SpeakEasy Singles - Grayson Lake Camping

You need to RSVP by Friday, May 4, 2012 if you plan on camping so we can get an approximate number and make sure we have reserved enough camping spots and payment is due by May 12th (at dance) - you also need to indicate whether you will have a camper or tent or staying in the lodge or a cabin.

RSVP & make check payable to Howard Thompson for $_____ (includes camping and food) by May 4, 2012, if you plan on going so we can plan for food. For those that just want to come and camp Saturday night - the fee will be $_____ - that includes meals and camping.

Some questions that have been asked - It doesn't matter whether you sleep in car, camper or tent - there is still a $$$ charge per person per night for camping - we have buddy spots and the costs is split up among all the campers at Carter Caves.

Make Checks for $____ per person payable to: Howard Thompson or mail to: email htduck98@yahoo.com for mailing address, The fees includes $____ per person per night for camping and meals

Birding
Winter is a time for northern sparrows, finches, wrens, juncos, red-breasted nuthatches, purple finches, pine siskins, and occasionally, evening grobeaks and brown creepers. Spring is alive with warbler migrations, waterfowl & thrushes. Interesting birds to look for are Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Double-breasted Cormorants, and cedar waxwings. In the summer nesting warblers include redstarts, ceruleans, pines, Blue wings, Parulas, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds and Red-tailed Hawks. Excellent birding opportunities about throughout the park, but of special note is in the mature forests around the campgrounds, cottage area (red-headed Woodpeckers), the Box Canyon Trail, and the short trail to Carter Caves Natural Bridge.

Camping
Enjoy the great outdoors! The campground features 89 campsites including 30 tent sites with utilities, a dump station, and two central service buildings with rest rooms and showers. The tent sites do not have water or electric.Closed Nov 15 - Mar 15 (Equestrian Sites Open all Year)

Canoeing
Take a guided canoe trip on the 45–acre Smokey Lake to experience the beauty of the rugged, undisturbed terrain. Fees: $10 for adults (13 and up), $5 for children. Seasonal participants must sign up in advance at the Welcome Center.

Caving
The Carter County region has the highest concentration of caves to be found in any area of Kentucky. Two of the park’s caves offer guided tours year-round, Cascade Cave and X-Cave. Enjoy a subterranean adventure, created by nature over millions of years. View tour information from Tours link on Carter Cave's Home page.

Equine Camping
Eight pull-through campsites specifically designed for horse owners feature electric, water and sewer hook-ups. Each site has its own corresponding hitching posts for up to four horses, picnic table, lantern hanger & fire ring/grill combo. Horse campers have access to all campground amenities, which include bathhouses, laundry area and playgrounds. Riders can enjoy 12 miles of multi use trails and several miles of back country roads, accessible from the horse camp, through both Carter Caves State Park and Tygart State Forest. We are currently working to add several more miles of multi use trails to our system in late fall of 2011. Open all Year

Fishing
Smokey Valley Lake is Kentucky’s first trophy bass lake! In addition to largemouth bass, anglers vie for bluegill, catfish, and crappie. Fishing license required for both residents and non-residents and are available at the front desk. Don't have a fishing pole? No problem! Ask at the park about their fishing loaner program where you can check out FREE equipment.

Geocaching
Come explore our geocaching trails! Download brochure with coordinates to get started on your multi-cache adventure (Adobe PDF).

Gift Shop
The Welcome Center provides cave tour information and orientation, rest rooms, and a gift shop featuring authentic Kentucky handcrafts. Our gift shop offers the largest selection of bat items and information in Kentucky. A wide variety of souvenirs, handcrafts, candles, jellies and coal crafted items can also be found. One of our most popular items is the rack display for kids and adults alike. The gift shop is open from 9:00am - 5:00pm daily and will be open until 6:00pm through the summer months.

Golf
Test your skills on the 9-hole regulation golf course. A fully-equipped pro shop, rental riding carts, pull carts, and clubs are available. Open year-round, weather permitting. Pro Shop direct number: 606-286-8881.

Hiking
Discover the above ground beauty of Carter Caves on 26 miles of wooded nature trails. Trails range from easy to difficult hiking level ability. The Kiser Hollow Trail, 10 miles, and the newly developed Cave Branch Loop Trail, 2 miles, are multi use trails for horseback riding, mountain biking and hiking. Guests bring and ride mountain bikes. No ATVs allowed, and no overnight camping on the trail.

Horseback Riding
Guided rides are available from 10:00am - 6:00pm. The cost is $18 per person. The trail is 3 1/2 miles and lasts about 45 minutes. Pony rides available for children. Rides are available daily Memorial Day through Labor Day. During April-May and September-October rides will be available on weekends only. Call the park for more information on stable operation hours. The relatively new Cave Branch Loop Trail along with the Kiser Hollow Trail enables guests to bring their own horses and ride. These multi use trails are open year round.

Miniature Golf
Also enjoy the 18-hole miniature golf course. In the off-season, clubs and balls are available at the campground registration building and the Lodge front desk. Open seasonally.

Picnicking
Picnic tables, grills, and playgrounds are located throughout the park. Two rental shelters are available.

Playgrounds
Playgrounds are located throughout the park.

Swimming
A large swimming pool, located a half-mile drive from the lodge, is free to lodge and cottage guests (show key). Open Memorial Day through Labor Day. Lifeguard-protected. Hours: 10 am to 7 pm. Campers: $2.00 Non-lodging Guests: $4.00 per adult $3.00 per child 3-12 years of age (2 yrs and under free) Seniors: $3.00

Tennis
Two tennis courts are in the lodge area. Overnight guest may check out rackets.

Grayson Lake Campground - Olive Hill, KY - Carter County
Friday, Sat, & Sun - May 18-19, 2012
RSVP - Howard @ 304-543-1001 or htduck98@yahoo.com

CAMPING NEWS UPDATE -

Menu - Only $____ for all your homemade meals all weekend
$____ if you only come up Saturday

$____ for camping per person

Click here to see pictures of the campground
Carter Caves State Park Campground Flyer - PDF File
Campsite Map Only - PDF File
Personal Items - you might need :-) - PDF File
Things to do :-) - PDF File
Items Needed - if you can provide any of these items - let us know

REMINDER – Deadline for RSVP and Money for the May 18th-20th, 2012 Camping Trip is May 12th – Night of the dance. We will have a packet of information there if you are going and will be available for questions and payment right after the 10:00 pm announcements at the dance. We will be sitting at the front desk or RSVP or ask questions now. You can mail a check to Howard Thompson (304-543-1001) or visit the SES site for latest updates and details. This trip (30-40 have indicated they want to go) will take a lot of preparation for all the food and entertainment we're providing, which is why we need the RSVP and deadline for payment NO LATER than May 12th. Total cost including food, camping is $40.00 (5 meals).