It’s time to get out the pumpkins and ghoulish decorations at Kentucky State Parks.

Campgrounds will be having special activities for campers, including decorations, costumes, hayrides and games for the kids.

Other resort parks, recreation parks and historic sites will also have special events during October - a great time to be outside with family and friends.

Barren River Lake State Resort Park
16th Annual Halloween Camping Weekend
Oct. 19-20
Campers should dig out those Halloween decorations for this annual “spooktacular” weekend where the ghosts and goblins take over the campground. There will be costume contests for all ages, pumpkin roll contest, trick-or-treating, tie-dye T-shirts, pumpkin carving contest, and a variety of other activities for ghouls of all sizes. Campers, don’t forget to bring candy for trick-or-treating. We’ll be waiting for you.  For more information call 1-800-325-0057.

Big Bone Lick State Historic Site
Halloween Scarefest
Oct. 25-27
Help us scare away the evil spirits here at Big Bone Lick by bringing all your little ghouls, ghosts, witches and skeletons to the park for our annual Halloween Scarefest! Campers will be tricked-and-treated to Halloween games, crafts and special events. Bring the scariest decorations you can find for the campsite decoration contest, where you can win fabulous prizes. Don't forget those pumpkins so you can enter our traditional no-pattern pumpkin carving contest. Special note: Be advised that the Scarefest has a traditional scary setting and theme; parental discretion is advised. Only open to visitors camping in the campground. Call 1-859-384-3522.

Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park
Halloween Campout Celebration
Oct. 26-27
Join us for one of Blue Licks’ largest events, where visitors can enjoy all things scary and spooky in this Halloween extravaganza! Participate in the jack-o-lantern carving contest and the costume competition. Decorate your site for a chance to win a weekend stay in the campground. Haunted mini-golf is available, and so much more! We've even added a category for pets to our costume competition so that your "furry kids" can get in on the fun, too!  Call 888-459-7275 to reserve your spot in our campground now. Contact Paul Tierney at 859-289-5507 or email 1782museum@gmail.com

Carter Caves State Resort Park
Carter Caves Haunted Trail
Oct. 12,13,19,20
If you dare, come and take the walk through our ¼-mile wooded trail, and experience thrilling scenes and haunts that will have you shivering with fear. Our past trail “survivors” consider Carter Caves Haunted Trail as one of the best haunted attractions in the region. Come see what terror we have in store for you on the 10th anniversary of Carter Caves Haunted Trail. Admission is $8 per person. Concessions will be available at the beginning of the trail.  The trail is not recommended for young children. Transportation to and from the trailhead will be provided by the park. Ticket sales are each event night from 7:30-10 p.m. at Carter Caves Public Pool. Call 1-800-325-0059.    
 
Carter Caves Halloween Campout Celebration (Carter Caves)
Oct. 26-27
Campers, come join us for our eighth annual Halloween Campout Celebration. Some of the special activities include site-to-site trick-or-treating, pumpkin carving contest, costume contest, spooky mini-golf and a campsite decorating contest. 1-800-325-0059.
 
Ghost Stories in the Cave (Carter Caves)
Oct.  27
Imagine yourself encased in total darkness with only the sounds of bats flying through the air.  The Ghost Stories in the Cave event sounds like a perfect place to spend an October evening with the family. The fee for Ghost Stories in the Cave is $2 per person. The program starts at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are sold at the Cascade Cave area about 15 minutes before the program. Bring along a camp chair and your imagination. Call 1-800-325-0059.
 
Columbus-Belmont State Park
‘Un-BOO-lievable’ Weekend
Oct. 26-28
Enjoy a fun-filled weekend with campsite trick-or-treating. Prizes will be awarded for best-decorated campsite and best costume. There will be a chili and dessert cook-off, followed by a “Civil War Ghost Ride.” For information, call 1-270-677-2327.
 
E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park
Fall Fest at Sawyer Park
Oct. 20
The Tom Sawyer State Park Foundation sponsors Fall Fest from 3-7 p.m. Entertainment is free. There is a $5 per car parking fee. This event is a fundraiser for the nonprofit park foundation. The Fall Fest will include music by the Wulfe Brothers, hayrides, inflatable games for children, a bicycle safety rodeo, a bonfire with s’mores, nature hikes, face painting, pumpkin painting, crafts, a costume parade for children, a Louisville Astronomical Society Telescope Display, food vendors. Sponsors are Kosair Children’s Medical Center Brownsboro, Norton Brownsboro Hospital and Kentucky State Parks. For more information, call the park at 502-429-7270
 
Spirits of Sawyer: Ghost Hunt and Workshop (E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park)
Oct. 27
A “ghost hunt” led by paranormal investigators will take participants to areas of the park they may have never seen before! Areas included on the tour will be the root cellar, the cemeteries, and the Old Central State facility grounds, and a cave entrance.  Each of these areas was used by the hospital when it was still operating on what is now state park property. There will be a brief slide show of evidence that has been previously gathered before the guided ghost hunt begins. Please dress for the weather and bring a light source for your personal use. Snacks and drinks will be provided at the start of the event, which is from 8-11:30 p.m. Fee is $15 per person (preregistration required; participation is limited) Meet at the Sawyer-Hayes Center (on Lakeland Road) To register, drop off your payment or mail to: 3000 Freys Hill Road, Louisville, KY, 40241. Call 502-429-7270 for information.

Click here to download the registration form.

Fort Boonesborough State Park
Halloween Lights Drive Thru
Sept. 29 – Oct. 27
From your car, enjoy the sights, sounds and scares of more than 1½ miles of Halloween lights and displays. Play pirate miniature golf with Halloween music and thousands of lights. Concessions and snacks will be available. For information phone 859-527-3131, ext. 234 or email booncamp@bellsouth.net.
 
Halloween Fest XVIII (Fort Boonesborough)
Oct. 16 – 28
Come early and join us for our biggest Halloween Party yet as we celebrate with 13 days of fun and frights. We will have scheduled times for pirate mini-golf, camper decoration contests, costume contests, ghost walks, bean supper, pancake breakfast, Halloween parade, crafts, Pumpkin Express hayrides, live entertainment, trick-or-treating and lots, lots more. For information phone 859-527-3131, ext. 234 or email booncamp@bellsouth.net.
 
General Butler State Resort Park
Jump Start Your Halloween Weekend
Oct. 19-21
Evening activities will be 6-11 p.m. at the park's front entrance. They include a Haunted Train Track of Terror, Haunted Firehouse and glow-in-the-dark 18-hole mini-golf. Other activities will be available for lodge and campground guests. There will be a $5 fee for those trick-or-treating who are not park guests. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Call 1-866-462-8853 for information.
 
Family Fun Halloween Weekend (General Butler)
Oct. 26-28
Who's afraid of the dark? Calling all brave souls to join us 6-11 p.m. for a howling good time! Evening activities are open to the general public and located in the park's front entrance: Haunted Train Track of Terror, Haunted Firehouse, and glow-in-the-dark 18 hole mini-golf. Other activities will be available for lodge and campground guests.  There will be a $5 fee for those trick-or-treating who are not park guests. Children must be accompanied by an adult Call 1-866-462-8853 for information.
 
Green River Lake State Park
4th Annual Halloween In The Park
Oct. 19-21
The entire weekend will be filled with fun and entertainment for the entire family at Green River. The first 20 campers receive a free pumpkin for a decorating contest Saturday. Activities include free mini-golf and ghost golf when the full moon appears. There will be a campsite decorating contest, costume contest for kids, pets and adults, and a pumpkin decorating contest. Trick-or-treating will be held for the kids who are camping (bags will be supplied). New this year is a “Halloween Monster Bash” Saturday night. Put on your costume and dance the night away. Call 1-270-465-8255.

Greenbo Lake State Resort Park
Camper Halloween
Oct. 19-20, 26-27
Two fun-filled weekends are planned, with ghosts, goblins, witches, and more. There will be a chili supper on Friday night each weekend, and on the Saturdays there will be scavenger hunts, hayrides, a costume contest, pumpkin carving, site decorating contests, and trick-or-treating.  Don't miss out on these weekends of ghoulish fun. 1-800-325-0083.

Jefferson Davis State Historic Site
Jefferson Davis Halloween Fun!
Oct. 27
Look out for the Headless Horseman! Come join the Jefferson Davis State Historic Site for Halloween fun at this 19th Century Halloween Celebration, Oct. 27 from 1-9 p.m. You’ll find a children’s activity area, Halloween traditions, hayride, games and crafts among the many activities featured this evening. A reading by lantern light of Washington Irving’s “Legend of Sleepy Hollow” and an appearance of the infamous Headless Horseman finishes this fun-filled evening. Call Ron Sydnor at 270-889-6100 or email  Ron.Sydnor@ky.gov

Jenny Wiley State Resort Park
Haunted Hayride
Oct. 19-20, 26-27
Ghosts and ghouls await you as you take part in one of the scariest rides of your life!  Come join us for this annual event and take a tractor-pulled hayride that you soon won't forget.  Be careful as werewolves, vampires and other horror-film inspired characters are on the loose! The Haunted Hayride will be held in the campground and will begin at dark. Cost is only $5 per person. All children must be accompanied by an adult.  Please contact Trinity Shepherd at 1-800-325-0142 or email at tshepherd@suddenlinkmail.com for more information.

Haunted Campground (Jenny Wiley)
Oct. 26-27
Come join the park’s recreation staff for an evening of ghosts and ghouls!  Ever wonder if all the television shows about ghost hunting are real?  Join us for a ghost hunt, as we will be joined by experts who do paranormal research. Other activities for the evening include a costume contest, camper decoration contest, face painting and much more. Be sure to check out our Haunted Hayride for extra thrills and squeals Contact Trinity Shepherd at 1-800-325-0142 or email at tshepherd@suddenlinkmail.com for more information.

John James Audubon State Park
Audubon ‘Spooktacular’
Oct. 27
Bring your little “goblins” and enjoy a day of Halloween fun with games, pumpkin painting, magic show, balloon show, animal presentations, costume contest and candy from 1-4 p.m. Cost is $2 per person. Children 3 and under are free. Contact Beth Tompkins at 270-826-2247 or beth.tompkins@ky.gov  

Kincaid Lake State Park
Halloween Weekends
Oct. 12-14, 19-21, 26-28
Enjoy hayrides, games, pumpkin carving, a costume contest and best decorated campsite award on Saturday. The park will have trick-or-treating, too! For more information call 859-654-3531.  

Levi Jackson State Park
Spooky Camp Week
Oct. 23-27
Campers will truly enjoy these five days packed with fall festival and haunting activities. Enjoy the crafts and games planned leading up to the Friday night annual chili supper. Saturday events include pet costume contest, children and adult costume contests, trick-or-treating for the kids, hayride, haunted house, monster bash ball and best decorated campsites. You must be a camper to participate in the activities. The community is invited to drive through the campground and enjoy the many spectacularly decorated campsites. Be sure to stop by for fun mini-golf, or go back in time and visit the Mountain Life Museum.  Fees apply for golf or museum admission. Contact Carol Kirby at 606-330-2130.

My Old Kentucky Home State Park
Halloween Hayride
Oct. 19 and 26
Enjoy some hayrides in the park along with storytelling, hot dogs and s’mores! First ride leaves at 5:30 p.m. Children’s admission is $5, and adults are $7.50. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations with payment required in advance. Call Chuck Clements or Julie Garrett at 1-502-348-3502.
 
Nolin Lake State Park
Sights and Sounds of Halloween
Oct. 27
Children can enjoy the sights and sounds of Halloween in the campground at Nolin Lake. Come dressed in your favorite costume and see what kind of treats the campers are handing out. Some sites may be scary, so be prepared. This is a free event open to everyone. Ends at 9 p.m.  Children must be accompanied by and adult. Call 1-270-286-4240.

Old Fort Harrod State Park
Haunted Frontier
Oct. 26-28
This is a serious haunt 238 years in the making. Visitors to our haunted frontier will start out in the darkness of night making their way through the fort, and, if they “survive,” into the amphitheater to battle zombies. Open from dark until 11 p.m. Admission is only $6. Not recommended for children under 10.
 
Old Mulkey Meetinghouse State Historic Site
Halloween in the Park
Oct. 27
Ghosts and goblins of every description will join the fun as Halloween invades the park!  Enjoy various crafts, games and even a haunted trail.  Dress your pet in costume and let them join the costume parade (for children through age 12); bring a jack-o-lantern for the "best carved" or "best decorated" pumpkin contests.  Lots of prizes. Cost is $4 per person and will include a hot-dog dinner. Events start at 5:30 p.m. Registration is required by Oct. 25. Due to the nature of this event, individuals who are not registered will not be allowed to enter the park. For additional information contact Sheila Rush at 270-487-8481 or email Sheila.rush@ky.gov

Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park
Halloween Campout
Oct. 26-27
Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park’s Halloween Campout is the place to have a spooky good time this fall. The fun begins Friday, Oct. 26, at 7 p.m. with spooky storytelling. On Saturday, Oct. 27, the day will begin with wagon rides at 10 a.m. followed by arts and crafts at 1 p.m., cemetery scavenger hunt at 3 p.m., trick-or-treating 4-7 p.m., a pumpkin-carving contest at 5 p.m., campsite decorating contest at 5 p.m. and a costume contest at 6 p.m. For information, call 1-800-325-1711.
 
Pine Mountain State Resort Park
Haunted Campground
Oct. 1, 5-6, 11-13, 15, 18-20, 25-26, and 30
“Legend” says the campground was closed on a cold October night 13 years ago following a mysterious incident. Now, we’ll re-open the gates to Haunted Campground for 13 nights to let in all who are brave enough to face the terror  Admission for all ages is $8. The “haunting” begins at dusk and continues until midnight.  Presented by Main Street Pineville and Pine Mountain State Resort Park.  Contact the park for more details at (800) 325-1712.
 
The Halloween Ball (Pine Mountain)
Oct. 27
Come and “ex-FEAR-ience” the fun!  Enjoy dance music with a DJ and enter our costume contest for a chance to win an overnight stay, dinner for two, or golf for two. Admission is $15 single or $25 couple.  Space is limited; call in advance to reserve your tickets at 800-325-1712.  Event runs from 7 p.m. to midnight. Presented by Main Street Pineville and Pine Mountain State Resort Park. Call 1-800-325-1712.
 
Rough River Dam State Resort Park
Halloween ‘Spooktacular’
Oct. 26-27
Join us at the Rough River Dam State Resort Park campground for a Halloween “Spooktacular!”  Holiday-inspired festivities begin on Friday evening and Saturday is filled with family-friendly activities including hayrides through the park, pumpkin painting and decoration, Halloween crafts, costume contests, campsite decorating contest, and trick-or-treating through the campground. For more information call 1-800-325-1713 or 270-257-2311.

Taylorsville Lake State Park
Halloween BOO Weekend
Oct. 27
Taylorsville Lake’s Annual Halloween BOO Weekend is for campers at the park. Each camp site is invited to decorate.  Judging for the best decorations.  Trick-or-treating from 4-5:30 p.m. Hayrides at 6 and 7 p.m. and following 8 p.m. family-friendly movie. Call 502-477-8713.

Waveland State Historic Site
Paranormal Investigation
Oct. 12-13
A paranormal investigation of Waveland State Historic Site will be Oct. 12-13 from 9 p.m. to midnight. Join paranormal experts searching for any ghosts haunting Waveland mansion and grounds. Admission to the paranormal event is $20 per person.  Call 1-859-272-3611.

Ghost Walk (Waveland)
Oct. 26-27
Waveland State Historic Site will host its annual Halloween Ghost Walk on Oct. 26-27 from 7 p.m. to midnight. Join us for an evening of fun-filled fright, as scenes from horror classics are portrayed, along with zombies and ghouls that walk the grounds of Waveland. Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for senior citizens and $4 for students of any age. Children under 6 are free.  No coupons are accepted for these special events. Call 1-859-272-3611.

White Hall State Historic Site
Ghost Walk
Oct. 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, and 27
This is a must-see theatrical experience performed by Eastern Kentucky University’s Theater Department. “Spirit Guides” lead guests from room to room and introduce the spirits of the past, who come out of the dimness to tell the incredible stories of the illustrious Clay family. Each tour is limited to 20 people. First performance is at 7 p.m., with nine tours a night. Tickets are $10 per person, by prepaid reservation only. Please call 859-623-9178 for more information and to make reservations.
 
Yatesville Lake State Park
Halloween Celebration
Oct. 27
Campers can enjoy a complimentary chili serving and sandwich lunch at noon. There will be a campsite decorating contest from 5-7 p.m. with prizes. Kids can trick-or-treat at 6 p.m. Call 1-606-673-1492.