Cave-In-Rock State Park — Attraction in Elizabethtown

Some context' I'm from NC. A good friend of mine passed away from a heart attack at 44, and me and some friends drove from Raleigh to Eastern Kentucky for his funeral, we went rented an Airbnb on the Kentucky lake in Eddyville, and i was searching around for thing's to do the next day!! And I came across this place.. ((At first when I saw there was a town with the same name I thought oh great another tourist trap))... And I guess since I'm used to like grandfather mountain where it's $30 for a ticket, I expected $$$... ((Here's the crazy part the funeral home was on the same road as the road that leads to this place!!!))) So I left the funeral home and started driving down the road and I see the signs for a ferry,((and I don't think anything about it because I grew up on the coast and it's normal to take a ferry from Island to Island)))...... (((But but then the road narrows, and I start seeing Amish signs!!! And Amish convenience stores!!!))) And I'm like wow this is neat!!! Then I get to the end of the road!!!! And there's cars and motorcycles boarding a ferry))....and I'm like❔❓❔❓.. so I get out of the car and I asked the guy how much is this ferry...and he,s like free.....Free...!!!🤯🤯!!! So I get on the ferry take some pictures and move over to the village or whatever expecting it to be like a tourist hellhole!!! ((But instead it's a tiny little fishing village on the Ohio River!!!))..... ((More context))... When you drive from Raleigh to Nashville well except for the fact that Nashville has its association with country music it pretty much looks exactly like Raleigh!!! ((And the part of Kentucky we were in reminds me a lot of eastern North Carolina flat with tiny towns dotted all over the place))... But when u cross that river!!!it's like!!!ummm!!! A fishing village on the outer Banks.... ....when u get off the ferry your on (1).. I don't know if that's a highway or a road whatever!!! But it's just looks like a straight road leading off into Oblivion... And the nearest Dollar general is like 13 or something miles away!!!! .... Anyways while I'm there ....this couple pull up in a car..n there Carly 20s and the guy gets out with a suitcase a life vest and his radio equipment... They walk to the end of the boat ramp.. and as the tug is coming down the river... The guys on the tug bring a dinghy to come pick up this guy..on land... And the girlfriend says her fond farewells and they're off..... ((())))..... To the cave... I would definitely say that this cave probably has many settlers during the days of the Great migration west!!! It's crazy to think how many settlers took shelter in that cave!!!! I'm very surprised there is not a fort on top of that Hill..with such and amazing view of the Ohio River...... This place is very well hidden because of its remoteness.... And because of the narrow winding roads that go to it..... So from what I saw it was mostly locals and motorcycles.....

..... But this is probably one of the last ferry services !!! Like this they're just not that common anymore!!!! If you're nearby go!!!!! s ferry's like that are not common...

We stayed at Cave in Rock SP (CIR) over the Memorial day weekend for a total of 8 days. Overall: It’s a very nice stay and nice campground. Because of a mobility issue the Camp Host gave us site 27 which is one of two ADA sites and one of the 34 RV sites and is right across from the bathhouse. Now some specifics…..

Check In: The process was easy, everything is F.C.F.S, so you can go find a site then go to the host and check in and pay. Host cannot accept credit cards, cash or check only, $20 for weeknights and $30 for weekends and holidays.

Sites: Sites are configured in a one-way loop and are easy back-ins. Levelness: Our site was about four inches out of level front to back but level side-to-side. Pad Construction: Ours was a concrete pad, regular sites are asphalt. Lengths varied but a 40’ wouldn’t be out of the question. Ours is 35’ and we were able to park the toad in front, as did most other campers. Electricity: Sites are electric 50/30/20amp with a stable at 125vac on leg 1, 124vac on leg 2 and 60hz on both. Water: Not at site, fill at dump station or jugs at shower house. Shower House (1): Pros: Large, spacious with two showers (1 ADA) and two commodes (1 ADA) each side and of course a sink; for the most part, they were relatively clean and restocked. Cons: There were some items that laid on the floor the whole time. Water was warm, timed and the temperature preset. On the men's side, the standard shower had a leaking shower head, the ADA shower had a wall head and a hand held head and it was cracked and sprayed out all over, but it was usable. Next is something that is the fault of the original builders, that is the slope of the shower floor. The floor is not sloped the full width of the shower, so water runs over the peak away from the drain and runs out the door; my wife said the same thing about the women's shower too. So the floors outside the showers were wet, and inside on the men’s ADA there was pretty much a ½” of standing water where you needed to dry off and put clothes back on. Really nothing that can be done with that without some major work. It could use some TLC, but overall it was usable. Dump Station and Dumpster: They are both located near the end of the camp loop and an easy pull through with potable water as well. Accessories: Ours had a high grill, others had a combo grill/fire pit. Sites also had nice picnic tables. Other: The interior of the loop is large and grassy and children played ball and games. By the bathhouse is a small playground and picnic pavilion and even though there was gathering it wasn’t really noisy. Sites are shady with dispersed...

Having been a fan of Cave-in-Rock State Park for years, it's always a pleasure to return. My recent visit, after a long hiatus, was a wonderful reminder of why this place holds such a special spot in my heart. The park itself is a gem, offering stunning views of the Ohio River and a peaceful atmosphere that makes for a perfect escape.

The highlight, of course, is the cave. The walk down to the entrance, with its rugged beauty, builds a sense of anticipation. The sheer scale of the cavern is breathtaking, with its massive arching entrance and the cool, damp air providing a welcome respite from the summer heat. Exploring the interior is an experience that feels both humbling and adventurous.

What truly made this visit memorable, however, was the unexpected kindness of strangers. As we were about to head down to the cave, we struck up a conversation with a couple who were just leaving. They were so enthusiastic about their experience, sharing their awe at the cave's size and the unique natural formations. Their joy was infectious, and we spent a pleasant few minutes chatting and exchanging stories of our previous visits. It was a simple, yet genuine interaction that added a warm, human element to an already beautiful day.

For anyone considering a trip, I wholeheartedly recommend Cave-in-Rock State Park. Whether you're a nature lover, a history buff, or just looking for a peaceful place to spend an afternoon, it's an experience that won't disappoint. The cave is a must-see, and you might even be lucky enough to meet some friendly faces along the way. I'm already looking forward to...