Building on the New Kentucky Home initiative, My Old Kentucky Home State Park’s campground is undergoing $4 million in renovations to enhance visitor experiences. Gov. Andy Beshear signed legislation that allocated $40 million in funding for campground improvements, which was approved by the General Assembly during the 2024 legislative session.
The renovation project includes 39 full-service campsites, including eight pull-through sites, and the construction of a modern bathhouse. This project underscores a strong commitment to improving facilities across Kentucky State Parks campgrounds, providing visitors with modern amenities to fit today’s needs. The project is estimated to be completed by late summer 2025.
“These $4 million in upgrades at My Old Kentucky Home State Park’s campground reflect our dedication to upgrading experiences at our state parks, giving Kentuckians and visitors from across the country and around the world even more reasons to visit the commonwealth,” said Kentucky State Parks Commissioner Russ Meyer. “The improvements will help bring My Old Kentucky Home into the New Kentucky Home era. We look forward to continuing our progress in updating Parks facilities across the commonwealth.”
Situated in the heart of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, the campground renovations at My Kentucky Home are poised to better serve visitors exploring the historically rich area. My Old Kentucky Home is one of 30 campgrounds within the Kentucky State Parks system that will benefit from improvements. Upgrades for campgrounds include new electric and water lines, additional sewer sites, bathhouse renovations, expansions and roadway upgrades.
Located at 501 E. Stephen Foster Ave. in Bardstown, My Old Kentucky Home State Park includes an early 19th-century historic mansion, welcome center, gardens, playground, picnic shelter, tennis courts, 18-hole golf course, an outdoor amphitheater, gift shop and campgrounds. Tours are limited to groups of 25 and are available hourly from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday during winter hours (Jan. 2 to March 15). Tickets for tours must be purchased in person at the Visitors Center in My Old Kentucky Home State Park.
Kentucky is home to breathtaking views of mountain ranges, waterfalls, wildlife, scenic hiking trails, caves to explore, fishing, boating, kayaking, nationally recognized golf courses, camping, lodges, historic sites, museums and more, offering opportunities for exploration, entertainment and education to Kentuckians and visitors from across the world. Along with their natural, historic and economic significance, Gov. Beshear has used Kentucky State Parks and their dedicated teams to respond to tornadoes, flooding and other natural disasters by opening their doors to Kentuckians during difficult times.
During the 2024 legislative session, Gov. Beshear signed House Joint Resolution 56, releasing $71 million for capital construction projects, including building system upgrades, accommodation improvements and recreational amenity enhancements. Gov. Beshear also signed House Bill 6, allocating over $66 million for state park upgrades for various parks.
Beshear announced that $720,000 in new grant funding is available for Kentucky Trail Towns to repair, enhance and promote recreational projects.
To capitalize on Kentucky’s historic economic momentum and record-breaking tourism success, Gov. Beshear recently announced New Kentucky Home, a strategic initiative to further drive economic investment, attract and retain talent and increase tourism across the commonwealth.
