Bordered by seven states in the south-central US, Kentucky is a mix of southern and midwestern cultures and a convenient destination for many Americans. The state is famous for its bourbon, fried chicken, horses, and bluegrass (the music and the actual grass). With 45 state parks and six national parks, Kentucky is also a wonderful place to explore the great outdoors. Kayaking on a waterway, hiking trails in the mountains, touring the longest cave system on Earth, and horseback riding are all popular adventures to experience throughout the state.
The natural beauty of Kentucky’s lakes, mountains, and prairies draws thousands of visitors every year. From Lake Cumberland to the Red River Gorge, we’ve scouted the best places to set up camp on your next trip. Here’s a guide to the top glamping destinations in the Bluegrass State.
1. Louisville
One of the oldest cities west of the Appalachian Mountains, Louisville is brimming with culture, culinary delights, incredible spirits — 95% of the world’s bourbon is produced here — and one of the world’s most famous racetracks in the Churchill Downs. It’s also located on the Ohio River and is home to hundreds of acres of green spaces, which supply it with the fitting nickname of the “City of Parks.”
Fun Things to Do
- Hop on the Urban Bourbon Trail and visit some amazing restaurants and distilleries as you indulge in delicious fare and drinks — like the Kentucky Derby’s signature mint julep.
- Bike, walk, or run some of the city’s exquisite flagship parkland, including Cherokee Park, Iroquois Park, and Shawnee Park.
Glamping Options
Located just a few blocks from the Churchill Downs Racetrack, the Derby Ground Campground accommodates hundreds of RVs for their yearly celebration. But this is a great place to bring an RV year-round, even if there’s no race going on. A stay here includes water for holding tanks, an on-site dump station, 20-, 30-, and 50-amp hookups for electricity, 24-hour access to restrooms and showers, free Wi-Fi, and 24-hour security. There’s also an outdoor grill and patio, a concert venue with weekly shows, the state’s largest Flea Market, and a Fresh Food Market.
Enjoy all of Louisville’s sights from the convenience of a mobile home with this Salem Travel Trailer. The owner calls this a “turnkey trailer” because it comes complete with bedding, towels, kitchen utensils and dishes, and a 42-inch TV above an electric fireplace. It sleeps eight guests across two bunk beds, a foldout couch, a convertible dining table, and a front bedroom with a queen-size bed. It also has a bathroom with a shower, sink, and mirror. Dogs are welcome but must be approved by the owner first. It can also be delivered to your preferred campground for an extra delivery and setup fee.
Need a bigger, more luxurious option? Then you’ll want to go with this 2014 Thor Outlaw motorhome, which sleeps 12. It has five TVs, Bluetooth stereo, a kitchenette, and air conditioning. It’s also pet-friendly, so feel free to bring your favorite pooch!
2. Lexington
Located in central Kentucky, Lexington is easy to get to and less than an hour and a half from Cincinnati, Ohio. Lexington is known as the Horse Capital of the World. It’s a bustling city surrounded by miles of scenic countryside where visitors can tour horse farms, visit equine museums, and go for a trail ride.
Fun Things to Do
- Visit the two biggest internationally renowned horse-racing racetracks in the area: Keeneland and Red Mile Racing.
- Check out Malibu Jack’s Lexington, Sky Zone Trampoline Park, Battle Axes, the Arboretum, and the Aviation Museum of Kentucky.
Glamping Options
Enjoy the freedoms that come with life on the road by renting this 2020 Keystone Outback in Nicholasville, which is on the way to Camp Nelson. This spacious 38-foot travel trailer is great for a family vacation as it can sleep eight people across a private master bedroom, a bunk house with two upper beds and a pullout sofa bed, and a convertible dinette in the living area. Amenities include central AC and heat, a Keurig coffee machine, camp chairs, and games and movies for fun evenings.
Also located in Nicholasville is this new Outback, whose owners cover the insurance portion of the rental. It comes with one large TV, a radio, and DVD player, two central AC units and forced heat (propane), a large kitchen sink, a microwave, a three-burner stove, a propane oven, a Keurig coffee machine, camp chairs, and assorted games. Includes kitchenware, cookware, and dishes.
3. Berea
Berea is a small town with an artsy vibe that’s only 45 minutes from Lexington. It’s located on the edge of what’s known as Daniel Boone Country and features the Pinnacles, one of the top places to hike in the state. Called the Folk Arts & Crafts Capital of Kentucky, “Old Town” Berea has an Artisan Village where you can peruse artisan studios, handmade jewelry, galleries, glass studios, and unique boutiques.
Fun Things to Do
- Multiple pinnacle trails offer stunning views of the Berea College Forest. These trails are less busy than the more well-known Red River Gorge Geological Area to the north, and they’re dog-friendly, too.
- The West Pinnacle is the best trail for stunning sunset views and more challenging terrain.
- Visit the Kentucky Guild of Artists & Craftsmen or the Kentucky Artisan Center for some one-of-a-kind artwork.
- Rent canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, and e-bikes at Get Outside KY.
Glamping Options
The area has plenty of RVs for glampers interested in a mobile experience. If you’re looking for something a little off the beaten path, Homegrown Hideaways advertises itself as unplugging from the outside world. For those looking to disconnect from it all, their hundred-acre property near Berea has all kinds of treetop homes, canvas tents, and tipis to choose from. There’s no cell service, Wi-Fi, or TVs — just nature.
All guests have access to their fully-stocked Community Kitchen which has coffee and all major appliances such as an oven, stove, fridge, microwave, and coffee maker, plus all manner of pots, pans, utensils, dishes, and a three-bin sink. The farm’s bath house is open from April to October and features four flush toilets and two solar-heated showers.
4. Bowling Green
A city in southern Kentucky, Bowling Green has a lot going on. Home to the Lost River Cave, America’s sports car, and Mammoth Cave National Park, there’s much to see and do above and belowground.
Fun Things to Do
- Explore Mammoth Cave National Park, the world’s longest cave system. Over 400 miles of caves have been explored, mapped, and preserved.
- Take a once-in-a-lifetime boat tour of the Lost River Cave.
- Visit the Corvette assembly plant and museum, which has been exclusively building these iconic sports cars since the early 80s.
Glamping Options
Mammoth Cave National Park is about one hour and 30 minutes from Nashville, Tennessee, and around 45 minutes north of Bowling Green. Though it’s absolutely worth it to take a cave tour, there’s plenty to do aboveground as well, such as hiking, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, stargazing, horseback riding, and biking. Do all that and more with this 2019 Coleman Bunkhouse. Situated in Bowling Green, this RV features a queen bed with an upgraded mattress and quality linens, a bunk room with four sleeping options, a living area with a 32-inch TV, and a stereo system with CD and DVD player.
Want to explore the park with a significant other? Hitch this 2017 Raleyś Roamer teardrop to your car and hit the road. Though it appears small, it comes with dishes, utensils, a microwave, a two-burner propane tank, a refrigerator, porch lights, and inside reading lights. The owners can also deliver and set up within 50 miles.
If spacious camping with all the comforts of home is more your thing, give this 2019 Dutchmen Coleman Lantern RV a try. It sleeps 10 guests, so it’s great for a large family, with a U-shaped dining table, a 32-inch TV with a stereo system that plays DVDs and CDs. The kitchen is equipped with a three-burner gas cooktop, a microwave, fridge and freezer, dishes, utensils, a toaster, and a single-cup coffee maker.
Plan Your Next Adventure in Kentucky
From horseback riding on mountain trails to touring cavernous sites deep underground, Kentucky has a diverse variety of outdoor adventures to offer its visitors. The Bluegrass State is also home to many different glamping rentals to help make your stay an easy one. Search VacationRenter listings today to find and book an amazing rental for your next trip.