The best camping near Carter Caves State Resort Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Carter Caves State Resort Park adventure.

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Forest hikes, subterranean wonders, and lakeside fun await at Carter Caves.

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Community favorites near Carter Caves State Resort Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Carter Caves State Resort Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Carter Caves State Resort Park

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The Viking Longhall

10 sites · Lodging, Tents5 acres · Peebles, OH

The Viking longhall has been 9 years in the making by a group of semi serious Viking enthusiasts: the result is a 60 foot long building that has 18, 8,x4' sleeping berths. Set apart from the main open area it also boasts 2 meeting rooms and a kitchen. The campsite is a very peaceful place. Some go as far as to say a healing place! We are proud of what we have achieved and now want people to come out and enjoy it also. The field is close enough to the Appalachian highway (state route 32) for convenience, but far enough not to be bothered by it. The area is steeped in Native American culture. In fact, the world famous Serpent Mound is but 8 miles away, with many other Adena culture sites within easy driving distance. It's also in the heart of the Amish community. The area is known for its natural beauty with many hiking trails and canoeing opportunities. The area is awash in beauty and history from the ancient mound culture to the amish culture. The area has many hiking trails some of which are part of the buckeye trail and range in length from an easy 1 mile loop to rugged hikes of many miles. Come out and share the land that we have loved for the last 30 years PLEASE NOTE….WE WILL NO LONGER BE SUPPLYING BEDDING OR TOWELS.

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The LAAAAND (just you & 50 acres)

2 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · Frenchburg, KY

When you want to get away to nature, what do you envision? We're a family that loves to camp; and while we love a stop at a KOA or community campground, we sometimes crave quiet time in nature without the noise and distraction of other campers. That's what makes The LAAAAND so special. The property is comprised of 50 pristine acres, with a mix of fields and woods, that bump up against another 250 acres owned by our family friends. The southern perimeter of the property is all cliff line, so you feel truly remote. The possibilities of sound pollution are limited to a far-off dog barking, horses being ridden down a nearby trail, or the possible hum of a distant lumber yard. Other than that, you'll mostly hear the wind rustling trees, deer and critters making their way through the woods, and possibly a waterfall at certain times of the year. Oh, and you will absolutely hear whipoorwhills, most likely at a time you'd rather not (we've decided they're charming). Over the nearly 2 decades we've owned this property we have spent countless weekends enjoying the simplest of pleasures; watching butterflies dance in the tree canopy, having dance parties at sunset on the deck, forging new trails and hiking into the unkown, sitting in the truck bed late at night gazing at a star-covered sky counting shooting stars. If you are looking for a space and place to reset and reconnect, The LAAAAND is waiting for you.

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Home Afarm

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents11 acres · Seaman, OH

Our little hobby farm was procured in December 2021. While we're just getting started our new home, we hope you'll enjoy sharing the orchard, meadows, forest, and swimming pond with us. "Roads go ever ever on, under cloud and under star. Yet feet that wandering have gone turn at last to home afar." Learn more about this land: Come relax atop the Appalachian foothills of southern Ohio. Enveloped in the heart of Tranquility Wilderness Area, our 11 acres has a mix of native pawpaw, peach, pear, and persimmon trees, deciduous forest, cedar woods, wild meadows, a small swimming pond, and a large, accessible field for ample flat for tents and room to play. Trails through the woods are being worked on, and facilities expanded as the seasons pass. Mellow nature’s soundtrack of birds, crickets, and frogs and enjoy an incredibly clear view of the night sky. Hiking, kayaking, biking, birding, fishing, hunting, swimming, and more are available at several state parks and historical sites like within 10-30 minutes of the farm. Amish country is likewise near at hand with several bakeries, markets, furniture shops, and greenhouses. Our primitive sites are spaced for privacy, with a gravel parking area near the cottage and additional field parking is available near the road on the opposite site of the main house. While most sites are walk-in only, the upper field sites may be able to be parked near and the Lower Meadow, Boneyard, and Oak Grove may be able to be driven to, as weather and site conditions permit.

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Bear Pond

2 sites · Lodging3 acres · West Union, OH

Serene, Rolling Hills, Fresh air. Hiking Buzzards Roost, Canoe/Kayaking @ MoonDoggie LIVERee, visiting Family Traditions Animal Zoo, Miller’s Amish Furniture and Bakery, Shawnee National Forest, Adams State Lake, Serpent Mound, Tranquility Wild Life Shooting Range, or even just stargazing. Your away from everything but close to what ever you want. Bigfoot Country (Sasquatch Hunting is allowed, however like fishing, they are catch and release only😎) . Nice private spot accommodates Tent Camping, Car camping, or even if your taking an Overland Trip. Bearpond will accommodate small RVs and Travel trailers. Nola's Cabin is a New availability as an Extra. Nola's Cabin is a Cozy small quiet cabin situated at the end of the gravel driveway under the trees. Overlooks the small valley down into the hill across the creek. Nice cozy place out of the elements. Water and Electric is available on site, with only Electric in Nolas Cabin. Nolas Cabin accommodates 4 people nicely. Twin (1) over full bunk (2) with Trundle (1). 6 inch Memory foam pads with liners are present on beds. Get a good nights rest while on your getaway, and still enjoy your outdoor cooking, fishing and star gazing. During inclement weather, a single serve K cup style coffee maker and Microwave are available to start your morning off. Bear Pond does have garbage bags upon request. But we ask you carry your refuse out with you due to the wildlife. Bear Pond is Furry Family Friendly. Just be mindful of possible wildlife if your Furry family members is off leash.

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Ohio River Private Paradise

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents17 acres · Stout, OH

Enjoy our private paradise with over 800 feet of riverfront on 17 acres along the banks of the beautiful Ohio River. We have a great landing for fishing, swimming, or kayaking. The sunsets are fantastic and the night sky incredible! Behold the barges passing by on the river as you unwind and relax in the peacefulness of nature! This is a primitive camp with three sites available for you to consider. Some things to know: We will provide a key code close to your arrival time so you can enter the gate by the road. If you are coming by river, we will put a flag on our landing. You can drive your vehicle right down to the sites. The farm is flat and easily navigated as long as it is dry. There will be a 5 gallon cooler of potable water for you to use. More water is available if we are at the property. We have 2 outhouses located on either end of the property. Firewood is plentiful by the river. We have some wood under a black tarp by the pavilion fire pit available for an additional fee. We have one neighbor who can make some noise with ORVs especially on weekends. Activities in the area include: 4 nature preserves The Conservancy properties Adams Lake State Park Lynx Prairie Serpent Mound Cedar Falls Moondoggie Livery Shawnee State Park Shawnee State Forest with over 60,000 acres and 8.000 acres of wilderness. Horse and ATV trails The Buckeye Trail The Ohio River Way Lewis and Clark Trail

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Backwoods Hideaway

1 site · Lodging85 acres · Morehead, KY

This is a camping cabin, in the middle of the Daniel Boone National Forest. We are about 85 acres, surrounded by hundreds of acres of national Forest. We are located about 2 minutes from the Sheltowee Trail, and approximately 30 minutes away from Cave Run Lake. This is a cabin with comfort. You can camp and also enjoy nature.

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Myhio Haven Horse Farm

4 sites · Tents60 acres · West Portsmouth, OH

Established in 1983 on a 60-acre plot of land right in the Shawnee State Forest. The property is beautiful with flat land, fields, and at the back are the foot hills of the Appalachian Mountains. We put a horse farm on the land in 2000. The horses here are my family and I want to expand and offer more opportunities on the land. That's when I came across Hipcamp! I'm excited to share a piece of my heaven that I'm fortunate enough to call home.

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Waterfront on The Edge

3 sites · Tents10 acres · Manchester, OH

Each campsite is along the waters of Ohio Brush Creek. This sacred waterway is also home to the Serpent Mound. Ohio Brush Creek is The Edge of Ohios Appalachia! The is much to be discovered in an area of glacial boundaries and ancient earthworks with 31 state and private nature preserves for hiking. And great paddling adventures on OBC and The Ohio River at The Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Wifi is available but very weak to non existent signal as you are in rural Appalachia.

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Possum Ridge Ranch

13 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents375 acres · West Liberty, KY

Our remote 375 acres part farm and part natural woodland nestled up to Daniel Boone Forest is ideal for hikers and nature lovers. There are several hiking trails onsite and plenty of woods to explore. ATVs or side by sides are welcome to be used on the main gravel roads and some designated areas of our property. There is plenty of wildlife around but no hunting is allowed. Our designated tent sites do have firepits and picnic tables. Our trek in sites do not have those options. Pets are welcome for $10 per pet/per booking and they do need to be leashed/under control at all times. This is an extra so please be sure to add that if you plan to bring your pet. Please pick up after them. We are a short driving distance from West Liberty, Cave Run Lake, Grayson Lake, Carter Caves, Morehead, Natural Bridge and Red River Gorge. We are approximately 20 minutes from the nearest store so you'll want to come prepared. We are located in West Liberty (Morgan County). There is a centrally located bathhouse with toilet, shower and sink and a hose for potable water. We have firewood for sale for $15 per bundle and is an extra option when booking(use what you need during your stay and it is located at the tent sites), you can bring your own and you are welcome to gather from the surrounding area but please do not cut down any living trees/limbs.

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A Rustic Ravine Cabin Adventure

26 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents400 acres · Genoa, WV

West Virginia’s Coolest, Newest, Vacation Cabin Rental and Hip Camping Resort! The idea for creating a cabin rental/camping vacation getaway in the Allegheny Mountain Range came to life over several meetings at a Bob Evans restaurant in Columbus, Ohio, between co-owners Paul and Christy Liimatta and Joe Boffo. Joe had been accumulating land in the Genoa, West Virginia, area for several years and had dreamed of building cabins, tree houses and uniquely designed vacation rentals and campsites on a beautiful area called Hampton Ridge. Come and judge for yourself ;)

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The Mill @ Slate Creek

1 site · RV, Tent14 acres · Mount Sterling, KY

The Mill @ Slate Creek is a small creekside farm nestled in Montgomery County, Kentucky. As a newly established farm, we're excited to embark on this journey. Our primary focus is on berries. In the spring of 2024, we planted 100 blackberry plants, anticipating our first harvest in 2025. The future holds endless possibilities, and we dream of expanding our offerings beyond berries. Currently, we offer just one camping spot, but we have plans to increase that number soon. Our site boasts electric and water hookups, providing convenience and comfort for our guests. Join us at The Mill @ Slate Creek for a tranquil getaway amidst nature's beauty.

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Close To Carter Caves

1 site · Lodging5 acres · Olive Hill, KY

Enjoy the day at the beautiful Carter Caves State Park and escape the crowds when you stay at our house! The Rock Bridge and river pictured are at Carter Caves. Plan to unplug and unwind down a narrow road in our open floor plan, three bed and one bath home. Two bedrooms each have a queen bed while the third has a set of bunk beds. The living room also has two futons. Bedding and towels are not provided, so please bring your own! The kitchen, however, should have most everything you need.

The best camping near Carter Caves State Resort Park guide

Overview

About

Kentucky’s largest concentration of caves lie hidden beneath the forested hills of the Carter Caves State Resort Park. Venture underground to admire Cascade Cave with its 30-foot subterranean waterfall and X Cave with its dazzling stone arches, spirals, and pipes. More than 30 miles of trails wind through the surrounding woodlands, so bring your hiking boots, mountain bike, or horse, and set out to explore. That’s not all—there’s also a rock climbing and rappelling area, an 18-hole miniature golf course, and the 45-acre Smoky Lake, where you can fish, boat, or rent a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard.

Notable campgrounds

Best for family campers: Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground has primitive tent camping and RV sites with electric hookups.
Best for horsey Hipcampers: Equestrian Campground has eight RV sites with electric hookups and space for horse trailers.
Best for backcountry campers: Eagles Nest Campsite has a half-faced shelter and backcountry tent site along the 4 C’s Trail.

Tips for snagging a campsite

You can reserve 129 tent, RV, or equestrian campsites at Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground via the Reserve America website.
Permits for the Eagles Nest and Johnson Homeplace backcountry campsites can be reserved by contacting the Lewis Caveland Lodge.
Campsite reservations open 12 months in advance and should be made a minimum of one day before arrival.

When to go

Outdoor adventures can be enjoyed through all four seasons at Carter Caves. Plan a summer visit to paddle the lake, or come in spring or autumn when the weather is ideal for hiking, horseback riding, and rock climbing. Bird-watchers will be in their element in winter and early spring, while cave tours are held daily throughout the year. Carter Caves State Resort Campground stays open year-round.

Know before you go

Carter Caves State Resort Park is 90 miles east of Lexington or about a 90-minute drive, off Interstate 64.
There is no admission fee, but camping reservation fees apply. Some activities, such as miniature golf and cave tours, charge a fee, and fishing permits are also required.
Facilities include a lodge, restaurant, and bunkhouse; a welcome center and gift shop; restrooms and picnic areas; and a boat launch.