Carter Caves State Park Tours

Photo by Brian Steele
Photo by Julie
Photo by Renoda Edmonds


Swap the asphalt jungle for magnificent landscapes at Carter Caves State Park. Whether you're eager to hit the walking tracks or just chill out with a picnic, this is the place to fill up on nature.

When you've finished exploring this protected natural landscape in Olive Hill, there are tons of other sightseeing opportunities in the area. Many visitors venture to Carter Caves State Park Golf Course next. It's easy to reach from Carter Caves State Park.

Plan a trip to see Carter Caves State Park

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Capital Plaza Hotel
21c Museum Hotel Lexington
Embassy Suites by Hilton Lexington/UK Coldstream

Reviews of Carter Caves State Park

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
25
5 - Excellent 69%
4 - Good
8
4 - Good 22%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
2
1 - Terrible 6%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Hikes were a good workout. Loved the cave tour

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Carter Caves State Park

Carter Caves State Resort Park

Carter Caves State Resort Park

3 out of 5
344 Caveland Dr, Olive Hill, KY
Carter Caves State Resort Park
Days Inn by Wyndham Grayson

Days Inn by Wyndham Grayson

2 out of 5
650 CW Stevens Blvd, Grayson, KY
Days Inn by Wyndham Grayson
SureStay by Best Western Grayson

SureStay by Best Western Grayson

2.5 out of 5
501 C W Stevens Boulevard, Grayson, KY
SureStay by Best Western Grayson
Americas Best Value Inn Grayson

Americas Best Value Inn Grayson

3 out of 5
205 State Highway 1947, Grayson, KY
Americas Best Value Inn Grayson
Super 8 by Wyndham Grayson

Super 8 by Wyndham Grayson

2.5 out of 5
125 Super Eight Ln, Grayson, KY
Super 8 by Wyndham Grayson
Charming 2 Bedroom Cabin in Vanceburg-Your Gateway to Kentucky's Natural Beauty

Charming 2 Bedroom Cabin in Vanceburg-Your Gateway to Kentucky's Natural Beauty

Vanceburg
Charming 2 Bedroom Cabin in Vanceburg-Your Gateway to Kentucky's Natural Beauty
Greenbo Lake State Resort Park

Greenbo Lake State Resort Park

3 out of 5
965 Lodge Rd, Greenup, KY
Greenbo Lake State Resort Park
Fairfield Inn & Suites By Marriott Ashland

Fairfield Inn & Suites By Marriott Ashland

2.5 out of 5
10945 Route 60, Ashland, KY
Fairfield Inn & Suites By Marriott Ashland
Secluded cabin located on 500 acres in the beautiful hills of Kentucky.

Secluded cabin located on 500 acres in the beautiful hills of Kentucky.

Garrison
Secluded cabin located on 500 acres in the beautiful hills of Kentucky.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Carter Caves State Park

At Carter Caves State Park, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including exciting cave exploring, serene fishing, and a round of golf. Don't miss the chance to take guided cave tours and embark on nature hikes that showcase the park's stunning landscapes. For those seeking outdoor adventures, a cavern trip offers a unique experience in the park's beautiful natural surroundings.

Shopping

The nearest shopping experience is at Camp Landing Entertainment District, located 22 miles away from Carter Caves State Park. If you're up for a drive, this vibrant spot offers entertainment, dining, and various shops, perfect for finding gifts and souvenirs to take home.

Recreation

Carter Caves State Park Golf Course offers a fantastic outdoor golfing experience right at the park, perfect for sports enthusiasts. For a touch of luxury, visit Elks Country Club, located 31 miles away, while Hidden Cove Golf Course, just 13 miles from the park, provides another great golf option.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of racing at Portsmouth Raceway Park, located 26 miles from Carter Caves State Park. Feel the adrenaline as you watch high-speed motor racing events in an energetic atmosphere, perfect for adventure enthusiasts and sports fans alike.

Nightlife

At Carter Caves State Park, the nightlife is serene yet enchanting. Enjoy stargazing around the campfire while sharing stories with fellow visitors. For a unique experience, join guided night cave tours to explore the mysterious underground world, offering a blend of adventure and natural beauty.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Carter Caves State Park

Carter Caves State Park in Olive Hill, Kentucky, offers a range of outdoor adventures for families and thrill-seekers alike. Explore impressive caves, including the stunning Cascade Caves, or enjoy a round of golf at nearby courses. This state park is perfect for those seeking educational experiences and the beauty of nature, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the great outdoors.

  • Bat Cave and Cascade Caverns: Located only 0.5 miles from Carter Caves State Park, this park offers a unique blend of outdoor fun and eco-friendly experiences. Explore fascinating caves and the surrounding natural beauty, perfect for families and nature enthusiasts alike.
  • Kentucky Christian University: Situated 10 miles away, this educational institution is rich in culture and history. The campus features beautiful architecture and provides opportunities to engage with local art and events, making it a great stop for those interested in the educational landscape.
  • Greenbo Lake State Resort Park: About 15 miles from Carter Caves, this state park is a haven for adventure seekers. Enjoy scenic hiking trails, fishing, and breathtaking views of the lake, making it an ideal location for outdoor activities and relaxation.

Best time to go to Carter Caves State Park

The best time to visit Carter Caves State Park can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Carter Caves State Park falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Carter Caves State Park falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January32.9°F (0.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February36.7°F (2.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
March45.3°F (7.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June72.3°F (22.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July75.7°F (24.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August74.1°F (23.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September68.4°F (20.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October57.2°F (14.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
November45.5°F (7.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
December38.8°F (3.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Carter Caves State Park

To save money on your trip to Carter Caves State Park, consider visiting between November and January when accommodation prices are lower. Sundays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly options by sorting prices from lowest to highest and look for package deals that combine flights and hotels for additional savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and earn you OneKeyCash for future bookings. Enjoy free activities in the park to further stretch your budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Carter Caves State Park are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to July and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Carter Caves State Park is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Carter Caves State Park is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to customize your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To find the best prices and deals, make sure to sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Carter Caves State Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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