Review of Camping at Natural Bridge State Resort Park in Kentucky

 photo Fall2013-Spring2014236_zps658534e7.jpg photo Fall2013-Spring2014159_zps7e5fe75c.jpgWe have a new tradition in our family: Father’s Day Weekend Annual Campout. Apparently this

is already a thing, because most of the groups camping at Natural Bridge State Resort Park were dads camping with their kids. I’m

totally OK with bucking the system and being the only mom along for the fun.

This was our first time camping as a family other than out in our own back yard. I had always heard

wonderful things about the campgrounds at Natural Bridge State Resort Park, and they are completely

accurate. We stayed in the primitive camping area (click here for reservations). Our campsite included a flat gravel spot for our tent,

a fire pit with an attached grill, a metal pole with hooks to hang wet clothes, and a picnic table. There

was also a water spigot nearby. But the piece de resistance was the beautiful and serene babbling

stream that was ten feet from our tent. The kids had more fun splashing in the water and catching

crayfish than they did with almost everything else. In addition to the awesome primitive campsites, the

campground also included bathrooms with showers that were clean and well-maintained, coin laundry,

and fire wood and ice available at the check in station. 

 photo Fall2013-Spring2014228_zps5a3073f9.jpg photo Fall2013-Spring2014226_zps727820fe.jpgWe were surprised to discover just a couple of days before our trip that while dogs are allowed at

certain campsites and hotel rooms at the resort, they are not allowed on any trails in Natural Bridge

State Park. That made things a little more difficult when planning our hiking, but we were able

to manage. And dogs are allowed on all the trails at nearby Daniel Boone National Forest (on a leash and you have to clean up after them). We had a great time

discovering many of the trails in the area.

 photo Fall2013-Spring2014230_zpsf20f570a.jpgWe also stopped by the Kentucky Reptile Zoo, which was hidden away

behind a rest stop right off of Mountain Parkway. In addition to being a major venom lab, KRZ has

recently had the distinction of successfully breeding King Cobras, which are notoriously difficult to breed

in captivity. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable about the many different species on display at the

zoo.

There’s so much more to do in this area than we were able to fit in to our short weekend trip. We will

definitely return next year for the second annual Father’s Day Weekend Campout.

By guest contributor: Maggie

DCPD
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