Celebrate the return of spring at one of the many Kentucky State Park’s campgrounds in April.  With more than 30 campgrounds located throughout the Commonwealth, guests can find something they like for their next outdoor adventure.

State park campgrounds will open on April 1, 2011. All state park campgrounds will be hosting the annual Camper Appreciation Weekend on April 29-May 1 with two nights for the price of one. Many parks will be holding special events during this weekend for campers.

In addition to Camper Appreciation Weekend, there are campsites available during April. New camping reservations made for April 1 through April 28 will get a 20 percent discount. (This is for online reservations only. Use the discount code “APR11.”)

New at state park campgrounds this year will be campsites for horse camping at Carter Caves and Pennyrile Forest state resort parks. Both will open later this spring. Dale Hollow Lake and Taylorsville Lake campgrounds already have horse camping available. Green River Lake State Park has also added wifi access, which is available for a fee, to campground guests. Tent camping sites at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park have also been renovated with sites being leveled and expanded, new group and family sites and new fire rings and lantern posts.

All state park campgrounds have sites with water and electric hookups.

Reservations can be made by visiting www.parks.ky.gov/reservations.  Guests making reservations online can view pictures of the individual campsites available, allowing them to better select a site to suit their individual needs. Guests may also call 1-888-4KYPARK for reservations.

For more information about Kentucky State Parks, including camping information, events and other park details, visit www.parks.ky.gov.

Listed below are state park campgrounds and events planned for Camper Appreciation Weekend April 29-May 1:

Barren River Lake State Resort Park, Lucas, 1-800-325-0057 – Visit Barren River for a fun weekend of Nature Fest activities. Camp two nights for the price of one and enjoy all the activities for free. This is a great family weekend to enjoy all things outdoors. There will be activities for all ages. Prior event activities have included: canoeing, bird watching, nature hikes, nature crafts, composting and more. You do not have to camp to participate in Nature Fest activities.

Big Bone Lick State Park, Union, 859-384-3522 – If you are a camping enthusiast, you don’t want to miss your chance to camp two nights for the price of one at Big Bone Lick State Park. While camping, you can take part in guided hikes, crafts and naturalist programs at the park.

Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park, Mount Olivet, 1-800-443-700 – Campers pay for one night and get the second night FREE during this weekend where we say thank you to all our campers! Special programs and entertainment will be offered throughout the weekend.

Carter Caves State Resort Park, Olive Hill, 1-800-325-0059 – This weekend has been set aside as a special weekend for campers. Those camping this weekend will get two nights of camping for the price of one. Special rates will apply to campers for mini-golf and cave tours. Some of the recreation programs include a Smoky Lake canoe trip, crafts, homemade ice cream and a special performing artist on Saturday night. As part of Wildflower Weekend the park will have several wildflower walks and programs to show guests the beautiful array of the wildflowers of Carter Caves.

Columbus-Belmont State Park, Columbus, 270-677-2327 – Columbus-Belmont State Park would like to show appreciation to our Camping Friends and invite new camping friends to join us for Camper Appreciation Weekend.  Not only will you enjoy the scenic beauty and serenity of the campground on the bluffs of the mighty Mississippi River, you will get your second night free. Campers will be treated to lunch on Saturday and there will be free mini golf and museum visits.  Campground Kids will enjoy “Color Time” with Disney characters.

Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park, Burkesville, 1-800-325-2282 – Visit Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park during Campers Appreciation Weekend when you camp two nights for the price of one!  Paddlers bring your canoes or kayaks to socialize and paddle the lake or one of the many rivers in the area.  Register for a beginners guided kayak trip only $40 per person where the kayak, lunch, transportation and instruction are provided for you.  Other activities include hikes, wildflower walks, games, and a campfire program about the history and ghost stories of the lake.  Pre-registration is required. Limited spots available. Contact Jamie Avery at 270-433-7431 or jamie.avery@ky.gov.

General Burnside State Park, Burnside, 606-561-4104 – This is a weekend devoted to campers. Campers can buy one night and stay the second night free. Activities scheduled Saturday for all ages.

General Butler State Resort Park, Carrollton, 1-866-462-8853 – Does General Butler State Resort Park have a deal for you! Pay the first night camping fee and stay the second night on us! General Butler’s Campground will open its gates to a Camper Swap Meet. Campers are welcomed to sell their wares during Saturday’s event. Selling areas are limited to your campsite on Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Cottage and lodge guests are invited with special parking. Weekend evening entertainment will showcase this event. The Butler-Turpin State Historic House is holding a Cemetery Workshop this weekend. Call the park for details.

Grayson Lake State Park, Grayson, 606-474-9727 – Two nights of camping for the price of one.

Green River Lake State Park, Campbellsville, 270-465-8255 – Camp two nights for the price of one! Enjoy great food and fun with family and friends this weekend. Free mini golf on Saturday.

Greenbo Lake State Resort Park, Greenup, 1-800-325-0083 – Visit Greenbo Lake State Resort Park for a weekend while we show appreciation to our Camping Family. Campers can camp on Friday and get Saturday free. Activities include a Bean Supper on Friday, 6-7:30 p.m. with music by Threefold Cord. Saturday will feature crafts, hike, hayride and mini golf. Please join us for a weekend of family fun.

Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, Prestonsburg, 1-800-325-0142 – Camp one night and get the second night free! Jenny Wiley will have planned nature and recreation activities for all ages. The park also plans a free potluck cookout for all campers on Saturday evening. Please bring a covered dish. The park will supply the hotdogs and buns.

John James Audubon State Park, Henderson, 270-826-2247 – Enjoy family fun and special camping deals for Audubon State Park visitors. Also, visit the Ohio Valley Birding Festival going on April 28-May 1.

Kenlake State Resort Park, Aurora, 1-800-325-0143 – Kenlake State Resort Park is offering two nights of camping for the price of one with special recreation activities planned throughout the weekend. Pay for Friday night and get Saturday night free.

Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, Gilbertsville, 1-800-325-0146 – Camp two nights for the price of one! Pay for Friday night and get Saturday night free. Our weekend will feature recreational activities to gear up the 2011 summer season! Come enjoy the outdoors and visit the many quilts on display in the area, including Paducah’s National Quilt Museum.

Lake Barkley State Resort Park, Cadiz, 1-800-325-1708 – Reserve your campsite early and enjoy a weekend of activities just for campers! Two nights for the price of one and recreation activities for campers.

Lake Cumberland State Resort Park, Jamestown, 1-800-325-1709 – Campers come and enjoy a weekend of camping. Activities scheduled Saturday for all ages. Camp Friday night and stay Saturday night free!

Lake Malone State Park, Dunmore, 270-657-2111 – Come to Lake Malone for Camper Appreciation Weekend. Pay for the first night and get the second night free. There will be complimentary coffee, juice and donuts Saturday morning at 8:30 a.m. at the campground office.

Natural Bridge State Resort Park, Slade, 1-800-325-1710 – Come enjoy the spring sights and sounds of Natural Bridge at one of our two campgrounds. Campers will get two nights camping for the price of one! The famous Natural Bridge square dance on Hoedown Island begins at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday. It is also Wildflower Weekend at the park and there will be many field trips as well as expert speakers. Registration fee required.

Nolin Lake State Park, Bee Spring, 270-286-4240 – Once again this year Nolin Lake is having camper appreciation weekend. Come spend the weekend and receive one night of camping free. This is our way of saying thank you for spending time with us.

Paintsville Lake State Park, Paintsville, 606-297-8486 – Paintsville Lake State Park would like you to join us in celebrating the opening of the 2011 camping season! We’ll have a cookout just for you and if you camp with us on Friday night you’ll receive Saturday night free!

Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park, Dawson Springs, 1-800-325-1711 – In order to show campers how much Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park appreciates them, the park is offering a special rate of two nights camping for the price of one! There will be a full schedule of events beginning Friday evening. Programs will have an Arbor Day and Earth Day-oriented theme.

Rough River Dam State Resort Parks, Falls of Rough, 1-800-325-1713 – Join Rough River as the park shows its appreciation for campers! Spend Friday night in the campground at regular price and get Saturday night free!  Nature-related activities centered an Earth Day theme will be provided all weekend long. Come on out and we will celebrate nature and kick off the camping season together.

Taylorsville Lake State Park, Taylorsville, 502-477-8713 – Celebrate Earth Day by visiting Taylorsville Lake State Park and enjoy a weekend of camping.  Two nights for the price of one!  Bring your hiking shoes, or your mountain bike, or your horse, or all three and enjoy our 24 miles of trails.  Sign up for a drawing for a free weekend of camping. (For use only at Taylorsville Lake State Park.)

Yatesville Lake State Park, Louisa, 606-673-1490 – Celebrate Camper’s Appreciation Weekend with pontoon boat rides, kid’s scavenger hunts and nature walks.  Other complimentary activities include coffee and donuts on Saturday morning and a cookout on Saturday evening.

The Kentucky State Park System is composed of 51 state parks plus an interstate park shared with Virginia. The Department of Parks, an agency of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, operates 17 resort parks with lodges — more than any other state. For more information on Kentucky parks, visit our website at http://www.parks.ky.gov