Kentucky floods close several state parks, campgrounds ahead of summer season

Recent flooding in Kentucky has closed several state parks and campgrounds in addition to Fort Boonesborough, where campsites will likely be closed through September 30, and could limit areas open for hunting, state officials said Wednesday.

The Kentucky state parks currently closed include Rough River, Nolin, Fort Boonesborough and Paintsville Lake. Additionally, the campgrounds at Taylorsville and Green River are closed.

‘Many of our state parks have been impacted by the recent flooding, and our highest priority is the safety of our guests and staff,” said Anita Hatchett, a spokesperson for the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet.

“Our state parks teams have continued to welcome displaced families who are sheltering at our parks, providing support to those in need, even as they cope with the effects of the flooding themselves,” said Russ Meyer, the Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Parks.

“Team Kentucky is strong, and together, we will recover from this flooding and keep our parks a safe space for everyone,”

There is no timeframe for opening Fort Boonesborough in Madison County, which is adjacent to Lexington, Hatchett said.

“Our priority is to get the park cleaned and safe for visitors. Due to flood damage, the campground is predicted to be closed until the fall.

There will be a financial impact for Fort Boonesborough, a popular Central Kentucky tourist attraction, “but exact figures are difficult to pinpoint at this time. Various factors will determine the overall financial impact,” Hatchett said.

Flooding could limit turkey hunting

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources said lingering high water also could limit access to some areas for turkey hunting during the spring season, which runs from April 12 through May 4.

Nearly every wildlife management area in Western Kentucky has been affected by flooding, with some parking lots and access points under water and a good bit of land inaccessible, the department said in a news release.

In Central Kentucky, the wildlife management areas at Taylorsville Lake and Kentucky River also have been hit by flooding, particularly in the river bottoms.

Management areas in Eastern Kentucky weren’t affected as much, but staffers have removed fallen trees and other debris from access points.

The department advised hunters to check the potential for flooded roads before heading to a wildlife management area. People can do that on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet site.

The department posts news about closures at public cites on its site. Click on the ALERTS! link.

This story was originally published April 10, 2025 at 8:52 AM.