Department of Parks
Technology Improvements Benefit State Park Visitors

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Visitors to Kentucky’s 17 state resort parks will benefit from three technological improvements that are nearing completion.

An improved online reservation system, wireless internet access and electronic locks are in place and will bring the resorts in line with services that are offered at other hotels.

“These three upgrades are the latest improvements for the state park system and show our commitment to improving service,” said Parks Commissioner J.T. Miller. “These changes make our parks more attractive and will help draw more visitors, whether they’re on vacation or on a business trip.”

The parks’ online reservation system now offers customers a more complete look at what rooms and cottages are available to them. Previously, the online system offered a limited inventory of available rooms. Customers can now make same-day reservations online from the entire inventory of available rooms – something not previously possible.

The web site for online reservations and information is www.parks.ky.gov. Online reservations for state parks lodge rooms and cottages began in 2004. Reservations for lodge rooms and cottages can still be made by calling a park directly or by calling 1-800-255-PARK. 

(Online reservations for state parks campsites began in February 2006. Reservations for campgrounds can be made by calling the campgrounds online reservation call center at 1-888-4KY-PARK.)

Wireless networks offering high-speed Internet access for guests have been installed at all resort parks.  Guests may use this service now, but coverage may not include all lodge rooms until testing is completed.  Upon completion, covered areas will include lodge lobbies, lodge rooms, and meeting rooms. A guest may use their own laptop computer’s wireless network card to connect to the network or borrow a device from the park secured with a credit card or a $100 refundable deposit.

The third improvement, electronic locks, replaces the 1,400 keyed locks at all lodge rooms and cottages at all 17 resort parks and at John James Audubon State Park cottages. The electronic locks are safer and more efficient than the keyed locks.

Each guest is given a card with a magnetic strip to open their room or cottage. When the card is misplaced or lost, a lock can be recoded and a new card issued. In the past, the entire lock had to be changed. Because a different electronic code is used each time a guest checks in, unauthorized entrants to the room can be tracked.