Five Great Places to Go Camping in Kentucky
The Top 5 Sites to Go Camping in Kentucky.
Camping is an adventure that thousands of people embark upon every season, and KY is the destination that is on every camper's must visit list. Some people out there are experts in the the Blue Grass State camping landscape. While others have never even been to a KY park. If you are looking for a new site to spend the weekend camping or are well versed in the Kentucky campgrounds, take a look at these awesome camp sites. The top five on my list is Natural Bridge State Park Campground, Cumberland Gap National Historic Park Campground, Koomer Ridge Campground, Carter Caves State Park Campground, and Lake Malone State ParkCampground.
Camping Is an Important Family Past-time.
Families all across the United States come to the summer break with one major thought on their mind, where will the family vacation be this year? Whenever I am asked my opinion on a summer vacation, I often suggest camping. There is no family activity that is comparable to it. What else can you do where the whole family works together, gets some fresh air, makes lots of memories, and learns new skills.
Camping has been bringing families together since the early 1900s. The peaceful seclusion of the woods encourages everyone to interact with each other without extra distractions. Fathers get to teach their children how to fish, and mothers get to pass on stories and skills that they learned when they first went camping.
New memories will certainly be made and stories of the trip will come up every holiday. Stories about the huge fish someone caught or how many waterfalls you saw will all be regularly repeated.
1. Natural Bridge State Park
The number one park on my list is Natural Bridge State Park. If you want more than just the fantastic experience you get with camping, try camping at this park. Not only are there challenging and leisurely trails, but there are spectacular natural formations like the Natural Bridge, Balancing Rock, and many rock cliffs.
One of my favorite camping experiences ever took place at this park. My family and I went there one summer for a short trip. We hiked to the Natural Bridge in the afternoon. On the way we saw birds and wildlife, including some very close deer. We passed several rock formations and slipped through the Fat Man Squeeze formation. The view from the top of the bridge was amazing. After we got back to the campsite, we had s'mores and hot dogs over a fire.
The Natural Bridge state Park is located near the Red River Gorge National Geologic Area and contains 2,200 acres surrounded by the Daniel Boone National Forest. The park includes 22 miles of trails, a 60 acre lake, two campgrounds, lodging, and dining facilities. The park also has many things for the outdoor oriented camper including boating, fishing, hiking, geological formations, canoe rentals, and much more. For groups with youngsters there are also some modern amenities such as picnic areas, putt-putt, a swimming pool, and a Nature Center.
2. Cumberland Gap National Historic Park
At Cumberland Gap National Historic Park you can camp and get a sense of history at the same time. The gap has been travelled by just about every early settler to the region and was also heavily travelled by the Native American population and the men who first hunted Kentucky. Only seeing the parks 85 miles of trails first hand can you really understand the scope of their beauty. Cascading waterfalls, lush forests, and the mountain views are enough to convince anyone to visit the park.
Cumberland Gap park has a lot to offer people who are camping on vacation. Besides the aforementioned historical significance of the location, there are a lot of attractions at the park. One of my personal favorites are the cave tours. This is mainly because I love exploring caves and seeing all the different rock formations, but even if caves are not your thing there is much more to do and see. There are several sites in the park that have historic buildings that have either been reconstructed or are original. These sites will give you a sense of how early Appalachian life was lived.
After you have seen all the attractions there are many opportunities for scenic hikes or biking trails for travelers to stretch their legs on. Cumberland Gap is really one of the most beautiful places in Kentucky.
3. Koomer Ridge Campground
The Koomer Ridge Campground located in the Red River Gorge geological area has access to Daniel Boone National Forest, Natural Bridge State Park, and Clifty Wilderness. Koomer Ridge, as a campground, offers cabins, trailer spaces, or tent spaces for rent. Outdoor activities located near Koomer Ridge include climbing, biking, hiking, and canoeing. The staff and location make the campground a truly excellent one.
When you decide to go on a trip to Koomer Ridge Campground, be prepared for some adventure. Like almost every other campground there is an abundance of hiking to be done, but Koomer Ridge has an exceptionally large number of arches to be seen on the trail. Be sure to take a camera along on your trip, because you are sure to see some things that you will want to remember forever.
Above and beyond the normal activities of hiking and camping and fishing, Koomer Ridge offers rock climbing. One of the most exhilarating outdoor sports. This is an activity that everyone who camps at Koomer Ridge should try.
4. Carter Caves State Park
Carter Caves State Park has an amazing spread of activities for a single location. As the name suggests, there are caves to be explored here, but there is also fishing, boating, golf, hiking, biking, and special events. There are many types of lodging available at the park including cottages, a lodge, trailer lots, and tent spaces. I really loved the cave tours. It's one of my favorite things to do when I go camping, and Carter Caves Park does not disappoint a fan of caves.
For the camper who is tired of roughing it, Carter Caves brings you the opportunity to sleep in a cabin for the night. If you're really wanting the deluxe treatment, you can even stay in the lodge. Either way, you can enjoy all the fun of the outdoors without having to sleep in them. For those that do choose to camp the old fashioned way, Carter caves has a nice selection of tent spaces, but no matter if you sleep in the lodge or the tent you still have all the opportunities to enjoy all that the park has to offer.
My favorite thing about Carter Caves park are the caves. Like I've said before, I love exploring caves and seeing all the different formations in them. There are many different tours to choose from and a few are even year around. This means that you can visit them in the off season and not be as rushed.
5. Lake Malone State Park
Lake Malone State Park is the smallest park on my list at only 388 acres, but its 788 acre lake and awe inspiring scenery far make up for its small size. Lake Malone boasts of fantastic hikes through its forest and amazing views of sandstone cliffs along the water's edge. If you enjoy an exciting day of fishing, it doesn't get much better than Lake Malone's stock of large mouth bass, blue gill, crappie, and channel cats. Other activities around Lake Malone include boating, hiking, biking, picnicking, canoeing, jet skiing, volleyball, and horseshoes. Lake Malone has both primitive and improved camping sites.
My favorite Lake Malone experience is the fishing. While your their, you should try your hand at it too. Imagine catching a few bass and cooking them for dinner over an open fire. Throw in some marshmallows and stuff and you'll have a fun night for everyone. Just you and the family spending some time in the great outdoors.
No matter where you decide to camp, it is always a great activity with family or friends. Everyone needs to experience more of the great outdoors, and that is why Print A For Sale Sign proudly sponsors articles such as these. When it's time to sell your rig or tow vehicle, check out printaforsalesign.coms car for sale sign.