Labor Day Weekend Adventure - Carter Caves State Park

Join us for a weekend of camping and fun to end summer with a bang. Carter Caves state park is a beautiful place that has a lot to offer. Hiking trails leading to Arches and under natural bridges, scenic bluffs for rappelling and rock climbing, a lake for paddling and swimming, and (as the name suggests) a variety of caves with guided or self guided tours.  With so much to do it will be a fun filled weekend. 

We will be tent camping in the primitive campground however restrooms and bathhouses are just a short walk away at the electric campground. Two camp sites have been reserved, and they are limited to 2 tents per site so be prepared to share a tent if needed.  

• Type: Primitive Tent Camping
• Difficulty: Moderate

Below is a general list of supplies needed by activity type. Some gear can be shared or borrowed.

Meals will be planned as a group to reduce stored food within camp. Firewood will be purchased on site.

Cost: $25 (To cover Campsite Registration)

What to Bring

• Tent (with rainfly and stakes)
• Sleeping bag (appropriate for season)
• Sleeping pad
• Camp chair (optional)
• Headlamp or flashlight (with extra batteries)
• Water (at least 2L per day) *Potable Water at Campground
• Food for Meals and Snacks
• Mess kit (bowl, cup, utensils)
• Weather-appropriate clothing (dress in layers)
• Sturdy shoes or boots
• Toiletries and personal items
• Sunscreen and Bug Spray
• Daypack (Hiking)
• Walking stick or Hiking Poles (Hiking)
• Kayak / Canoe / Paddle Board (Water Activities)
  • PFD - Personal Fotation device (Required)
• Dry Bag for gear (Water Activities)
• Swim Gear / Hat / Water Shoes (Water activities)
• Helmet with chin strap (Caving)
• Headlamp w/ extra batteries (Caving)
• Clothes / Shoes you don't mind possibly getting destroyed (Caving)

Schedule

ALL TIMES LISTED IN LOCAL TIME

• 7:00 PM (edt) Friday: Optional Early Arrival at campground
• 7:30 AM (cdt) Saturday: Depart Evansville (Carpool will be organized - Limit 3 Cars)
• 1:00 PM (edt) Saturday: Arrive at Campground & Lunch
• Saturday Afternoon: Hike and Explore 
• Sunday: Group Activity or Hike
• Monday 9:00 AM (edt): Pack up (Short Hike if we're up to it)
• Monday 1:00 PM (edt): Depart for Home
• Monday 4:30 PM (cdt): Arrive in Evansville

Ground Rules

• Leave no trace, pack out all your trash.
• Observe quiet hours 10 PM – 6 AM.
• No children under 15 unless approved by Organizer.
• Dogs must be approved  by Organizer and will need to be on leash both in camp and on trail.
• Fires only in designated fire rings (Burn Ban may be in effect).

Notes

Being the end of Summer weather will likely be hot and sunny so plan accordingly. It is also Labor day weekend so there will be many people within the campground and on trail, please be considerate with quiet hours and trail ettiquite. 

Maps / Information

• Campground: Carter Caves Campground
• Park/Area Info: Carter Cave State Park