This year make plans to take the family outdoors at these six Kentucky State Parks that have plenty of activities to appeal to everyone in your group.

Make Memories at Kincaid Lake State Park

Located along the south shores of Kincaid Lake, this state park has a variety of amenities that will keep the entire family entertained. Visit the country store and gift shop for pedalboats and kayak rentals and shop for live bait and tackle. Participate in a friendly nine-hole game of miniature golf. Explore the Spicebush and Ironwood Trails. Join any of the art, craft, and other programs available on weekends. There are 84 standard electric campsites in a private wooded setting to choose from.

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Stay Cool at Barren River Lake State Park

Located 30 minutes south of Mammoth Cave National Park is Barren River Lake State Park. The park is on the shores of the 10,000-acre lake with spectacular views and a large sandy beach. Explore the lake by launching off at the marina and try your luck with catfish, bluegill, bass, and crappie. Bring the kids on a wooded orienteering course to teach lifetime navigating skills or hone your own skills. Bike or hike three trails with views of the golf course, bridges, beach, and Peter’s Creek. Don’t forget to pack floaties to play in the pool or pick from five different playgrounds located around the park. There are 99 campsites with utility hookups, dump station, and two central service buildings with showers and restrooms.

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Explore Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park

Spend time exploring the shores of Pennyrile Lake and forest. There are seven trails, rated from easy to difficult, that loop around the lake and through the forest areas perfect for birding. Horseback riding and a horse campground is available with connection to 40+ miles of riding trails. Playgrounds are located around the park and picnic shelters with grills and tables are available to rent. The beach and pool are great places to relax in the sun. Or spend the afternoon playing at the tennis and basketball courts. Select one of the 35 campsites to use as your family basecamp.

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Recommended: Great Kentucky Road Trips with State Park Stops

Learn About Bison at Big Bone Lick State Historic Site

Big Bone Lick State Historic Site is known as the birthplace of American vertebrate paleontology. It is a perfect location for the kids to learn about fossilized bones from the pre-historic ice age and visit the bison herd. There is a short and easy Discovery Trail behind the Visitor’s Center that begins at the Megafauna diorama pit and continues for miles to view wildlife along the creek and forested ridges. The campground features 62 campsites with utility hookups, grills, a swimming pool, and playground. Showers, restrooms, and laundry facilities are available at a central service building. There is a campground grocery store on-site for your convenience.

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Book a Subterranean Adventure at Carter Caves State Resort Park

Plan an adventure above and underground at Carter Caves State Resort Park. Explore the geology of the area including five natural bridges and 33 miles of wooded nature trails, mine for colorful gemstones and fossils, play the 18-hole miniature golf course, and try rappelling and rock climbing on sandstone cliffs. Make sure to plan ahead for field trips and cave tours. There are 90 standard electric campsites with nearby bathhouses, dump station, and playgrounds.

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Enjoy Art at John James Audubon State Park

John James Audubon State Park is a must visit place for art and nature lovers. Spend time in the nature center, museum, and gift shop. View the gallery of local artists, participate in environmental and art education programs, and appreciate the work and life of John James Audubon. Explore the peaceful woods or wetland trail and be inspired to create your own artwork. Stay an extra day at the campground and plan to play pickleball, tennis, golf, picnic, or go fishing.

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Are you ready for your adventure? Plan your camping trip!