Big Bone Lick

With the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq continuing, deployments can be quite challenging for active U.S. military and their families.  To help service members and their teenager children reconnect and spend quality time together, the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service is offering several high-adventure camps this year, including Wilderness Survival Camp at Big Bone Lick State Park.

The adventure camps are open to U.S. military service members (from any branch and any state) on a first come, first serve basis, but priority is given to service members who have been deployed at least once.  Teenagers should be between the ages of 14 and 18.  The camps are free of charge, and all equipment and meals are provided.

The Wilderness Survival Camp at Big Bone Lick is August 12-14, 2011.  There is space for up to 20 participants (10 service members and 10 teenage children).  There are additional camps available at other Kentucky State Parks through the summer.

The camps were made possible by a grant from the Department of Defense.  Partners include the Life Adventure Center, Devers Middle School and Teen Center, and the UK Family Center.

For an application packet or more information, visit the Military-Extension Adventure Camps website or contact Lauren Smith at 859-257-3072 or email lauren.w.smith@uky.edu.

Wilderness Survival Camp Flyer
Original Story

Kentucky State Parks offers a 10% lodging and camping discount to the following guests:

• Current & retired military personnel (with proof of service)
• Senior citizens (age 62 & older with ID)
• Disabled adults (must present card from Department of Aging and Independent Living)
• AAA members (with membership card)
• KET members (with membership card)

Kentucky POWs camp for free (requires a POW card issued by
KY Dept. of Parks)

See more coupons for Kentucky State Parks

Kentucky State Park campgrounds open on April 1, 2011.  There are more than 30 state park campgrounds in Kentucky including 60 camping sites at Big Bone Lick State Park. 

Campers who make reservations for April 1-28 can receive a 20 percent discount.  This offer is for online reservations only.  Use the discount code “APR11”.  Guests may also call 1-888-4KY-PARK for reservations (no discount available via phone).

All Kentucky state park campgrounds will host the annual Camper Appreciation Weekend on April 29-May 1, with a special “two nights for the price of one.”

Big Bone Lick Campground Reservations

ReserveAmerica is the largest provider of campsite reservations in North America, facilitating over 4 million transactions per year.  You can now reserve your campground site at Big Bone Lick State Park on ReserveAmerica.com.

(more…)

Big Bone Lick State Park in Boone County, Kentucky is recognized again as one of “America’s Top 100 Parks” by ReserveAmerica.  The park was selected from more than 3,000 evaluations by park professionals and campers across North America.  The criteria included scenic views, historical importance, hiking trails, kid-friendly atmosphere, children’s activities and more. 

ReserveAmerica is the largest provider of campsite reservations in North America facilitating more than 4 million transactions per year and manages reservations for Kentucky State Park campgrounds.

State Parks Commissioner Gerry van der Meer said the ReserveAmerica recognition speaks highly of Kentucky State Parks as a whole. “That Kentucky State Parks repeatedly earns the confidence and gratitude of users and parks professionals says a lot about the quality we offer.  Not only are five parks out of thousands of campgrounds in the top 100, some parks rank in multiple categories,” he said.  “These awards reinforce how valuable our parks are for the state’s economic development, preserving Kentucky’s natural resources and providing quality recreation and camping opportunities that attract people from all over the nation.”

(more…)