OLIVE HILL, Ky. (June 16, 2026) – Today, Team Kentucky cut the ribbon on a $3.8 million campground renovation at Carter Caves State Resort Park. The project’s funding was provided through legislation signed by Gov. Andy Beshear during the 2024 legislative session, which allocated $40 million for campground improvements at Kentucky State Parks.
“Kentucky State Parks are a huge part of our record-breaking $14.6 billion tourism industry because they strengthen our local economies and offer experiences Kentuckians and visitors love,” said Gov. Beshear. “The upgrades to Carter Caves’ campground will help more families enjoy the outdoors and offer inclusive, modern amenities for travelers visiting our New Kentucky Home.”
Rocky Adkins, Senior Advisor to Gov. Andy Beshear, joined Kentucky tourism and state park leaders on Tuesday for the celebration at Carter Caves State Resort Park.
“From cave tours to hiking to fishing, Carter Caves offers activities and natural wonders that draw folks from all over, which led to a 2.7% increase of visitor spending in Carter County last year,” said Adkins. “This newly renovated campground will mean a lot to this area and draw even more tourists. I’m thrilled to be a part of this announcement and appreciate the good work of our Kentucky State Parks team in making this happen.”
Building on the New Kentucky Home initiative to attract more visitors to the commonwealth, campground improvements include a new campground store and bathhouse, ADA campsites, the addition of sewer sites and upgraded electric and water lines. These improvements are designed to ensure visitors have access to modern conveniences while enjoying the outdoors.
“Camping is a major tourism draw at Kentucky State Parks, for visitors from within our commonwealth and beyond,” said Tourism, Arts & Heritage Cabinet Secretary Lindy Casebier. “We are excited for visitors to check out the changes and anticipate rolling out more New Kentucky Home renovations in the coming months.”
“Kentucky State Parks has been working hard to implement these upgrades in time for the summer camping season,” said Kentucky State Parks Commissioner Mark Kellen. “We look forward to welcoming campers back so they can experience all the exciting upgrades made here at Carter Caves.”
Located at 344 Caveland Drive, Carter Caves State Resort Park is known for its natural beauty and cave systems and is a popular destination for campers exploring the area’s unique limestone formations and beautiful landscapes. The park boasts an array of accommodations and activities, including the Lewis Caveland Lodge, cottages, Tierney’s Cavern Restaurant, a welcome center with a gift shop, cave tours, rappelling and rock climbing, gem mining, hiking, paddling, playgrounds, a swimming pool, tennis courts and more.
During the 2024 legislative session, Gov. Beshear signed House Joint Resolution 56, releasing $71 million for capital construction projects, including building system upgrades, accommodation improvements and recreational amenity enhancements. Gov. Beshear also signed House Bill 6, allocating over $66 million for state park upgrades for various parks.
Gov. Beshear announced that $720,000 in new grant funding is available for Kentucky Trail Towns to repair, enhance and promote recreational projects.
To capitalize on Kentucky’s historic economic momentum and record-breaking tourism success, Gov. Beshear recently announced New Kentucky Home, a strategic initiative to further drive economic investment, attract and retain talent and increase tourism across the commonwealth.
Last week, the Governor announced that 2025 was the best year on record for tourism, the fourth consecutive record-breaking year, generating $14.6 billion in economic impact and supporting 96,993 jobs.
Kentucky’s impressive economic success over the last five years is a direct reflection of the Beshear administration’s continued investments in the tourism industry.
In 2025, Gov. Beshear announced five new tourism development projects, generating an estimated $118 million in economic investment. These projects are expected to create approximately 298 jobs when operational.
Since the beginning of the Beshear administration, 37 tourism development projects totaling an estimated investment of $1.1 billion have received final approval. Once operational, these projects will create more than 5,000 jobs. This is the highest investment figure secured during the tenure of any governor in the commonwealth’s history.
Additionally, the administration has invested $88.1 million in Kentucky’s tourism industry, including $75 million in ARPA funding to boost the state’s tourism industry and economy and $13.1 million to strengthen promotional marketing efforts.
For the latest updates and information on events, or to book a campsite, visit parks.ky.gov.
Kentucky is home to 44 state parks, including 17 resort parks and 13 golf courses. For more information about Kentucky State Parks, visit parks.ky.gov.