Your Ultimate Guide to State Parks in Kentucky

Kentucky state parks and historic sites vary widely in the different experiences they offer. For example, you can tour the original home of 16th American President Abraham Lincoln's mother at Lincoln Homestead Park. A couple of hours' drive south, enjoy some of the best boating in the Eastern US on the more than 60,000 acres of water at Lake Cumberland State Resort Park. And that's just the central part of the state.

How many state parks are in Kentucky, anyway? We have 45 state parks and historic sites in Kentucky. While we couldn't include all of them, we have compiled a list of some of the most popular and notable state parks, selected based on their features and amenities for hikers, campers, and RVers. If you like to discover the more underrated spots, our list concludes with the lesser-known best state parks in the Bluegrass State.

Most Popular State Parks In Kentucky

While it can be tough to narrow down the best state parks in Kentucky, starting with the most popular is a wise choice. Two are prized for their natural beauty and are located within the Daniel Boone National Forest, which stretches northeast to southwest along the Cumberland Plateau of the Appalachian Mountains along the entire eastern portion of the state. Another has historical significance as the site that inspired a song that would eventually immortalize the state and also transcend geographical boundaries with themes that have moved people for generations.

1. Cumberland Falls State Resort Park

Location: Corbin, KY

Wow Factor: A 125-foot waterfall known as the "Niagara of the South"

Need To Know: It's the only known place in the Western Hemisphere where you can see a moonbow, which happens over the falls beneath a full moon.

Besides gazing at the waterfall (and moonbow, if you're lucky), other favorite things to do in Cumberland Falls State Resort Park include guided horseback rides through the Daniel Boone National Forest, hiking the more than 17 miles of trails, uncovering colorful gemstones at the gemstone flume, birding, and fishing in the Cumberland River. You can book guided whitewater rafting and paddle trips through Sheltowee Trace Adventure Resort.

2. Natural Bridge State Resort Park

Location: Slade, KY

Wow Factor: A 65-foot sandstone bridge spanning 78 feet.

Need To Know: This park is a nature preserve, so dogs are not allowed on trails, except for the Whittleton Trail accessible at the Whittleton Campground.

Part of the Daniel Boone National Forest and adjacent to the Red River Gorge Geological Area, this park is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful in the state, if not the entire country. Things to do at Natural Bridge State Resort Park include hiking or sky-lifting it up to the bridge (of course!), staying or dining at the Hemlock Lodge for spectacular views of the forest canopy, and hiking the assortment of 10 trails of varying difficulty. Canoeing and kayaking rentals are available from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

3. My Old Kentucky Home State Park

Location: Bardstown, KY

Wow Factor: A circa-1818 Federal Hill mansion filled with period antiques, art, and surrounded by formal gardens and lush, looming, century-old trees.

Need to Know: The gift shop is one of the best spots in the state to find Kentucky-made treasures, including handcrafted quilts, pottery, and small furniture pieces.

The Federal Hill mansion inspired American composer Stephen Wallace's 1853 song, "My Old Kentucky Home, Good-Night!" which quickly became an important song of the era and endures even today. During summer months, visitors gather at the park's amphitheater for the dramatic portrayal, "Stephen Foster - The Musical." Besides touring the mansion, other things to do in My Old Kentucky Home State Park include playing golf, picnicking, and strolling the beautiful grounds.

Best State Parks In Kentucky To Camp

While there are 31 campgrounds for tents and RVs throughout the Kentucky state parks system, some of the best state parks for camping have waterfront campsites. These include riverfront sites, camping on an island, and beachy lakeside spaces. Here are just a handful of options, including one that is also among the state's four parks with equestrian campgrounds. In addition to these four, note that Jenny Wiley State Resort Park and Yatesville Lake State Park also have waterfront campsites that are accessible only by canoe or kayak.

4. General Burnside Island State Park

Location: Burnside, KY

Wow Factor: A nationally recognized golf course that's also considered one of the best public courses in Kentucky.

Need To Know: Owning a boat isn't required to enjoy Lake Cumberland, thanks to a marina that offers rentals for fishing boats, pontoons, houseboats, ski boats, and slips.

Civil War Union General Ambrose Burnside once patrolled the waters surrounding the island, which gives this park its name. Today, playing a round of golf at an excellent public golf course and exploring the lake are the top picks among the many things to do in General Burnside Island State Park. Those activities in combination with the breezy lakeside air make it a top draw for camping, too. The park's campground is open from mid-March to mid-November and features 94 sites plus two facilities with showers and restrooms among its many amenities.

5. Columbus-Belmont State Park

Location: Columbus, KY

Wow Factor: A Civil War-era anchor measuring over 15 feet long and weighing more than two tons.

Need To Know: The giant anchor and section of chain on display were part of a mile-long chain that was stretched across the Mississippi River with the intention of stopping Union ships during the Civil War.

This park commemorates. and interprets several aspects of the Civil War Battle of Belmont, which occurred on November 7, 1861. Guests can reflect on this time in history while walking the park's 2.5-mile trail along the bluffs and earthworks. Other fun things to do in Columbus-Belmont State Park include birding (especially during spring and fall songbird migrations), playing mini golf, and grabbing a famous quickie dog at the snack bar. This park features 38 sites with electric and water hookups and is one of just a couple that offer fully equipped camper rentals. There are two on-site accommodations that include a kitchen and bathroom, and sleep up to six people. There's also a cabin that sleeps two.

6. Nolin Lake State Park

Location: Mammoth Cave, KY

Wow Factor: Expansive views and excellent fishing on a 5,795-acre lake.

Need To Know: The campground at Nolin Lake State Park is open year-round and has 32 sites with electric and water hookups along with 27 primitive sites.

This park draws a lot of people because of its proximity to Mammoth Cave National Park, where you can tour parts of the longest cave system in the world. Meanwhile, there are many things to do in Nolin Lake State Park without ever having to leave. While it's a favorite during the warm summer months for its public beach, park staff host holiday-themed and other events throughout the seasons. People also enjoy dropping a line to catch plentiful fish in the lake, which include bass, catfish, crappie, and walleye.

7. Dale Hollow Lake Resort State Park

Location: Burkesville, KY

Wow Factor: The view from Eagle Point Overlook.

Need To Know: You can check out free fishing equipment at the lodge.

Choose among 145 campsites, including 24 wooded equestrian sites, at this park that includes a 28,000-acre lake. Dale Hollow also has traditional cabins and camper cabin rentals. While playing a round of golf on the park's nationally recognized golf course is among the top things to do in Dale Hollow Lake Resort State Park, people also enjoy birding, hiking, caving, and taking in incredible views. Not only can you hike to Eagle Point, but you may also see eagles from December through February.

Best State Parks In Kentucky To RV

Of the Kentucky state parks with campgrounds, a few stand out for their sheer size, quality of amenities, and overall park features that make them especially attractive for RV camping. All are situated in beautiful natural surroundings (hey, it's Kentucky!), and a couple have especially unique educational features that interpret other iconic aspects of the Bluegrass State.

8. Kentucky Horse Park

Location: Lexington, KY

Wow Factor: Meeting famous Thoroughbreds at the Hall of Champions barn.

Need To Know: While Kentucky Horse Park is a "state park" because the Commonwealth owns it, this park is operated independently from the state parks system.

The resort campground is an excellent home base for anyone who wants to explore the many things to do in the Kentucky Horse Park. This is the place to learn about the many aspects of why Kentucky is the Horse Capital of the World. Park activities include three museums, daily equestrian presentations, and opportunities to ride horses and ponies, just to name a few attractions. RVers can choose among 260 campsites with paved pads, electric and water hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings. The grounds also feature laundry facilities, a grocery store, and recreational amenities such as a swimming pool and tennis courts.

9. Green River Lake State Park

Location: Campbellsville, KY

Wow Factor: An expansive, 28-mile trail network for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

Need To Know: The park's campgrounds are typically closed in January, February, and the first two weeks of March.

Things to do in Green River Lake State Park focus on enjoying its natural setting, which includes an 8,210-acre lake and over 1,300 acres of land surrounding it. People can take to the park's many trails on foot, by bike, or on horseback, or go fishing for bass, bluegill, crappie, and muskie. There's also an 18-hole mini-golf course on-site. In the summer, the lake's beach area is a hotspot for volleyball games. The park has 167 full water and electric sites and 60 primitive campsites.

10. Fort Boonesborough State Park

Location: Richmond, KY

Wow Factor: Experiencing pioneer life on the site of Kentucky's second settlement, the fort Daniel Boone established in April of 1775 on the Kentucky River.

Need To Know: While the campgrounds' RV sites are open year-round, the primitive sites and fort operations are seasonal. Call ahead to confirm operating dates and times.

This park's campground is one of the state's most popular, featuring 166 sites, 18 of which have full hookups. Top things to do in Fort Boonesborough State Park include exploring the fort, interacting with living history interpreters, boating, fishing, birding, mini golf, and short nature hikes. Don't miss the gift shop, which stocks items like pottery, lye soap, and candles made on-site at the fort, plus lots of other handmade Kentucky treasures.

Best State Parks In Kentucky For Hiking

Hikers of all experience levels will tell you the Daniel Boone National Forest is your go-to for the best hiking in Kentucky, and they're not wrong. In terms of state park hiking experiences within that forest, look no further than Natural Bridge State Resort Park and Cumberland Falls State Resort Park. Excellent hiking is just one of many reasons those two are among Kentucky's most popular state parks. But these are far from the only answers. Read on for a few more Kentucky state parks known for incredible hiking trails.

11. Pine Mountain State Resort Park

Location: Pineville, KY

Wow Factor: The view from the Chained Rock Trail.

Need To Know: The menu at the park's Mountain View Restaurant features lots of locally sourced foods and authentic Kentucky dishes.

This park became Kentucky's first when it opened in 1924 and is part of the Kentucky Ridge State Forest located on the Cumberland Plateau. It endures as a favorite natural destination, especially among those who have hiked its 12 miles of trails, which include the most popular, Chained Rock Trail, plus others like Rock Hotel and Hemlock Garden. Besides the great hiking, there are many other fun things to do in Pine Mountain State Resort Park. The nationally ranked Wasioto Winds golf course offers packages year-round, and the park's mini-golf course is open from April through October. During the summer, a pool is available to overnight guests staying in the lodge or cottages.

12. Carter Caves State Resort Park

Location: Olive Hill, KY

Wow Factor: Five natural bridges above ground and miles of caves below.

Need To Know: Cave tour opportunities vary depending on the time of year, so be sure to check the park's schedule in advance of your visit.

While cave tours are the most popular things to do in Carter Caves State Resort Park, hikers can truly get a lay of the land, above and below. This park in the northeastern edge of the state features more than 33 miles of hiking trails that beckon with varied scenes that include five natural bridges, arches, cliffs, and a box canyon. Below ground, you'll find the state's largest concentration of caves, with tours offered in four of them: X Cave, Cascade Cave, Bat Cave, and Saltpeter Cave. In addition, there are several non-commercial caves. You can also paddle, fish, or both, in the park's 45-acre Smoky Valley Lake. Kids of all ages will enjoy a mini-golf course and gem mining, both of which are open seasonally. This is one of the most remarkable state parks in Kentucky, and is filled with family-friendly adventure.

13. Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park

Location: Dawson Springs, KY

Wow Factor: The view and fishing from Fisherman's Rock.

Need To Know: You can rent or borrow equipment for almost every activity at this park, from horseshoes and fishing gear to pedal and paddle boat rentals to golf clubs and carts.

While Pennyrile Lake activities are big draws among the things to do in Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park, there's much to enjoy on the park's nine hiking trails. The trails range from easy to difficult, and one trail connector leads equestrians to the dozens of horseback riding trails in the Pennyrile State Forest. Visit the park's lodge for trail maps and other information. The park's equestrian campground is open year-round; the other campsites are only available seasonally from mid-March to mid-November.

Little-Known State Parks In Kentucky

Lesser-known hiking trails are the perfect transition to the best little-known state parks in Kentucky. Locals who live nearby frequently visit them, and visitors who have discovered them tend to return. While they may not garner the widespread attention of many other parks, this means more room to roam for those who choose them for their adventures.

14. Kingdom Come State Park

Location: Cumberland, KY

Wow Factor: Views from the park's eight overlooks.

Need To Know: Cumberland is known as the Black Bear Capital of Kentucky, so be sure to check out information about the local populations and safety awareness on display near the gift shop.

From the selfie perspective, one of the best things to do in Kingdom Come State Park is to take one of the many short hikes to the many Pine Mountain overlooks, with the most popular being Creech Overlook and the 12 O'Clock Lookout. You can pick up a guide to the 14 miles of trails when you visit. The park also features a small fishing lake, rental pedal boats, mini-golf, and horseshoe pits. There are 14 campsites, with all but two being primitive sites and the others having basic electric service. All sites feature a picnic table, fire ring, and access to a restroom. Kingdom Come State Park has to be one of the most beautiful hidden gem state parks in Kentucky.

15. Big Bone Lick State Historic Site

Location: Union, KY

Wow Factor: Bison babies.

Need To Know: The park, museum, and visitor center are free and open year-round.

The bison herd (including cute calves) tops the attractions when it comes to things to do at Big Bone Lick State Historic Site, and there's much more to discover at the site's museum and surrounding grounds. The bison are an important sign of the modern era's only connection to the Ice Age. Significant geological events occurred in the area during that time, which are interpreted along park trails, the visitor center, and museum, and a large diorama. Five different trails cover 4.5 miles and range from easy to moderate. Mini-golf and tennis courts are available to the public during warm-weather months, while guests of the 62-acre campground can enjoy an on-site swimming pool.

16. John James Audubon State Park

Location: Henderson, KY

Wow Factor: Original artwork and a complete set of The Birds of America by John James Audubon at the park's museum and nature center.

Need To Know: Because most of the park's trails are within a designated nature preserve, pets are not permitted on them, except the Eagle Glen Pet Trail and Audubon Wetlands Trail.

Begin your adventure indoors by touring the more than 200 items on display at the museum and nature center, which interpret the life of famous naturalist John James Audubon and his family during their years in Kentucky. Audubon explored the property's wooded areas, studying birds from 1810 to 1819, and so, too, can you. Things to do in John James Audubon State Park include hiking 6.5 miles of trails, fishing on the 28-acre lake, playing on the nine-hole golf course, picnicking, pickleball, and more.

17. E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park

Location: Louisville, KY

Wow Factor: One of only six Supercross BMX tracks in the US.

Need To Know: The park is open year-round from dawn to 10 p.m. with a few exceptions that close at dusk or seasonally for weather conditions.

Monthly stargazing parties, glow-in-the-dark pickleball, a mazzive swimming pool and splash pad, a six-acre off-leash dog park, an archery range, a fitness trail, and a nature trail are the tip of the iceberg when it comes to things to do in E.P. Tom Sawyer Park in Louisville. This 554-acre park also has fields for soccer and softball; courts for pickleball, badminton, tennis, and basketball; and an airfield for radio-controlled planes.

So what do you think? Do you agree that these are some of the best state parks in the Bluegrass State? We'd love to hear your picks and travel tips for these, as well as your other favorites. Speaking of, if you were drawn to our suggestions for state parks with waterfront camping, check out Lake Barkley State Resort Park and Rough River Dam State Resort Park. Both are among the best state parks in Kentucky in summer. And don't forget to gear up before heading out to explore.