Give old man winter a royal send off and plan a spring camping trip at one of Kentucky’s State Park campgrounds.  With 31 campgrounds available at parks in every region of the state, there are plenty of choices for an outdoor adventure to kick off spring.

All state park campgrounds open April 1 and all will be taking part in Camper Appreciation Weekend on April 23-24 with two nights of camping for the price of one.  Many have special events scheduled for that weekend to welcome campers back for the season.  There is always something special happening at Kentucky State Parks.  A listing of locations and amenities are available at www.parks.ky.gov.

Reservations can be made by visiting www.parks.ky.gov/reservations or by calling 1-888-4KYPARK  or 888-459-7275.   Photos of individual campsites are available at the Web site.   All campgrounds have sites with water and electric hookups. Campers with horses can be accommodated at Dale Hollow Lake and Taylorsville Lake.

The campground at Columbus-Belmont State Park in western Kentucky will be adding a new family restroom and sewer hookups have been added at eight campsites. Bathhouse improvements are also planned for campgrounds at General Burnside Island, Kincaid Lake, Barren River and Natural Bridge.

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

Below is a list of state park campgrounds and some of the events planned for Camper Appreciation Weekend April 23-24, when all parks will offer two nights of camping for the price of one night:

Barren River Lake State Resort Park, Lucas, 800-325-0057 The park’s Nature Fest weekend includes activities for all ages.  Bird walks, wildflower and tree identification walks, introduction to canoeing, backpacking, composting, eco-arts and water safety among others.  E-mail lisa.deavers@ky.gov for more details.

Big Bone Lick State Park, Union, 859-384-3522 Take part in guided hikes, crafts and nature programs at the park.

Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park, Mount Olivet, 859-289-5507 Special programs and entertainment planned throughout the weekend. The park’s restaurant will be having a Cajun Buffet on April 24 from 4-9 p.m. The gift shop is hosting a Spring Extravaganza on Saturday to show off locally made products.

Carr Creek State Park, Sassafras, 606-642-4050 Join us for camping and enjoy fishing, a full-service marina and picnic areas.

Carter Caves State Resort Park, Olive Hill, 800-325-0059 A special camper’s weekend with special rates that apply to mini-golf and cave tours.  Programs include a Smoky Lake canoe trip, crafts, homemade ice cream and a magic show by David Cottrell on Saturday night.  Also on the schedule is Wildflower Weekend, when the park will have several wildflower walks to show guests the beautiful array of spring wildflowers of Carter Caves.

Columbus-Belmont State Park, Columbus, 606-297-8488 At Columbus-Belmont State Park, the camping special means reserving your spot on the bluffs above the Mighty Mississippi River. Besides getting one night free, breakfast is complimentary, as well as mini-golf on Saturday and museum admission on Sunday.

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Corbin, 800-325-0063. Join us for a great weekend and hike along our 17 miles of trails and visit the falls.

Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park, Burkesville, 800-325-2282 Celebrate Earth Day and enjoy a two-night weekend for the price of one.  A night owl hike is schedule on Friday to explore the night life of the park. Saturday will be packed full of nature crafts, hikes and campfire entertainment with karaoke and roasted marshmallows.

Fort Boonesborough State Park, Richmond, 859-527-3131 Join us for our official kick-off to the 2009 camping season. Scheduled activities throughout the weekend including bingo, the Appalachian Troubadours singing group, arts and crafts, free historic tours, free putt-putt, a bonfire, a movie and a whole lot more. When you pay for Friday night’s camping you get Saturday night for free. For registered campers only.

General Burnside Island State Park, Burnside, 606-561-4104 Campers are the focus for the weekend and activities for all age groups unfold on Saturday.

General Butler State Resort Park, Carrollton, 866-462-8853   What a deal!  General Butler’s Campground will open its gates to a Camper Swap Meet where campers may sell their wares during Saturday’s event. Selling areas are limited to one’s campsite from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guests at park cottages or the lodge get special parking. Saturday evening entertainment by David Stahl.

Grayson Lake State Park, Grayson, 606-474-9727 Visit our 71-site campground and enjoy fishing, boating, hiking, picnic areas and Hidden Cove Golf Course.

Green River Lake State Park, Campbellsville, 270-465-8255. Camping special includes free mini-golf on Saturday.

Greenbo Lake State Resort Park, Greenup, 606-473-7324 The park in the Ashland region welcomes campers with a two nights for one deal. Try one of our great hiking trails while you visit. Join us as we celebrate Camper’s Appreciation Weekend at Greenbo Lake State Resort Park.  There will be a Bean Supper Friday night and Saturday activities will include arts and crafts, hayride, hike and mini golf.

Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, Prestonsburg, 800-325-0142 Two for one night includes planned nature and recreation activities for all ages and a free cookout for all campers on Saturday night.  Bring a covered dish and the park will provide hotdogs and buns.

John James Audubon State Park, Henderson, 270-826-2247 Enjoy fun family activities Friday-Sunday and celebrate John James Audubon’s birthday at this jewel of a park. Contact Julie McDonald at juliea.mcdonald@ky.gov

Kenlake State Resort Park, Aurora, 800-325-0143 Kenlake is offering two nights of camping for the price of one with special recreation activities planned throughout the weekend.

Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, Gilbertsville, 800-325-0146 Camper Appreciation Weekend features recreational activities to gear up for the 2010 summer season as campers enjoy the outdoors and get two nights of camping for the price of one!  Special activities and entertainment will be offered. Pick up a recreation schedule for all the activity descriptions, along with the times of each activity. This area is famous for its quilt exhibits, including Paducah’s National Quilt Museum. Check out the National Quilt Show April 21-24. For more information, contact: Anthony.Lawrence@ky.gov or call 1-800-325-0146, ext. 412.

Kincaid Lake State Park, Falmouth, 859-654-3531  Kincaid Lake’s recreation area will be open Saturday afternoon for activities and games.  Join us for a hot dog roast in the campground on Saturday evening.

Lake Barkley State Resort Park, Cadiz, 800-325-1708 You won’t want to miss out on an Earth weekend of activities and two nights camping for the price of one! Activities will include a hot dog roast over the campfire and an evening Owl prowl through the campground.  Grab a tent, gather the family and reserve your site now so you won’t miss out on the fun!

Lake Cumberland State Resort Park, Jamestown, 800-325-1709 Enjoy a weekend of beautiful spring weather and scenery at Lake Cumberland State Resort for Camper Appreciation Weekend.   Celebrate Earth Day and enjoy a two-night weekend for the price of one.  This weekend we are having our park’s 5th Annual Geocaching Weekend.   This challenging event is for the beginner to advanced geocachers.  Fees apply.  Contact Robert Myers for more information.

Lake Malone State Park, Dunmore, 270-657-2111 Join us at Lake Malone State Park in our campground for Camper Appreciation Weekend. A complimentary breakfast will be served Saturday morning.

Levi Jackson State Park, London, 606-330-2130 Levi Jackson State Park would like to show appreciation to all our campers by giving one free night on Saturday when you pay for Friday. A dinner will be served Friday evening and activities are planned for both days. Start the camping season off by joining us at Levi Jackson for this kick-off celebration.

 My Old Kentucky Home State Park, Bardstown, 502-348-3502 Visit one of Kentucky’s most famous landmarks and camp with us. We also have a golf course, picnic area and tours of Federal Hill.

Natural Bridge State Resort Park, Slade, 800-325-1710 Come enjoy spring sights and sounds here at one of two campgrounds.  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 field trips and hikes along with expert speakers. Registration fee.

Nolin Lake State Park, Bee Spring, 270-286-4240 Campers come join the fun with the special deal.  You pay for Friday; the park has Saturday.  Check out our 1.6 mile trail that includes a waterfall. “Music Across Nolin” will provide entertainment from 6-10 p.m. Saturday.

 Paintsville Lake State Park, Paintsville, 606-297-8488 Celebrate the opening of the 2010 camping season with a cookout for campers Saturday afternoon.

Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park, Dawson Springs, 800-325-1711 There is a full schedule of events that begin Friday evening and special events that have an t Earth Day-oriented theme.

Rough River Dam State Resort Park, Falls of Rough, 800-325-1713 Earth Day is great way to show appreciation for our campers! Nature-related activities will be happening all weekend.  Let the camping season begin! Two nights for the price of one. For more information, please contact Sheila Jones at sheila.jones@ky.gov

Taylorsville Lake State Park, Taylorsville, 502-477-8713  Check out our 42 full-service campsites that include sites for horse camping and multi-use trails. There’s great fishing and boating on the lake.

Yatesville Lake State Park, Yatesville, 606-673-1490  The weekend specials begin with twilight pontoon boat rides Friday night and other activities throughout the weekend, including morning coffee and donuts.  A Saturday night cookout is sponsored by the Lawrence County Tourism Commission.   

The Kentucky State Park System is composed of 52 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 Web site at http://www.parks.ky.gov