One of the top summer trips in Kentucky is the famous Bourbon Trail. There are 18 distilleries located around Louisville and Lexington that provide various experiences and sampling. Make sure to plan ahead by making reservations for bourbon tours August through mid-November as they book up fast. Then stay at one of these nearby Kentucky state park campgrounds to extend your activities in the natural environment.
1. My Old Kentucky Home State Park
About 50 minutes from Louisville is the endearing and historic My Old Kentucky Home State Park. Admire the beautiful stately mansion and grounds with a picnic area including grills and playground. Make a reservation to experience Kentucky’s longest-running outdoor musical drama “My Old Kentucky Home”. Test your golfing skills on the 18-hole Kenny Rapier Golf Course and visit the pro shop. Enjoy a night under the stars at one of the 39 campsites with utility hookups, dump station, and central service building including showers and restrooms.
2. Green River Lake State Park
Continue your Kentucky adventures at Green River Lake to cool off from the summer heat. Fish for white, largemouth, smallmouth, and Kentucky bass, bluegill, crappie, and muskie. Play the 18-hole miniature golf course with the family. Spend the afternoon at the beach to swim or play volleyball. Stay overnight at one of the 167 RV or 60 primitive sites.
3. Fort Boonesborough State Park
Plan a fun-filled day touring the site and museum that is located about 30 minutes outside Lexington. The state park’s main feature is the working fort complete with resident artisans who perform craft demonstrations and give visitors a sense of what life was like for pioneers in Kentucky. Additional activities include miniature golf and boating and fishing in the river. The campground offers sites with electricity and water hookups, two central service buildings, three dump stations, and WiFi.
4. Taylorsville Lake State Park
Just 45 minutes from Louisville is peaceful Taylorsville Lake. The state park is a favorite of both wranglers and anglers to get away from the city. Bring your fishing gear to vie for bass, bluegill and crappie. A marina is available with supplies, boat rentals, and a full-service deli. Explore the 24-mile trail system for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Stay at the campground with electric and water, primitive, and equestrian sites. There are two central service buildings with laundry and two nearby playgrounds for the kids.
5. Natural Bridge State Resort Park
Just one hour from Lexington, this state park is a great spot to enjoy the scenic beauty and take photos. It is surrounded by the Daniel Boone National Forest and adjacent to the Red River Gorge National Geologic Area. Hike the scenic trail to Natural Bridge or ride the skylift. Birding, fishing, and canoeing are also popular activities. There are two campgrounds with both standard electric and tent sites and two service buildings including showers and restrooms.
Are you ready for your adventure? Plan your camping trip!