BREATHITT COUNTY, KY — Today, Kentucky River Area Development District (KRADD) Executive Director Michelle Allen, Associate Director of Community and Economic Development Jennifer McIntosh, Systems and Operations Manager Amy Helton, IT Manager Shane Campbell, and Office Manager Tammy Couch joined local and regional leaders and community members to celebrate the groundbreaking of a new RV park and campground in Breathitt County, a project more than a decade and multiple administrations in the making.
The development, led by the Breathitt County Fiscal Court under the leadership of Judge Executive Jeff Noble, will feature 24 RV sites, a bathhouse with restrooms and showers, a general store, and three completed cabins, with plans to expand to a total of 13 cabins in the future.
The project traces its roots back to 2016, the first year funding became available through the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) program. That initial investment supported a critical waterline extension, laying the groundwork for what would eventually become the campground.
Located on a former surface mine site, the development represents a broader effort to reclaim land once considered unusable and transform it into a space for recreation, tourism, and community use.
“This is more than a campground, it’s a place to make memories with your family and friends,” said Andrea Begley, Deputy District Director for U.S. Congressman Hal Rogers.
The project is funded entirely through grant support, including $1.345 million from AMLER and more than $1.2 million from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). KRADD worked closely with the Breathitt County Fiscal Court to secure and administer these funds.
While the Fiscal Court owns the development, speakers emphasized that the long-term goal is to spark broader economic activity throughout the region by attracting visitors and encouraging private investment that supports the area’s growing ATV tourism industry.
The campground is strategically located to support nearby trail systems being developed across eastern Kentucky. Scott Smith of First Frontier Appalachian Trails is leading efforts to connect 21 counties through a unified ATV trail system, expanding access and increasing the region’s appeal to outdoor recreation visitors. Smith pointed to the strong economic potential of this type of tourism, noting that ATV trail systems in West Virginia generated an estimated $40 million in economic impact last year, and that even a portion of that activity could have a significant impact in eastern Kentucky as projects like this move forward.
Senior Advisor Rocky Adkins, representing Governor Andy Beshear’s office, emphasized that the project is a unifying effort focused on the community as a whole.
“This is not a red project or a blue project, not right or left,” Adkins said. “This is a Breathitt County project.”
Adkins also spoke about the region’s history, noting that eastern Kentucky coal and labor helped power the nation through the industrial revolution and two world wars. He emphasized that Kentucky has long invested in the country’s growth, and that efforts like this represent an opportunity for that investment to return home and support local communities.
Speakers throughout the event highlighted the collaborative effort behind the project, with Noble recognizing the contributions of First Frontier Appalachian Trails, AMLER, ARC, KRADD, City of Jackson Mayor Laura Thomas, Jim Cable, Director of Kentucky’s Abandoned Mine Lands program, Representative Chris Fugate, Senator Brandon Smith, and others.
“Today is about us winning together,” said Senator Brandon Smith.
Members of the Breathitt County Fiscal Court in attendance included Magistrates Drewey Lovins, Ryan Chaney, and Brenda Terry. Magistrate John Marshall could not attend due to a medical procedure.
The event was open to the public, with attendees touring completed portions of the development, including the cabins, general store, and bathhouse, offering a first look at the site and its potential.
Leaders described the project as a starting point for future growth, with the hope that increased tourism will create opportunities for local businesses and entrepreneurs to expand services and keep more economic activity within the region.
“This is not the end,” Adkins said. “It’s a reason to keep reaching and working hard.”
As construction moves forward, leaders hope the campground will serve as a catalyst for new investment, helping create jobs and opportunities for families across Breathitt County and the surrounding region.
Article by Amy Helton, Systems and Operations Manager, KRA
Andrea Begley, Deputy District Director for U.S. Congressman Hal Rogers, addresses the attendees.
Breathitt County Judge Executive, Jeff Noble gives a special thanks to Magistrates Brenda Terry, Ryan Chaney, and Drewey Lovins.
Two young attendees seated at the grant funded picnic table made in America of recycled tires.
One of the three cabins available to rent. Each has two bedrooms, a full kitchen and bathroom, a washer and dryer, and air conditioning and heating.
Each cabin has hickory cabinets, a full size fridge, combined oven and cooktop, a microwave, and a dishwasher.
One of 6 shower rooms in the bath house behind a full door with plenty of room for your shower supplies to stay dry.
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