Carter Caves State Resort Park

Hotels
Independent
9 (171 reviews)
344 Caveland Dr, Olive Hill, Kentucky, 41164 , Olive Hill , US

Pets allowed

Facilities

Meeting rooms
Paddleboard on site
Free WiFi
24-hour front desk
Outdoor pool - seasonal
Picnic area
Elevator
Gift shops or newsstand
Breakfast available (surcharge)
Meeting rooms
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Clean and comfortable rooms
Friendly and helpful staff
Beautiful natural setting
Cons:
Dated bathrooms
Limited dining options
General property upkeep needed

Categories

Cleanliness
8.5
Several reviews indicated the rooms were clean, but some mentioned the property needed updates and the bathroom was dated.
Service
9.5
Frequent mentions of friendly and helpful staff, indicating a positive experience.
Location
9.5
Reviews highlighted the beautiful setting and availability of trails and outdoor activities.
Room Quality
8.5
Rooms were generally described as clean and comfortable, but some noted they were dated.
Amenities
9.5
The property offers a variety of activities and has a beautiful natural setting.
Value for Money
9
Value perception varied; some found the dining options limited and worth reconsidering.
Food and Beverage
8
While some food items were praised, overall dining experience was rated below expectations.
Overall Experience
9.5
Most reviews reflected a positive stay, enjoying the natural surroundings despite some shortcomings.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-09 08:55

Property Description

Recreational Amenities
Enjoy the outdoor pool and tennis court during your stay.

Dining Experience
Savor delicious meals at Tierney's Cavern for a memorable dining experience.

Convenience and Comfort
Benefit from amenities like complimentary Wi-Fi, gift shops, and a 24-hour front desk at Carter Caves State Resort Park.

Book now to experience serenity at Carter Caves State Resort Park!

Important information:

  • The seasonal pool will be open from May 26 to September 04.
  • Pool access available from 10 AM to 7 PM.
  • The property allows pets in specific rooms only and has other pet restrictions (surcharges apply and can be found in the Fees section). Guests can arrange to bring pets by contacting the property directly, using the contact information on the booking confirmation.
  • Contactless check-in and contactless check-out are available.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Airport code: LEX

Property Policies

  • Pets

    Maximum number of pets per room 2

  • Pets

    Only dogs and cats are allowed

  • Pets

    Service animals are exempt from fees/restrictions

  • Check-in & Check-out

    Contactless check-out is available

  • Guest type

    Essential workers only - NO

See all policies

Location

Guest Reviews

9
Based on 171 reviews
Cleanliness: 8.5
Service: 9.5
Location: 9.5
Room Quality: 8.5
Amenities: 9.5
Value for Money: 9
Food and Beverage: 8
Overall Experience: 9.5
L
Lowell partner
8
Pros:

Yes

2025-10-13 via Nuitee
K
Kathy partner
10
Pros:

The rooms were very clean and the beds comfortable! The breakfast buffet was awesome! We were able to park in front of our room. All the staff were very friendly!

2025-10-12 via Nuitee
M
Missy family_with_children
10
Pros:

Oh my goodness it was absolutely spectacular!!! A balcony to go out and look up at the stars and everything!!!!

2025-10-02 via Nuitee
J
john family
6
Pros:

room ok ,needed updates ,unpainted areas on doors and frames, toilet was so small looked like a kids ,very hard for older people to get off of, also was loose and rocked, bathroom door would not shut. Food in the dining room below average. salad and fried fish very good. staff was friendly and great. Beautiful wooded areas and walking trails. Have stayed in almost all of kys. state resort parks. It had been awhile. Sorry to see them run down. Food used to be excellent in all that I visited. Service still great.

2025-09-12 via Nuitee
L
Lisa
10
Small slice of wilderness charm!
Pros:

It’s exactly what you would expect for lodges in a state park. Room was clean, beds were comfortable and we could even have our dog with us! Service was good and staff was friendly. Beautiful setting. Deer everywhere along what use to be the golf course. A great 2 mile walk….we probably saw 20 deer!

2025-09-06 via Nuitee
M
Mary family
10
Pros:

Trails begin at the lodge to see caves or natural bridges

2025-08-31 via Nuitee
R
Regina partner
8
Pros:

Beautiful location. Lots of activities.

2025-08-31 via Nuitee
D
David
8
Nice stay
Pros:

My wife and had never been to Carter Caves and wanted to give it a try on Labor day weekend. The staff at the resort were very friendly and helpful. We had an issue with a broken switch for the fan in the bathroom. Even though we let them know that we weren't concerned about it they still asked if maintenance could come in to fix it as long as it wasn't going to interfere with our time. The maintenance man was very polite and was able to change the switch out in a short amount of time. The room was a little dated, especially the bathroom, but everything was clean feeling. The towels and bed linens all felt fresh and clean. The bed was very comfortable and we enjoyed having a balcony to enjoy the fresh air. We weren't impressed with the restaurant at the lodge. The food wasn't bad but after 4:00 pm we only had the option of eating the buffet when all we wanted was something smaller to eat that didn't cost as much as the buffet. At the time we just decided to give it a try, but next time we visit we'll just have to drive a little to find another restaurant that offers different options. Overall we enjoyed our stay at the lodge and enjoyed the scenery on the trails.

2025-08-31 via Nuitee
J
Jamie family
10
Pros:

Love this park! Carter Caves has been a favorite yearly location for me and my family!

2025-08-26 via Nuitee
M
Michael
10
Pros:

Loved it!

2025-08-25 via Nuitee
J
Jeff family
10
Pros:

Room was very clean n big.. The whole staff was really polite and helpful

2025-08-25 via Nuitee
V
Vickie family
8
Pros:

This is an older property with all the charm you would expect. They have done a great job of upkeep, providing clean and comfortable rooms while still mixing in the feel of a cabin. Relaxing, safe, and beautiful. Will stay again!

2025-08-24 via Nuitee
A
Amanda
10
New Family Getaway Spot
Pros:

Amazing and private resort that is kid friendly!

2025-08-19 via Nuitee
C
Cindy partner
6
Pros:

The bed and pillows were comfortable and the room was clean. The staff was friendly and helpful. The lodge food was ok. The overall feeling was that the place was in need of an upgrade. It was just not what we were expecting so we left early.

2025-08-14 via Nuitee
V
Verified traveler
8
Pros:

Well he all had a great time wish we had more time. But wish there was Tvs in the bedroom had to go out and purchased 2 Tvs. And wr aslon treated the hot tub

2025-08-12 via Nuitee
R
Randy
10
Pleasant Stay
Pros:

Rooms were clean and spacious and as described. Bed was comfortable and came with clean sheets. Overall a very comfortable and enjoyable stay. The on-site restaurant, Tierney's Cavern, serves a variety of delicious food, and is conveniently located on the first floor of the lodge.

2025-08-11 via Nuitee
J
Joseph family
10
Pros:

Nice state park. Trails to hike. Pet friendly.

2025-08-08 via Nuitee
V
Verified traveler family_with_children
10
Pros:

The trails were amazing. We only did the X Cave because the 4 yr old not sure he liked it. There was so much to do. Putt putt, trails, the pool caves, watching the wildlife not be afraid to show theirself.
Within 15 min at the resort deer were appearing at the back side off our balcony. Squirrels, racoons the birds were bright and vibrant.
Amazing trip all together.

2025-08-05 via Nuitee
J
Justin partner
8
Pros:

Great place. Just outdated. Food service was average and very slow.

2025-08-02 via Nuitee
B
Bill
8
Pros:

Nice place will stay again.

2025-08-01 via Nuitee