FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 15, 2026) – Today, Team Kentucky announced that following last year’s historic flooding at Nolin Lake State Park and Fort Boonesborough campgrounds, both sites are on track to reopen after receiving significant repairs and renovations that will improve the experience for visitors.
“We recognize the importance of the Nolin Lake and Fort Boonesborough State Park campgrounds to these communities and visitors, which is why we are prioritizing getting these up and running safely for our guests,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “We look forward to reopening the facilities and hosting folks at these great campgrounds again soon.”
Gov. Beshear heard the concerns of local officials and residents in the areas and tasked newly appointed Deputy Secretary of the Governor’s Executive Cabinet Ray Perry to personally intervene and move these projects forward. Through his leadership, progress has been made to meet the anticipated opening dates being announced today.
Upon completion, Nolin Lake is expected to reopen to primitive camping on July 1, meaning visitors will have access to bathhouse facilities, potable water and the RV sewer dump station. Nolin Lake’s full re-opening is anticipated for July 15, which is when electrical services to individual campsites will be restored, and visitors can expect the campground to return to the full set of offerings that were available prior to last year’s flooding.
Fort Boonesborough’s damage from last year’s flooding was more significant than Nolin Lake’s due to the impact on the site’s electrical system. Team Kentucky’s priority is opening the campground as quickly as it is safe to the public, which is why a fast-tracked bidding process was initiated to find a suitable partner for repairs and replacement of the site's entire electrical system. Plans are currently for a contract to be agreed to by June 15 and for the campground to reopen in Spring 2027.
“We appreciate Gov. Beshear’s support as Nolin Lake and Fort Boonesborough’s campgrounds undergo these important upgrades,” said Tourism, Arts & Heritage Cabinet Secretary Lindy Casebier. “We take great pride in our Kentucky State Parks, which draw visitors from near and far and are a major contributor to New Kentucky Home tourism. We are excited for families to come create more memories with us.”
“The Kentucky State Parks team is working hard to complete these repairs and renovations as quickly as possible, and we appreciate the community’s patience,” said Kentucky State Parks Interim Commissioner Mark Kellen. “Guest safety remains our top priority, and we look forward to welcoming campers back as soon as it is safe.”
Nolin Lake
The campground suffered major infrastructure damage due to historic rainfall and flooding in 2025, leaving much of the park underwater for weeks. As a result, significant repairs are in progress to the campground water system, bathhouse, wastewater treatment plant and lift stations. The beach, playground areas and other public-use amenities are being refurbished as part of the reopening effort. Additionally, the state Department of Engineering and Contract Administration (DECA) is performing tree removal and other mitigation activities at the park.
Fort Boonesborough
The flooding event of 2025 caused significant damage that requires the replacement of the entire electrical system. Once restoration and renovations are complete, the campground will offer upgraded electrical service at every site, as well as campsite improvements, renovated bathhouses and better drainage throughout the site, all aimed at improving the experience for guests.
Gov. Beshear signed legislation that allocated $40 million in funding for campground improvements that the General Assembly approved during the 2023 legislative session.
These projects demonstrate Team Kentucky’s strong commitment to improving facilities across Kentucky State Parks campgrounds, providing visitors with modern amenities to fit today’s needs.
For safety purposes, the public is urged to stay off park campground property during the closures and refrain from unauthorized use until they are officially open.
Updates will be provided through the Kentucky State Parks website and official communication channels.
Kentucky is home to 44 state parks, including 17 resort parks and 13 golf courses. For more information about Kentucky State Parks, visit parks.ky.gov.
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