FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 28, 2026) – Today, Team Kentucky announced that following last year’s historic flooding at Green River Lake State Park campground, a phased reopening plan will welcome guests back while continuing long-term recovery efforts.
“We know how special this campground is to this community and its visitors,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “We’ve worked hard to get it up and running safely after last year’s historic flooding and are excited for it to welcome guests again soon.”
The campground suffered major infrastructure damage due to the historic rainfall and flooding event that occurred in 2025, leaving much of the park under water for weeks. A thorough assessment found that the entire electrical system needs to be replaced.
The campground is scheduled to reopen on Friday, July 31, to primitive and self-contained camping (RVs and campers capable of operating without utility hookups). Approximately 73 campsites will be available and may be booked through ReserveAmerica. Generators will be permitted for self-contained camping units. These sites will remain open through Oct. 31, when the campground will close for the season.
Restoration and infrastructure projects are scheduled to begin on Nov. 1, 2026. Plans are currently for the campground to reopen in spring 2027.
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 campground, all aimed at improving the guest experience.
“We appreciate Gov. Beshear’s leadership and assistance in helping us reopen Green River Lake State Park campground so that folks may enjoy the remainder of the camping season,” said Tourism, Arts & Heritage Cabinet Secretary Lindy Casebier. “We are committed to providing a top-notch New Kentucky Home experience at Kentucky State Parks, and these efforts will benefit community members and visitors alike, along with the economic impact for local tourism.”
“The Kentucky State Parks team’s goal is to safely restore camping opportunities, set clear expectations for visitors and position the campground for continued improvements following the 2026 camping season,” said Kentucky State Parks Interim Commissioner Mark Kellen. “Rather than keeping the campground closed for the remainder of the season, we believe reopening a portion of the campground is the best path forward for our guests, the local community and the park.”
Available amenities will include one bathhouse for guest use, campground entrance booth open for check-in and guest assistance, firewood and ice available for sale, miniature golf and fire rings. The campground store will remain closed during this phase.
Additionally, the park plans to host its popular Halloween in the Park weekends, providing another opportunity to welcome campers back before the campground closes for the season. Scheduled weekends include Oct. 9–11 and Oct. 16–18.
Through funding from House Joint Resolution 76, the Green River bathhouse received a $126,642 renovation. Kentucky State Parks were allocated $40 million for campground upgrades, split between the east and west regions. Green River was allocated $3.6 million for campground renovations, but renovation projects were halted due to the flooding. That funding will still be used for upgrades, and electrical updates will be funded through HB6 Utility Infrastructure funding.
This project demonstrates 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 closure and refrain from unauthorized use until the facility is 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.