Kentucky rests at the western edge of the Appalachian Mountains and runs west toward the Ohio and Mississippi River Valleys. Abraham Lincoln and Muhammad Ali were both born in the state. It was admitted to the United States as the 15th state on June 1, 1792, after splitting from Virginia. It has served important roles in production during the Civil War, World War I, and World War II.
While bourbon and horse racing comes to mind when thinking about the state, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy. Kentucky is home to some beautiful country, allowing you to reconnect with nature. Whether you prefer hiking, biking, water sports, climbing, or stargazing, you will find something to love in Kentucky. Avid fishers and boaters will love that there are more than 100 public boating locations across the state. There also are more than 45 state parks in Kentucky, so outdoor enthusiasts can fish, hike, camp, golf, kayak, swim, picnic and rock climb to their heart's content.
Kentucky is home to several museums, such as the Kentucky Military History Museum in Frankfort, Kentucky Coal Museum in Benham, and the National Underground Railroad Museum in Maysville. Some of the most popular foods in Kentucky include barbecue, fried chicken, spoon bread, country ham, blackberry jam cake, beer cheese, and bourbon balls, and you can sample all these delicacies at dining establishments scattered throughout the state.
Kentucky Derby – Probably one of the most famous events in Kentucky occurs every May in Louisville. However, you can enjoy it even more by visiting the two-week-long Kentucky Derby Festival.
International Bar-B-Q Festival – Satisfy your barbecue craving in May at this annual festival in Owensboro that draws over 80,000 people annually. You’ll get the best chicken, mutton, and burgoo you’ve ever tried. You’ll also enjoy the live music, car show, crafts, and children’s activities.
Midway Fall Festival – Taking place in mid-September in Midway, Kentucky for over 40 years, this is voted one of central Kentucky’s best festivals. You’ll enjoy the arts, crafts, and food vendors; sorghum syrup and pottery demonstrations; and, of course, the live music and entertainment.
Kentucky Bourbon Festival – Whether or not you love bourbon, this annual festival each September is a sight to behold in Bardstown, Kentucky. You’ll get to explore and learn about a wide variety of bourbons available from the nearly 40 distilleries represented during the festival. In addition to the bourbon, you’ll enjoy entertainment; food trucks; a cigar lounge; barrel-making demonstrations; and the annual World Championship Bourbon Barrel Relay, which is free for all ages to watch.
Forecastle – This is the place to be in May if you love music. Held in Louisville, it features more than 50 musicians of various genres like electronic, hip-hop, and alternative. You’ll also enjoy local food options and, of course, the famous Kentucky bourbon selection.
Situated directly between Louisville and Nashville, Mammoth Cave National Park attracts outdoor adventurers of all kinds. Most famously known for its caves, the national park is home to the world’s longest known cave system. You’ll enjoy everything from cave tours and canoeing and kayaking on the Green and Nolin Rivers to hiking over 80 miles of trails. Stay after dark to enjoy the spectacular stargazing, including ranger-led stargazing programs.
About 200 miles south of Lexington, you’ll find the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Enjoy a slower trek through a beautiful natural landscape with an average speed limit of about 35 miles per hour. Go on a self-guided driving tour, including the Cades Cove Loop Road, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail or the Upper Tremont Road. Take some time to get out and enjoy nature, including 19 waterfalls scattered throughout the park, like the breathtaking Hen Wallow Falls.
Let your inner adventurer run wild at New River Gorge National Park, which is located in south-central West Virginia east of Kentucky. Settle in for a few days at one of the nine camping areas, and take some time to really explore the area. The national park features over 100 miles of hiking trails plus over 1,600 established climbing routes. Let the thrillseeker in you out when you navigate the rapids on the 53-mile New River.
Just a few miles outside Lexington, you’ll find Fort Boonesborough State Park. Take a step back in history to explore the historic settlement, which was originally Kentucky’s second settlement. While here, you can also go RV camping, swimming, fishing, hiking, and miniature golfing or visit the Kentucky River Museum.
About 57 miles east of Lexington is Natural Bridge State Resort Park, home to the incredible Natural Bridge rock formation. Stretch your legs on 10 different trails ranging from 0.5 to 7.5 miles. Don’t worry about physical limitations keeping you from enjoying the Natural Bridge with the available Sky Lift. While here, take some time for swimming, canoeing, or kayaking plus some incredible birding.
A little different from most state parks, Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park, located in northern Kentucky near the city of Carlisle, is an overnight destination complete with a lodge and restaurant. Don’t worry, there’s a 51-site campground, complete with water and electrical hookups. Explore one of the five different trails, or appreciate local history at the Pioneer Museum.
Any visitor to Kentucky should make time to visit the Cumberland Falls, sometimes called Little Niagara. It is located in the Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, about 100 miles south of Lexington.
Anyone who appreciates American history and likes visiting monuments and landmarks should take some time to visit Abraham Lincoln’s Birthplace National Historic Park, located about 15 miles southeast of Elizabethtown.
Or take a road trip along the entire Kentucky Bourbon Trail, where you can explore the famed Kentucky Distilleries.
If you're looking for RV camping in Kentucky, consider the Renfro Valley KOA Holiday campground in Mt. Vernon for the full resort experience. Here, you’ll benefit from full water and electric hookup plus Wi-Fi, a swimming pool, cable TV, and countless other outdoor activities.
If you'd prefer to stay somewhere with fewer distractions, consider the Brooks Mobile & RV Park near Louisville or the Hillman Ferry Campground near Grand Rivers.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Kentucky?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Kentucky from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Kentucky?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.