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Karst rocky desertification (KRD) is a serious ecological and environmental issue, hindering the sustainable socio-economic development of the karst area. To scientifically control this issue, lots of studies on KRD vegetation restoration have been conducted in the past few decades. In the present study, a systematic review of the research progress and future trends in KRD vegetation restoration was conducted. The results showed the following: (1) Studies on KRD vegetation restoration began in the 1990s and could be divided into the four following stages: germination (1993–2002), initial development (2003–2010), steady growth (2011–2016), and rapid growth (2017–2023); (2) research hot topics included theoretical implications, vegetation restoration strategies and technologies, ecological responses to the KRD vegetation restoration, and the coupling of vegetation restoration with landscape resource enhancement; (3) the research frontiers were as follows: the classification and restoration effectiveness of KRD vegetation types, the impacts of KRD vegetation restoration on soil microorganisms and soil erosion, the influences of ecological engineering and land use on KRD vegetation restoration, and the relationships between KRD vegetation restorations and karst ecosystem structural functions. Finally, research prospects were proposed from the research methods, perspectives, content, and shortcomings. This study provided valuable references for in-depth research in the field of KRD vegetation restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]