and grand babies.every body had a great time. And to be completely honest with you. It really was amazing. Our tour guide flat knew his business. Everyone needs to go you will love it .and the resort was really nice and there is all kinds of hiking trails for everyone new and young and for the old so go check it out

Maria Topmiller

February 21, 2022

Came for a family weekend and it was a great time! We were able to get cabins all next to each other, the staff at the lodge were always friendly and helpful. Being close to the playground and trail head was a great bonus! Cabins were cozy and had enough space for all our stuff. There wasn't any wifi in the cabins we were in, but that wasn't an issue for us. I recommend this state park for anyone looking to get outdoors on some gorgeous trails!

Chris Walker

January 25, 2022

This is obviously a much smaller cave system and park than mammoth caves. However mammoth caves while impressive due to size doesn't really have quite as much cave feel to it because of that size... That being said these are not claustrophobic caves that make you crawl on your hands and knees it's just most areas are closer to a standard hallway with larger rooms scattered here and there. I enjoyed this trip more than I thought.

Map for Carter Caves State Resort Park

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