Kentucky State Parks are getting out the pumpkins and ghoulish decorations to prepare for one of the most popular times at parks n Halloween.

Many of the park system’s campgrounds will be having special activities for campers, including decorations, costumes, hayrides and games for the kids. And other resort parks, recreation parks and historic sites will also have special events in late October.

Parents of young children should check in advance n some parks have age recommendations for their events.

For more information about state park events or to make lodging or camping reservations, visit www.parks.ky.gov

Barren River Lake State Resort Park- Glasgow – Spookout Weekend

Oct. 19-21

Have a spooktacular weekend at Barren River Lake State Resort Park. We will be having trick or treating, our famous pumpkin roll contest, a campfire program with John Tierney and his spooky stories, costume contests (including a pet category), campsite decorating and a potluck dinner on Saturday with plenty of other ghoulish activities. Be sure to get your campsite (2 nights for the price of 1) reserved by visiting www.parks.ky.gov 1-800-325-0057.

Big Bone Lick State Park n Union n Halloween Campout

Oct. 25-27

Help us scare away the evil spirits at Big Bone by bringing all your little ghouls, ghosts, skeletons, and witches for our annual Halloween spook-fest. Campers will be 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 either so you can enter our traditional pumpkin-carving contest! Be advised: The focus of the Halloween campout is a more traditional spooky and scary Halloween. 859-384-3522.

Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park- Mount Olivet – Haunted Trail

Oct. 19-20 and 26-27

Brave the Haunted Trail of horrors this October at Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park. Over ¾ of a mile long with hayrides and scares that will thrill the whole family. Admission for the Haunted Trail is $3 per person. Call the park at 859-289-5507 or 800-443-7008 for overnight accommodations, directions, and additional information. Event time: 8 p.m. to midnight.

Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park n Mount Olivet – Halloween Campout Celebration

Oct. 26-27

Quickly becoming one of Blue Licks largest events, visitors can enjoy all things scary and spooky in this Halloween extravaganza! Participate in the jack-o-lantern carving contest, or the costume competition. We’ve even added a category for pets to our costume competition this year! Decorate your site for a chance to win a weekend stay in the campground. Haunted mini golf available and so much more! 1-800-443-7008.

Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park n Buckhorn n Halloween Fun

Oct. 26-27

Buckhorn Lake will have a hayrides, mini-golf, haunted shelter, caramel apples, pumpkin carving, trick or treat (both nights), night mini golf with glow balls and first person history of some of those from Bowlingtown. A $1 admission for the haunted shelter house and the night golf. A $4 fee for pumpkin carving. 1-800-325-0058.

Carter Caves State Resort Park- Olive Hill — Carter Caves Haunted Trail

Oct. 12-13 and 19-20

The ghouls and goblins have risen from the underground world at Carter Caves to scare you silly on these two weekends! Come and take the walk through our 1/2 mile haunted trail, if you dare — and don’t forget to bring your “Mummy.” Our past trail survivors consider Carter Caves Haunted Trail to be one of the best Haunted Trails in the region. Trail admission is $7 per person. Concessions will be sold at the beginning of the trail. This activity is not recommended for young children. Transportation to and from the trailhead will be provided by the park. Ticket sales are held on each night of the event from 7:30 n 10 p.m. at Carter Caves Public Pool. 1-800-325-0059.

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park n Corbin – Cumberland Falls Spooktacular

Oct. 26-27

Activities will be focused in the campground, featuring campsite decorating contest, costume contest; pumpkin carving and of course not so scary stories around the campfire. This will be a great opportunity to bring the family out for one more chance to camp this season. 1-800-325-0063.

Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park n Burkesville n Haunted Hollow Hotel

Oct. 27

Come down into the Haunted Hollow for a scary good time. All you Mummy’s bring your little ghouls, ghosts, goblins, and witches for trick-or-treat goodies at the campground store and lodge front desk starting at 5 p.m. Next, we dare you to ride along on our howling hay rides ($3 per person, 3 and under free) beginning at 5:30 p.m. Then, don’t miss the chance to see some nocturnal animals in our FREE Live Animal Program at 7 p.m. Finally, get the chance to be your scariest at our costume contest after the animal program. For those of you who are nocturnal yourselves, at 9 p.m. we will creep along a trail on an Owl Prowl. Campers, be sure to add some spooky effects for our campsite decorating contest. Don’t forget to tempt your taste buds with some victuals from our special haunted buffet. For more information call 1-800-325-2282.

E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park n Louisville — Halloween Harvest of Horrors

Oct. 20

Join the park on Saturday, Oct. 20, for the Halloween Harvest of Horrors. This free event will be from 6-9 p.m. Children ages 12 and under are welcome to try their luck at the carnival for candy and prizes. Then take a walk through our Maze of Doom; if they’re brave enough. Other activities include hayride, crafts and costume contest. 502-429-7270.

Fort Boonesborough State Park n Richmond – Halloween Fest XIII

Oct. 16-28

This year’s Halloween Fest XIII at the park’s campground will feature 150 activities over 13 days. This year’s events include haunted putt-putt, costume contests, ghost walks, bean supper, pancake breakfast, Pumpkin Express hayrides, hikes to a lost pumpkin mine, petting zoo, live entertainment, and trick or treating. 859-527-3131.

Fort Harrod State Park n Harrodsburg – Haunted Frontier

Oct. 26, 27, 29, 30, 31

During the dark evenings of October 26, 27, 29, 30 and 31 the haunting begins at Old Fort Harrod State Park. Beware the past as the Dark Followers of Harrod come to live again on their hallowed and sacred ground of the Haunted Frontier. Walk through the fort and experience horrifying scenes that will leave your palms sweaty, your body trembling and your heart pounding! If you’re lucky you’ll make it through to the mysterious and secretive maze of Harrod’s Followers. Be careful not to get sucked in -you may not find your way out of this nightmare! Just when you think it’s over you’ll be beckoned to the cemetery to hear stories of those who weren’t so lucky. The Haunted Frontier has changed this year and those daring to enter may just be scared to death! Open 7-10 p.m. each night and $5 per person. We recommend that children 6 and under do not attend. 859-734-3314.

General Burnside State Park n Burnside—Halloween Campout

Oct. 26-28

A fun filled weekend! Special activities include site-to site trick or treating. Pumpkin carving, campsite decorating, games and much more will be provided this weekend. For registered campers only. 606-561-4104.

General Butler State Resort Park—Carrollton n Halloween Family Fun Weekend

Oct. 26-28

Who’s afraid of the DARK? Calling all brave souls to join us for a hollowing good time! Evening activities are open to general public which includes: Haunted train rides and mini golf , plus other surprises. Resort guests staying the weekend at General Butler State Resort Park Lodge, cottages and campers can participate in other activities planned on Saturday: Creepy Fingers Pottery Workshop with Albert Bauman, Trick or Treating in campground, a magic show with David Cottrell and other spooky, slimy activities! 1-866-462-8853.

Green River Lake State Park- Campbellsville — 4th Annual Trick or Trot

Oct. 27

Green River Lake State Park will host a 5K run and 1 mile walk/run on the beautiful lake shores of Green River Lake. The male and female finishers will receive a top prize of $100 in cash! Prizes will be given for each age category. Festival fun for all! Be a Ghost walker by making a $15 donation and receive a T-Shirt. All proceeds go to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Campbellsville. 270-465-8255.

Greenbo Lake State Resort Park- Greenup — Camper Halloween

Oct. 19-20 and 26-27

Two fun filled weekends with ghosts, goblins, witches, and more! There will be a scavenger hunt, hayrides, costume contest, pumpkin carving, and site decorating contest, and campsite trick or treating. Don’t miss out on this weekend of ghoulish fun. Do not forget the haunted trail available both weekends from dark until 10 p.m. Trick or treat for campers only on Oct. 20; open to the public on Oct. 27. Also, on Oct. 27, the Greenbo 5K Challenge Race starts at 10 a.m. Call 1-800-325-0083 for information.

Jenny Wiley State Resort Park n Prestonsburg — Haunted Hay Ride and Haunted Campground

Oct. 19-20, Oct. 26-27

Jenny Wiley State Resort Park will be hosting its “Haunted Hay Ride” on the weekends of Oct. 19-20 and 26-27. And on Oct. 27, the park will host its “Haunted Campground Halloween” that will include a Halloween Costume Dance, Costume Contest, Haunted Camper Decoration Contest and Actual Ghost Hunt. 1-800-325-0142.

John James Audubon State Park-Henderson – Hoot and Howl Woods Walk

Oct 26-27

Audubon’s non-frightening (and enlightening) Halloween event is back! Perfect for visitors of all ages and sizes. Come in your costume for special prizes. 5:30 to 9 p.m. both days. Starts in front of park office. Admission is $2 per person, children under 3 are free. Julie McDonald at 270-826-2247 or juliea.mcdonald@ky.gov

John James Audubon State Park n Henderson – Halloween Bash

Oct. 27

Wear your favorite costume and come prepared to have a “Hoot” of a time with art, games and treats. For ages 3 n 6 at the museum from 10:30 a.m. to noon. $5 each and pre-registration is required. Kim McGrew at 270-827-1893 or kim.mcgrew@ky.gov

Kenlake State Resort Park n Hardin — Little Spooky Spooks

Oct. 20

Dress up in your costume and come join us at Kenlake State Resort Park as we celebrate Halloween early! Make a unique craft, see some spooky animals, listen to our STORYTELLER weave spooky tales. Lots of candy and refreshments will be available

along with great prizes. The FUN Begins in MEETING ROOM “A.” Spooky Spooks Festival 7-9 p.m. All ages welcome — $3 per person will get you all our festivities including; crafts, games, animal shows, storytelling and candy. 1-800-325-0143.

Natural Bridge State Resort Park n Slade n Spooky Songs and Scary Tales

Oct. 19

As the autumn chill and splashes of color embrace Natural Bridge, what better way to spend your evening than listening to stories of ghosts and goblins. Join Anne MacFie and John Tierney as they sing songs and spin yarns that will raise the hair on your neck and send a chill up your spine. The program will be on Friday, Oct. 19 at 8 p.m. at the Hemlock Lodge and is free to the public. Suitable for all ages. Make it a family occasion. 1-800-325-1710.

Old Mulkey Meetinghouse State Historic Site-Tompkinsville — Halloween in the Park

Oct. 27

Old Mulkey Meetinghouse State Historic Site in cooperation with the William B. Harlin Memorial Library will host “Halloween in the Park” on Saturday, Oct. 27. The evening will consist of a Pet Costume Parade, Children’s Costume Parade (0 to 12 years), Best Decorated Jack-o-lantern contest, Best Carved Jack-o-Lantern contest, Ghost Storytelling Contest, and a haunted trail. Registration for all events begins at 5 p.m. Every participant in the parades will receive a prize. First, second and third place winners in the jack-o-lantern contests and the ghost story telling contest will receive a prize. Ghost stories are limited to 10 minutes each and must be appropriate for all age listeners. Admission is $3 each, which will include a hot dog dinner. Please pre-register by calling the park or the library at 270-487-8481 or 270-487-5301.

Paintsville Lake State Park-Paintsville n Campers Halloween

Oct. 27

Trick or Treat! Camp at Paintsville Lake State Park on Halloween Weekend. On Oct. 27 meet the staff at shelter No. 3 for hot dogs and then get your campsite all spooked up for our best decorated Halloween campsite contest and a chance to win a two night free stay at Paintsville Lake State Park Campground. We’ll also have treat bags for the kids! 606-297-8486.

Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park n Dawson Springs n Halloween Campout

Oct. 26-28

During this spooky campout all registered campers will receive two nights camping for the price of one! Plus a full schedule of Halloween activities, including contests for campsite decorating, adult and children’s costume, pumpkin carving, as well as Halloween arts and crafts. Campers must bring their own pumpkins to carve. You may enter as many as you like in the contest. On Oct. 27, Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park will host a haunted trail and un-haunted hayride. The cost is $5 per person. Tickets will be sold at the campstore beginning at 6:30 p.m. Trail opens at 7 p.m. 1-800-325-1711.

Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site- Perryville — Ghost Hunt

Oct. 20

Starr and Jessi Chaney, stars of “Haunted Kentucky” and hosts of “PsyTalk”, along with other members of PsyTech will be providing a fundraising effort for Perryville Battlefield. Join them on a REAL ghost hunt! PsyTech has been seeking out the paranormal since 1997, and you can join them at Perryville Battlefield to be part of a ghost hunting team searching out the spirits who remain. You will get to see and use equipment that aids in the detection of spirit energy. Real ghosts make for real excitement, so come have a spirited evening with PsyTech and help Perryville Battlefield with its preservation efforts! Programs available at 6 p.m., 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. No children under 13. Rain date of Nov. 3. Registration fee: $30. Advance tickets available. 859-332-8631 or email Joan House at Joan.House@ky.gov

Rough River Dam State Resort Park- Falls of Rough — Halloween Fun

Oct. 26-27

Looking for a spooky good time? Rough River is offering the scariest, most terrifying haunted trail that will leave you breathless (ages 13 and up)! There will also be plenty of candy going around for trick or treating in the campground, hayrides around the park, a bonfire with smores, costume contests, campground decorating contest, and more! The best thing is EVERYTHING is free of charge! Call 270-257-2311 or 1-800-325-1713 for more information.

Taylorsville Lake State Park n Taylorsville – Halloween Campout

Oct. 26-28

Taylorsville Lake offers a safe and spooktacular way to celebrate the Halloween holiday at Halloween Campout. Activities include hayrides, campsite decoration, Trick or Treating, plus prize-winning contests for groups and individuals. Activities begin at 5 p.m. on Friday with campsite decoration contest to begin. Call 502-477-8713 for details.

White Hall State Historical Site n Richmond – Ghost Walk

Oct. 25-27

This is a must see annual event and guest return year after year. Ghost Walk is a theatrical performance put on by the Eastern Kentucky University Theatre Department. “Spirit Guides” lead guest from room to room and introduce the spirits of the past, who come out of the dimness to tell the tender and incredible stories of the illustrious Clay family. Each tour is limited to 20 persons. First performance at 7 p.m., and there are 12 tours a night. Tickets are $10 a person and half the proceeds benefit the EKU Theatre Department’s scholarship fund. Reservations required, call 859-623-9178