Department of Parks
Kentucky State Parks Make Halloween Frightening or Fun
FRANKFORT, Ky. – Halloween is just around the corner and the Kentucky State Parks will be offering “spooktacular” entertainment, for people who like to be frightened as well as some fun choices.
Many of the park system’s campgrounds will be having activities for campers, including decorations, costumes, hayrides and games for the kids.
Natural Bridge State Resort Park near Slade will start things off on Friday the 13th with spooky songs and stories and Carter Caves State Resort Park near Olive Hill will hold its Haunted Trails program Oct. 13-14. Kincaid Lake State Park campground at Falmouth also will have events the weekend of Oct. 13-15.
Parks in Western Kentucky also plan Halloween events, including John James Audubon State Park in Henderson with various activities for children including a “Hoot and Howl Woods Walk” on Oct. 28; Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park’s “Haunted Heartbreak Hotel” on Oct. 28; and Green River Lake State Park’s annual “Trick or Trot” charity fundraiser also on Oct. 28.
Below is a listing of state park Halloween events. Please note that some events are not recommended for young children, so please check in advance.
State Park Halloween Events
Oct. 13 –Friday the 13th at Natural Bridge
Natural Bridge State Resort Park
Natural Bridge has its share of spooky tales, and on Friday the 13th of October join folk performers John Tierney and Anne MacFie as they sing some spooky songs and spin some spooky yarns. 8 p.m. Slade, 800-325-1710
Oct. 13-14 -- Carter Caves Haunted Trail
Carter Caves State Resort Park
The ghouls and goblins have risen from the underground world at Carter Caves to scare you silly. Take a spooky walk through our 1/2 mile haunted trail, and don't forget to bring your "Mummy." Admission is $7 per person for the trail. "I survived the Haunted Trail" T-shirts will be available for purchase. Concessions will be available at the beginning of the trail. The trail is not recommended for young children. The park will provide transportation to and from the trailhead. Olive Hill, 1-800-325-0059
Oct. 13-15 -- Halloween Campout
Kincaid Lake State Park
Enjoy chili on Friday evening at 6 p.m. On Saturday, games for all ages from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Other activities will include face painting and a hayride. Saturday evening will bring tricking or treating and other Halloween fun to the campground. Prizes will be given for best-decorated campsites and costumes. Falmouth, 859-654-3531
Oct. 17-29 -- Halloween Fest XII
Fort Boonesborough State Park
Come early and join us for our biggest Halloween Party yet as we celebrate with 13 days of fun and frights. We will have haunted putt-putt, camper decoration contest, costume contests, ghost walks, bean supper, pancake breakfast, parade, crafts, Pumpkin Express hayrides, hikes to a lost pumpkin mine, petting zoo, live entertainment, trick or treating and lots, lots more. This event is for registered campers only. However the public is invited to drive through in the evenings and look at all the decorations. Richmond, 859-527-3131
Oct. 20-21 -- Haunted Hills Hayride
Yatesville Lake State Park
An incredibly large haunted attraction featuring a haunted house, trails, and hayride featuring plenty of thrills and chills. Admission fee is $5 per person. Louisa, 606-673-1492
Oct. 20-21 -- Haunted Hay Ride
Jenny Wiley State Resort Park
A great way to experience some Halloween fun and have a good scare. Join us at our campground for a fun filled night of ghouls, ghosts, and goblins as you ride along our haunted trail. Prestonsburg, 800-325-0142.
Oct. 20-21 -- Camper Halloween
Greenbo Lake State Resort Park
Fun filled weekend with ghosts, goblins, witches, and more! There will be a scavenger hunt, hayrides, costume contest, pumpkin carving, and site decorating contest, and campsite trick or treating for campers only. Don’t miss this weekend of ghoulish fun. Greenup, 800-325-0083
Oct. 20-21 -- Carter Caves Haunted Trail
Carter Caves State Resort Park
The ghouls and goblins have risen from the underground world at Carter Caves to scare you silly. Take a spooky walk through our 1/2 mile haunted trail, and don't forget to bring your "Mummy." Admission is $7 per person for the trail. "I survived the Haunted Trail" T-shirts will be available for purchase. Concessions will be available at the beginning of the trail. The trail is not recommended for young children. The park will provide transportation to and from the trailhead. Olive Hill, 1-800-325-0059
Oct. 20-22 – Barren River Halloween Spookout
Barren River Lake State Resort Park
Join us for this spooktacular weekend. Campers can camp two nights for the price of one. Scheduled activities begin on Friday night at 7:30 p.m. with "Spooky Songs & Scary Stories". Join Anne MacFie & John Tierney as they present a concert of their favorite "Halloweenish" songs and stories. Other activities will include campsite decorating contests, costume contests (all ages), trick or treating in the campground, mask making, pumpkin roll and other "batty" activities. Potluck dinner on Saturday - we provide the chili and hotdogs. Lucas, 800-325-0057
Oct. 20-22 -- Halloween Campout
Big Bone Lick State Park
Halloween arts & crafts, games, ghost stories, costume contest, campsite decoration contest, trick or treating, hayrides, country music concerts and more make this a monster bash! Take your Halloween experience to the next level and join us for our Photo Ghost Tour and program led by professional ghost hunters. Union, 859-384-3522
Oct. 21 -- Halloween Harvest of Horrors
E.P. "Tom" Sawyer State Park
Join the park for a night of tricks and treats. Journey on the hayride to nowhere or get lost in the maze of doom. Show your creative side in the arts & crafts room and the costume contest. Watch a spook-tacular magic show. Also there will be several different games going on throughout the night. The fun runs 5-8 p.m. Louisville, 502-429-3280
Oct. 21 -- Little Spooky Spooks Festival
Kenlake State Resort Park
Dress up in your costume and come join us at Kenlake for a frighteningly good time. Make a unique craft, see some spooky animals, and listen to our storyteller weave spooky tales. Lots of candy and refreshments. All ages’ welcome, $3 for festival only. Hardin, 800-325-0143
Oct. 26-29 -- Ghost Walk
White Hall State Historic Site
This annual event is an historic drama in which actors portray scenes about the Clay Family’s life, the family that once owned the mansion. The scenes are presented throughout the mansion in both monologue and dialogue form. A “spirit guide” who introduces the scene guides guests through the mansion. After the performance, guests are guided to the stone kitchen where they are treated to cookies and hot apple cider. Tours begin at 7 p.m. and conclude at 10:30 p.m. Call the park for reservations. Admission fee is $10 each. Richmond, 859-623-9178
Oct. 27-28, 31 --- Haunted Frontier
Old Fort Harrod State Park
Ghosts, ghouls, and goblins will haunt the Fort Harrod State Park for three nights this Halloween season. Spirits of Pioneers who lived at Fort Harrod will wander the grounds, hunting for lost loved ones. Ten cabins at the fort present scary scenes from history, fairytales or the horrors of our imaginations. If you are especially brave, try to make it through the dark and eerie maze! The tour ends in the oldest cemetery in the state at Fort Harrod with ghost stories. Admission is $5. Refreshments will be available for an additional cost. Not recommended for children under six. Runs 7-10 p.m. each night. Harrodsburg, 859-734-3314
Oct. 27-28 -- Camper Halloween
Greenbo Lake State Resort Park
Fun filled weekend with ghosts, goblins, witches, and more! There will be a scavenger hunt, hayrides, costume contest, pumpkin carving, and site decorating contest, and campsite trick or treating. Don’t miss this weekend of ghoulish fun. Open to the public. Greenup, 800-325-0083
Oct. 27-28 -- Camp Spook Night
Levi Jackson State Park
If autumn and Halloween are your favorite times to camp, then this weekend is for you. Dinner, trick or treating, crafts, hayride, entertainment and prizes for best decorated campsites and best costumes are some of the events you can expect. Camp Spook Night is always a thriller! London, 606-878-8000
Oct. 27-28 -- Haunted Hills Hayride
Yatesville Lake State Park
An incredibly large haunted attraction featuring a haunted house, trails, and hayride featuring plenty of thrills and chills. Admission is $5 per person. Louisa, 606-673-1492
Oct. 27-28 -- Haunted Campout Weekend
Jenny Wiley State Resort Park
A great way to experience some Halloween fun and have a good scare. Join us at our campground for a fun filled night of ghouls, ghosts, and goblins as you ride along our haunted trail. Haunted Hayride, Best Scary Camper Decorating Contest, Halloween Dance, and a Ghost Hunt. Prestonsburg, 800-325-0142
Oct. 27-28 -- Halloween Campout Celebration
Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park
Enjoy a weekend full of thrills and chills as Blue Licks hosts its annual Halloween celebration. Live music, jack-o-lantern carving contests, costume contests, and the site-decorating contest for a chance to win a weekend stay in the Blue Licks campground. Come on out and let your child experience a safe and happy Halloween with trick or treating at 6:00 p.m. in the campground Saturday evening. Additional programs are offered including spooky minigolf, a haunted trail, and live music from Borderline. Carlisle, 800-443-7008
Oct. 27-28 -- Halloween Spooktacular
Rough River Dam State Resort Park
Looking for a spooky good time? Well we have it for you; Rough River is offering the scariest, most terrifying haunted trail around that will leave you breathless! There will be plenty of candy to go around at trick or treat in the campground, an evening buffet at the lodge, a bonfire with smores, hayrides around the park, and more! Falls of Rough, 800-325-1713
Oct. 27-28 -- Tales of the Butler Ghosts
General Butler State Resort Park – Butler Turpin Home
In October, when the leaves whirl in the chill autumn wind and the sun sets early join us on the grounds of the historic site where nothing is too strange to have happened. Ghostly tales of legends and folklore performed by period dressed guides set the stage for the mysterious event at the “haunted Butler mansion.” Walks begin at 7 p.m. Admission. Carrollton, 866-462-8853
Oct. 27-29 -- Halloween Campout
General Burnside State Park
A fun filled weekend! Camp Friday night and stay Saturday night free. Special activities include site-to-site trick or treating, pumpkin carving, campsite decorating, games and much more. Burnside, 606-561-4104
Oct. 27-29 -- Spooktacular Campout
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
Imagine yourself in darkness. The only sounds you hear come from the owls flying nearby. Does it seem like a perfect setting for a ghost story? You bet, and that's just where they'll be telling them at Cumberland Falls. The cost is $2 per person. Bring a chair and your imagination. Other activities include trick or treating, a pumpkin carving contest, and a campsite-decorating contest. Campers who stay Friday night can stay Saturday night for free. Corbin, 800-325-0063
Oct. 27-29 -- Halloween Campout
Big Bone Lick State Park
Halloween arts & crafts, games, ghost stories, costume contest, campsite decoration contest, trick or treating, hayrides, country music concerts and more make this a monster bash! Take your Halloween experience to the next level and join us for our Photo Ghost Tour and program led by professional ghost hunters. Union, 859-384-3522
Oct. 27-29 -- Halloween Family Fun Weekend
General Butler State Resort Park
Who's afraid of the dark? Calling all brave souls to join us for a "hollowing" good time! Open to general public Friday & Saturday nights: Haunted Train Rides & Mini Golf, plus other surprises. Open to Resort Guests staying at General Butler State Resort Park: Friday & Saturday theme related activities: Individual Campsite Decorating, Creepy Fingers Pottery Workshop w/ Albert Bauman, Trick or Treating in Campground and other spooky activities! Carrollton, 866-462-8853
Oct. 27-29 -- Halloween Campout
Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park
During this spooky campout all registered campers will receive two nights camping for the price of one. Campers will be able to participate in a variety of fun events including: campsite decorating contest, costume contest for children and adults, pumpkin carving contest, scarecrow making, and much more. Non-campers are welcome to participate for a $5 registration fee per family and register by Oct 26th. Dawson Springs, 800-325-1711
Oct. 27-29 -- Halloween Campout Celebration & Ghost Stories in the Cave
Carter Caves State Resort Park
Campers stay with us Friday night and Saturday night is free for our second annual Halloween Campout Celebration. Activities include site-to-site trick or treating, pumpkin carving contest, spooky mini golf, and a campsite-decorating contest. On Saturday night you can imagine yourself encased in total darkness with only the sounds of bats flying through the air. A perfect place to spend your Halloween evening with our Ghost Stories in a Cave Program. Bring along a chair and your imagination. Fee for ghost stories is $2 each. Olive Hill, 800-325-0059
Oct. 27-29 – Halloween Campout
Taylorsville Lake State Park
Holiday weekend includes campsite decoration contest, costume contests, trick or treating, hayrides, storyteller by the fire, & egg toss. Activities begin on Friday and run through the weekend. Taylorsville, 502-477-813.
Oct. 28 -- Buckhorn Chilihead Cook-Off
Buckhorn State Resort Park
Benefit for Mountain Community Hospice of the Bluegrass. 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Chili cook-off, live music, children's activities, masquerade parade, pumpkin carving. This is the Second Annual District Championship, sanctioned by the International Chili Society. Winner qualifies to compete in the 2007 National Championship in Omaha, Neb. Adults $3; Children $2. Chili Chef's $35 for ICS members, $80 for non ICS members. Buckhorn, 800-325-0058.
Oct. 28 -- Haunted Heartbreak Hotel
Dale Hollow Lake State Park
The spirits of Elvis and others from the 50's take charge of the Mary Ray Oaken Lodge, turning it into the Haunted Heartbreak Hotel. Our chef has also been possessed as he creates all sorts of creepy crawly dishes that are out of this world. The campground also comes alive with goblins and ghosts as a costume contest, trick or treating, and spooky games & crafts occur. Don't miss our haunted hayride - you never know what we may scare up! Camp two nights for the price of one. Burkesville, 800-325-2282
Oct. 28 -- 3rd Annual Trick Or Trot
Green River Lake State Resort Park
5K Run and 1 Mile Walk/Run on the beautiful lakeshores of Green River Lake State Park. The top male and female finishers will receive a prize. Prizes will be given for each age category plus best costume participant. Be a ghost walker. Make a $15 donation and receive a prize. Registration begins at 9 a.m. Awards at approximately 11:30 a.m. All proceeds benefit the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Campbellsville. Registration fee is $10 for students, $15 for adults, $60 for group of 5. Campbellsville, 270-465-8255
Oct. 28 -- Tiny Tots Art—Halloween Bash
John James Audubon State Park
Wear your favorite Halloween costume and have a “hoot” of a time with art and other fun activities 10:30 a.m.-Noon. Moms, Dads and Grandparents are invited to attend with their favorite little pumpkin. Registration required. Fee. For ages 3-5. Henderson, 270-826-2247
Oct. 28 -- “Howling” Trick or Treat Craft
John James Audubon State Park
Scare away the hobgoblins with your designer Halloween necklace. This reflective necklace is just the thing to keep young trick-or-treaters safe. Free. Campground shelter 4:30-5 p.m. Henderson, 270-826-2247
Oct. 28 -- Hoot & Howl Woods Walk
John James Audubon State Park
Audubon’s non-frightening (and enlightening) Halloween event is back! Perfect for visitors of all ages and sizes. Runs 6-9 p.m. Come in your costume for special prizes. Fee is $2, kids under 3 are free. Henderson, 270-826-2247
Oct. 28 -- Audubon Trick or Treat and Campsite Decorating Contest
John James Audubon State Park
Celebrate Halloween this year at the Audubon State Park Campground. There will be trick or treating and a free night camping for the most festive campsite decorations. 5-6 p.m. Henderson, 270-826-5939
Oct. 28 – Halloween Weekend
Paintsville Lake State Park
Camp with us on Halloween weekend. We’ll treat you to a campers’ cookout at noon and best decorated campsite at 4 p.m. on Oct. 28. Winners will receive free camping certificates. Treats for children between 6-8 p.m. at the registration booth. Staffordsville, 606-297-8486.
--30--
The Kentucky State Park System is composed of 52 state parks plus an interstate park shared with Virginia. The Department of Parks, an agency of the Commerce Cabinet, operates 17 resort parks with lodges -- more than any other state. Each year, Kentucky parks draw 7 million visitors and contribute $317 million to the economy. For more information on Kentucky parks, visit our Web site at http://www.parks.ky.gov