Question: What is the difference between a resort park and a regular state park?

Resort parks include a lodge with overnight accommodations. We have 17 State Resort Parks in all. We have an additional 35 regular state parks: 11 State Historic Sites and 23 State "Recreation" Parks. The distinction is not clear cut, however. Many of our recreation parks and resort parks have historical significance. One of our resort parks, Blue Licks Battlefield, sits on the site of a Revolutionary War Battle.

Question: How much is the admission charge to a Kentucky State Park?

We charge no general admission fee.

Question: Do your golf courses have a dress code?

All players are asked to wear a shirt with a collar or a "mock neck." Guests are asked to refrain from wearing cutoffs.

Question: Can you tell me about park improvements?

In our guest rooms, we recently installed new bedding, irons and ironing boards and hair dryers. All 17 resort parks have wireless internet and electronic locks. Also, our lodge restaurants are being transformed. For example, during the growing season, we now proudly serve locally grown produce. Other improvements, such as innovative new menus, are in the works. The resort park lodges at Lake Barkley and Kentucky Dam Village underwent renovations during the spring of 2007. Kentucky Dam Village, Cumberland Falls and Lake Barkley resort parks have been given three diamond ratings by the American Automobile Association.

Question: Who is in charge of Kentucky State Parks?

Our parks are managed by the Kentucky Department of Parks, an agency of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet. The head of the department is Commissioner Gerry van der Meer.

Question: Are pets permitted at Kentucky State Parks?

Pet owners may bring pets into their lodge rooms that have been designated for pets. Pet owners will pay a $25 fee for each reservation. A limited number of rooms will be available for pets at each park. Pets are not allowed in state park cottages. Pets may be brought into state park campgrounds as long as they are on a leash. Pets are not allowed on trails at Natural Bridge and John James Audubon State Parks. And some, but not all, trails at Cumberland Falls, Carter Caves, Pine Mountain, and Blue Licks Battlefield State Parks.

Question: Do you have discounts for senior citizens?

Yes. We offer a 10 percent discount on lodging and camping fees. A driver’s license or birth certificate can be shown for proof of age for those 62 and older.

Question: Do your parks have internet access?

Yes, our 17 resort parks have wireless internet services in the lodges.

Question: How far in advance may I make a reservation for a lodge room or cottage?

If you call a park, an individual may make a reservation up to 3 years to the month in advance. As an example, on July 1, 2006 we began taking reservations for arrival for the month of July in 2009. Reservations made online (www.parks.ky.gov) may be made for the period for which we have established accommodation rates. This is usually between 1 and 2 years in advance and can easily be determined by looking at the maximum depart date on the first page of the web reservation process.

Question: How far in advance may I make a campground reservation?

Campground reservations may be made for arrival up to one year to the day in advance. Camping reservations can be made online at www.parks.ky.gov or by calling 1-888-4KY-PARK (1-888-459-7275).

Question: Do I have to make a reservation to stay overnight at a Kentucky State Park?

It’s always best to make a reservation to ensure that you will be able to stay. But most parks will have a lodge room or cottage of some type available to walk-in guests on most days of the year. Most parks also will have a campsite of some type available for walk-ins on most nights. You must be 18 or older to reserve accommodations or campsites. Our parks are busiest on holiday weekends during good weather.

Question: Do I have to stay at the park to eat in the restaurant or play the golf course?

No. Most of our facilities, including our restaurants, golf courses, mini-golf courses and community swimming pools are available to the general public.

Question: Is metal detecting allowed on state park property?

No. State regulations prohibit the use of metal detectors on state park property.

Question: Which parks have equestrian trails?

Carter Caves, Dale Hollow, Greenbo Lake, Green River Lake, and Taylorsville Lake state parks. There are also equestrian trails located immediately adjacent to Yatesville Lake State Park. There is horseback camping at Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park and Taylorsville Lake State Park.

Question: Which parks have riding stables with guided horseback rides?

Barren River, Carter Caves, Cumberland Falls, Lake Barkley, Lake Cumberland, & Kentucky Dam Village. Rides are $15 per person for a 45 minute ride, with the exception of Kentucky Dam Village which is $18 per person.