🌤 Weather at General Butler State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35–78 °F | 63–88 °F | 36–81 °F | 25–46 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Vevay, 7 mi away, elevation 495 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
A Resort Park Above the Meeting of the Kentucky and Ohio Rivers
General Butler State Resort Park sits on the hills above Carrollton in Carroll County, northern Kentucky, just off I-71 roughly midway between Louisville and Cincinnati. It is run by Kentucky State Parks. From the park overlook you can watch the Kentucky River empty into the Ohio, and the view is at its best around sunset.
The park is named for General William Orlando Butler of Carrollton. He served in the War of 1812 and the Mexican-American War and was the Democratic vice-presidential candidate in 1848. His family’s 1859 brick home, the Butler-Turpin State Historic House, stands inside the park and is open for guided tours.
The park no longer has a golf course: the course closed in 2019, and in 2022 the grounds became an 18-hole disc golf course.
Things to Do
- Disc golf: 18-hole semi-pro course
- Butler Lake: canoe, kayak and pedal boat rentals at the boat dock (seasonal). Private non-motorized boats are allowed year-round.
- Hiking: about 11.5 miles of nature trails. The Butler Lake Trail passes structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).
- Mountain biking: the Fossil Trail, open April–November. Helmets are required, and riders under 16 must ride with an adult.
- Butler-Turpin State Historic House: hour-long guided tours
- Miniature golf: 18 holes (seasonal)
- Outdoor pool (seasonal), four playgrounds, volleyball, picnic areas and naturalist programs
- Fishing and birding: great blue herons, wood ducks, wild turkeys and Cooper’s hawks are among the birds the park lists
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Carrollton, Carroll County, Kentucky |
| Rivers | Overlook of the Kentucky and Ohio River confluence |
| Lodge | Butler Lodge, 53 rooms with balcony or patio, Two Rivers Restaurant |
| Cottages | 24 one-, two- and three-bedroom cottages (2-night minimum) |
| Camping | 100+ sites with electric and water hookups, open year-round |
| Disc Golf | 18 holes, on the former golf course (converted 2022) |
| Boat Dock Rentals | Single kayak $5 · double kayak, canoe or pedal boat $10 |
| Mini Golf | $5 ages 13+ · $3 ages 6–12 · free 5 and under |
| Historic House Tours | $5 ages 13+ · $3 ages 6–12 · free 5 and under. Buy tickets at the lodge front desk. Schedule: 502-732-4384 |
| Managed By | Kentucky State Parks |
| Coordinates | 38.6706° N, 85.1542° W |
Wildlife & Nature
The park covers 791 acres of wooded hills above the river confluence, with Butler Lake at its center. In fall and winter, look for Canada geese, mallards and wood ducks on the lake, with dark-eyed juncos and white-throated sparrows in the woods. Turkey vultures and Cooper’s hawks live here year-round.
Nearby Attractions
Carrollton is right next to the park. The Ohio and Kentucky Rivers meet below the overlook.
Who was General Butler State Park named after?
General Butler State Resort Park in Carrollton, Kentucky is named for General William Orlando Butler of Carrollton. He served in the War of 1812 and the Mexican-American War and was the Democratic vice-presidential candidate in 1848. His family’s 1859 home, the Butler-Turpin State Historic House, is preserved in the park and open for guided tours.
Does General Butler State Resort Park have a golf course?
No. The golf course closed in 2019, and in 2022 it was turned into an 18-hole disc golf course. The park also has a seasonal 18-hole miniature golf course.
Last updated: September 2026. Facilities, rates and hours are from the official Kentucky State Parks page. Golf course history is from the park management. Please confirm seasonal hours with the park before you visit.
More parks in Kentucky: Big Bone Lick State Historic Site and E.P. "Tom" Sawyer State Park. See the full Kentucky state parks guide.
⛺ Camping at General Butler State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 104 sites — All 104 sites are Standard Electric (electric and water hookup, mix of back-in and pull-through, 27-60 ft). Loops: sites 01-19, 20-34, 35-71, 72-84 and 85-111. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | 24 cottages, booked separately via the lodge/cottage reservation system, not the campground; floor plans from 1 to 3 bedrooms, all with 1 bath (a limited number of executive cottages have 2 baths); basic dishes, kitchen utensils and linens provided, fresh towels daily; private balcony or patio; pet-friendly (max 2 pets). Minimum age 21 to rent a cottage. |
| Reservations | Kentucky State Parks/ReserveAmerica online booking; minimum 1 day ahead of arrival, up to 12 months in advance; 1 night minimum weekdays, 2 nights Friday/Saturday, longer over holidays; park phone (502) 732-4826. |
| Special sites | Dump station; handicap access; bathhouse with showers; waterfront sites near the Ohio/Kentucky Rivers confluence. |
| Season notes | Campground open year-round; peak seasons May 20–September 7 and September 8–October 31, 2026 (May 16–September 5, 2027). |
Camping questions about General Butler State Park
Can you camp at General Butler State Park?
Yes. General Butler State Park has 104 campsites. All 104 sites are Standard Electric (electric and water hookup, mix of back-in and pull-through, 27-60 ft). Loops: sites 01-19, 20-34, 35-71, 72-84 and 85-111.
How do you reserve a campsite at General Butler State Park?
Kentucky State Parks/ReserveAmerica online booking; minimum 1 day ahead of arrival, up to 12 months in advance; 1 night minimum weekdays, 2 nights Friday/Saturday, longer over holidays; park phone (502) 732-4826.
Are there cabins at General Butler State Park?
24 cottages, booked separately via the lodge/cottage reservation system, not the campground; floor plans from 1 to 3 bedrooms, all with 1 bath (a limited number of executive cottages have 2 baths); basic dishes, kitchen utensils and linens provided, fresh towels daily; private balcony or patio; pet-friendly (max 2 pets). Minimum age 21 to rent a cottage.
Source: parks.ky.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at General Butler State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome in most outdoor areas of Kentucky state parks but must be leashed in all public areas.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash required in all public areas (official policy does not state a maximum length)
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are restricted from beaches, nature preserves and some historic sites
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pet-friendly rooms and cabins available at select lodges for a $50-per-accommodation fee, max two pets, 80 lbs per pet
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use pet fee; $50 pet fee per accommodation for lodging (undisclosed pets: $150 per incident)
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets banned from State Nature Preserve trails at parks including John James Audubon, Natural Bridge, Cumberland Falls, Carter Caves and Pine Mountain
Are dogs allowed at General Butler State Park?
Pets are welcome in most outdoor areas of Kentucky state parks but must be leashed in all public areas. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via parks.ky.gov. More: Kentucky state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for General Butler State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
