Pet Policy

To ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for all guests and the protection of park resources, Kentucky State Parks welcomes pets under the following guidelines:

General Guidelines

• Pets are allowed in Kentucky State Parks unless otherwise posted and in certain restricted areas.

• All pets must be under physical control at all times, either on a leash no longer than six (6) feet or in a secure carrier.

• Pets may not be left unattended in public areas or tethered to trees, buildings, or park equipment.

• Owners must clean up after their pets immediately and dispose of waste in designated trash receptacles.

Lodging & Campgrounds

• Lodging (Cottages & Lodge Rooms):

  • Pet-friendly accommodations are available at select lodges and cabins. We do charge an additional fee of $35 for lodge rooms and $50 for cottages plus applicable tax per stay in our lodges and cottages (pets are not allowed in the cottages at Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park). We know that your pet is very clean already but we do extra work on every pet friendly room after each guest checks out.

  • A maximum of two (2) pets per room/cabin is allowed.

  • Guests that bring a pet into an accommodation without prior notification and paying the fee will be charged a fee of $50 plus applicable tax per stay and a $100 extra cleaning fee.

• Campgrounds:

  • Pets are welcome at all campgrounds but must be kept on a leash or inside the RV/tent at all times.

  • Excessive barking or aggressive behavior may result in removal from the campground.

   

Day-Use Areas & Trails

• Pets are allowed on most hiking trails and in day-use areas unless signs indicate otherwise.

• Owners must ensure their pets do not disturb wildlife, other visitors, or park operations.

• Pet owners are responsible for assessing trail difficulty and conditions for their animals' safety.

Restricted Areas

Pets are not allowed in:

• Public buildings (unless marked as pet-friendly)

• Public beaches and designated swimming areas

• Park restaurants or food service areas

• Any park trails that share land with State Nature Preserves or are in protected archaeological areas. This includes Wickliffe Mounds SHS and all but one trail at Natural Bridge SRP and John James Audubon SP. Also, a few trails at Cumberland Falls, Carter Caves, Pine Mountain, and Blue Licks Battlefield State Parks are part of nature preserves. These trails will be posted as such.

• Any area marked by signage per the park

  
  

Service Animals

Service animals are welcome throughout all Kentucky State Parks in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Service animals must be leashed or harnessed unless performing a task where restraint would interfere.

Enforcement

• Park rangers and staff have the authority to enforce all pet-related rules.

• Violations may result in fines, removal from the park, or restriction from future visits.

Pet Owner Responsibility

Owners assume full responsibility for their pets' behavior, actions, and safety while in the park. Aggressive or threatening behavior by pets may result in immediate removal from park grounds.

We thank you for following these guidelines to keep Kentucky State Parks enjoyable for all visitors — both two- and four-legged!

For more information, or to confirm pet accommodations, please contact  your selected Kentucky State Park.