My boyfriend and I just finished exploring Kentucky for our 2012 vacation. We drove from Arkansas to Carters Cave then down to Cumberland Falls and on to Mammoth Cave. We spent two nights at every place and by far we enjoyed our time at Carters Caves much better. The resort staff were very helpful and down to earth. We enjoyed the horseback riding and the hiking! I love the Quilts on the barns in this area! Very nice place to stay. My only complaint is the same i have for most state parks...... its time for makeovers!!

Needed to get away from the week's hard work so I made reservations at Carter Caves State Resort and then played Eagle Ridge or Yatesville State Park in Louisa and Hidden Cove at Grayson State Park. The Chip Shot works for me. I eat coming into town so the stay and play supported my need for a get-away and two rounds of golf.

I was at Carter Caves in the 1960's with my parents, in the 1980's as a parent and again in 2012 as a grandparent. It is a really beautiful park and very family friendly. Many activities - most of which cost a few dollars but are fun and entertaining. My big complaint about this park is that the trees are almost all pine trees - very little shade and if you're there camping on the wrong spot when the weather is really hot - it can be trying. The pool, which is generally fairly cold was a saving grace. When the temperature was 90+ the pool was 75 degrees - after you got in and got used to the water is did wonders for your body temperature!!!!!!! Great family park but if you don't know the campsites, before you make reservations check with the PARK itself about shaded sites. We ask the reservation company and their advise was really bad. Their recommended beautiful shady sites - weren't!!!!!!!

I couldn't find any place to write a review for the campground so I am adding it here... My family and I love this campground. I met my husband (almost 17 years ago) while camping here, and we try to make a trip back with our family every year. They have primitive sites as well as sites with full water and electric hook-ups (these cost a little extra). Even though we camp in tents, we choose spots with water and electric which makes for easier cooking and more child friendly amenities (recharging batteries for electronic devices used when the sun goes down). I would recommend looking at the online maps of the campsites. There are several sites that would make for great RV spots (shady, cool, good parking) that would make terrible sites for tents (extreme slopes, no grass, no shade, rain trenches, etc). You can book your spot online, ahead of time. I would suggest that you look at the map, look at the available pictures of the location, and then make your reservation. There are two bath houses, so I wouldn't worry so much about proximity to those, but you might also want to consider how close you will be to the playgrounds. There are guided cave tours, canoeing, mini-gold, horseback riding, and a pool (these cost extra). While we typically partake in at least a couple of these activities (the pool is very nice and one activity that we almost always do), there are more free/low cost activities that we also indulge in. When you check in, be sure to ask for the activity guide. This guide will give you information about all of the activities that are being sponsored in addition to the usual activities. For example, there was a free ice cream social and a dance party this past weekend. There are also hiking trails (free) around the entire park. We have done quite a few of these over the years, and they are all unique and quite beautiful. The best part is that most of them are quite cool even during the hottest part of the day. If you choose to hike in the evening, even during summer, I would suggest a light-weight jacket and I'd add pants if your planned to go on cave tour (there are several to choose from). Finally, I want to mention the cave-in movie this weekend. My son was thrilled with the idea of watching a (relatively recent) movie in a cave. I thought this was a clever idea, and he had a lot of fun. Finally, I cannot say enough about how family friendly this campground is. We will be going back, hopefully soon.