RV Rental Kentucky: Motorhome, Camper, & Trailer Rentals KY
Kentucky, located between the Appalachian Mountains and the Ohio River, is famous for its horse racing, bluegrass music, bourbon, and Kentucky Fried Chicken. But the state also features the longest cave system on earth and has some pretty spectacular scenery that's great to observe in an RV.
There's no better way to explore this southern state than in a camper. Kentucky has beautiful natural wonders and some laid-back campsites where you can retire after a long day of sightseeing. And the best part is that RV rentals in Kentucky are both affordable and accessible.
If you're planning an RV adventure to Kentucky, our guide will help you find the best attractions, events, campgrounds, and more. We guarantee that your trip to the Bluegrass State will be a memorable one.
Popular RV Destinations in Kentucky
Mammoth Cave National Park
The Mammoth Cave is the world's largest known cave system and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The network of natural caves has numerous vertical shafts and extensive underground passageways that stretch more than 400 miles. The limestone cave system features nearly all types of cave formations and a wide variety of cave-dwelling animals.
If you choose to explore the caves, tickets are required and reservations are recommended as they often sell out. Located in the Green River Valley in south-central Kentucky, Mammoth Cave National Park also features 70 miles of nature trails, 13 backcountry campsites, several campgrounds, and more than 20 miles of navigable river routes.
Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Park
If you venture to LaRue County, you can see two farm sites where President Abraham Lincoln grew up. The park is quite beautiful and features a museum with information about Lincoln's childhood, which is both entertaining and educational.
America's 16th president was born at the Sinking Spring site near Hodgenville, where he lived until he was 2 years old. The park features a symbolic cabin that resembles the one in which Lincoln was born.
The future president's family moved to the Knob Creek Farm when Lincoln was a toddler, and he lived there until he was seven years old. This site features a log cabin located approximately where the Lincolns lived. The park also features a theater, bookstore, hiking trails, and picnic areas.
Cumberland Falls State Park
There are numerous things to do at Cumberland Falls State Park, which is also known as the Niagara of the South. It's one of the only places on earth that produces a "moonbow," or lunar rainbow. When there's a full moon and the sky is clear, you may catch a glimpse of a moonbow, which is produced when moonlight instead of sunlight shines on droplets of water.
The park is also a great place for birders to catch a glimpse of species such as the pileated woodpecker, wood thrush, and tufted titmouse. It also has gem mining, 17 miles of hiking trails, horseback riding, picnicking, rafting, swimming, and tennis.
Shelbyville
Shelbyville, Kentucky, located between Louisville and Lexington, is a horse lover's paradise. The town has beautiful pastoral vistas and is nicknamed the Saddlebred Capital of the World. There are several breeding and training facilities in the area, and it's a great place for horseback riding, even if you're a beginner.
In addition to 90 horse farms and riding trails, you can take a tour of a historic horse farm or visit the Whitney Young Birthplace and Museum. Shelbyville also has some great restaurants, the state’s largest outlet mall, and some tasty locally-made spirits.
Events and Entertainment in Kentucky
The Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby, which first started in 1875, is the world's most famous horse racing event. Attendance is greater than other North American events, such as the Preakness Stakes, Belmont Stakes, and the Breeders' Cup. It's usually held every May at Churchill Downs near Louisville.
The event is also known as "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports" and "The Run for the Roses" due to the blanket of roses that's draped over the winner. The Kentucky Derby is the first leg of the American Triple Crown. If you want to learn more about the event, or if you’re in town when it's not taking place, we recommend a visit to the nearby Kentucky Derby Museum.
Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory
Baseball fans will love this museum, which is dedicated to the bats that professional ballplayers have been using for more than a century. Located in downtown Louisville, the facility has been making baseball bats since 1884 and details the history of the Louisville Slugger.
You can take a factory tour and see how the famous bats are made. The museum also features thousands of signatures from baseball players who signed contracts with Louisville Slugger as well as a bat vault, which has more than 3,000 original bat models created by some legendary players, including Babe Ruth and Ted Williams.
The Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar
If you find yourself in Covington, Kentucky, and you appreciate a good bourbon, then you must visit The Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar. The establishment has more than 600 bottles of bourbon and whiskey, as well as craft co*cktails for age-appropriate imbibers, including those with discerning tastes.
The bar also happily obliges if local craft beers, wine, or non-whiskey spirits are more to your taste. The knowledgeable staff is ready with recommendations in case you can't make a decision in regard to its extensive collection. You can then chill out with the bartender or hang out on the patio outside.
Distilleries and Wineries
Spirits and sweet wines are a Kentucky tradition. There are several distilleries and wineries nestled in rural regions, including Smith-Berry Winery in New Castle or Talon Winery in Lexington, both of which feature award-winning wines.
Another option is the Jeptha Creed Distillery in Shelbyville. It uses ingredients grown on-site to make its vodka, bourbon, and moonshine. You can take a tour and sample a variety of spirits, including moonshine that tastes like apple pie, lemonade, or cinnamon.
We also recommend the Bulleit Distillery in Shelbyville, whose family recipe for spicy Kentucky bourbon dates back to the 1830s.
Campgrounds and Parks in Kentucky
Wilderness Road Campground
The Wilderness Road Campground is located in Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, an area in which Native Americans used historically for hunting. Visitors enjoy exploring the abandoned Hensley Settlement, touring the famous Gap Cave, and hiking one of its many trails, including one that takes you to the Skylight Cave.
The campground has 160 sites, including 20-, 30-, and 50-amp electrical hookups for RVs. There's also a dump station, potable water, showers, and restrooms. Nearby attractions include Mammoth Cave National Park, the National Corvette Museum, and the Kentucky Antique Trail.
Hillman Ferry Campground
Hillman Ferry Campground in Grand Rivers accommodates everything from tents to large motor homes. It has 374 lakefront and wooded sites, some of which have electricity, water, and sewers. Other amenities include a laundry facility, picnic tables, fire rings, swimming, an archery range, biking and hiking trails, a ball field, and a campfire amphitheater.
Area attractions include the Elk & Bison Prairie native grassland habitat, the Homeplace 1850s Working Farm and Living History Museum, the Golden Pond Planetarium, and the Woodlands Nature Station at Land Between the Lakes. There are also several popular driving spots around the national recreational area Land Between The Lakes.
Singing Hills RV Park and Campground
Another great place to camp near Mammoth Cave National Park is Singing Hills. Amenities include Wi-Fi, pull-through and full hookup sites, volleyball, a horseshoe pit, fire pits with grates, loaner fishing poles, a book exchange, a small RV parts store, and firewood.
The RV park is run by Eldon and Beth Brown, who live on-site, love people, and are very hospitable. Guests make reservations using an honor system and pay when they arrive. Make sure you book in advance as the place is very popular and is often full during tourist season.
Renfro Valley KOA
Renfro Valley is located in Mt. Vernon in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Sites accommodate a maximum length of 75 feet and 50 amps. Amenities include Wi-Fi, cable TV, a swimming pool, snack bar, miniature golf, a dog park, activity center, arcade games, book exchange, horseshoes, a laundry facility, pet playground, and RV clubs and rallies.
You can visit nearby Civil War battlefields, hike the Daniel Boone National Forest, buy some Appalachian art, or tour some of the local wineries. And if you don't feel like cooking, you can order pizza and hot wings, which are delivered directly to your site.
RV Storage and Dumpstations in Kentucky
When you're not using your RV rental, you need a safe and secure place to store it. The good news is that there are several reputable RV storage facilities in Kentucky, including the following:
- Anchor Storage, Florence
- All Seasons Boat & RV Storage, Kuttawa
- American RV Storage, Hebron
- Benton’s RV & Boat Storage, LLC, Winchester
It's also important to dump your wastewater on a regular basis. Some RV parks allow you to dump your gray water for a small fee even if you're not staying there. Other options include:
- Flying J Travel Center, Oak Grove
- Flying J Travel Center, Franklin
- Oh! Kentucky Campground & RV Park, Berea
- Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores, Corbin
- Lake Barkley State Resort Park, Cadiz
- Kentucky Horse State Park, Lexington
FAQs
1. What are RV rentals?
If you’re looking for adventure but don’t want to spend a lot of money, an RV rental in Kentucky is a great way to do it. You don’t have to pay maintenance or ownership fees, so you save a lot of money.
2. How much are RV rentals?
Rates vary depending on the size of the RV and the rental duration. Smaller motorhomes and campervans are less expensive than larger RVs and can range from $75 to $150 per night versus up to $250 per night. The longer the rental period, the more money you will save.
3. Do I need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Kentucky?
You have to be 25 years old to rent an RV in Kentucky.
4. Do I need insurance when I rent an RV?
Yes. You need insurance to rent an RV just like you would to rent a car.
5. Do I need to return my rental RV with a full tank?
Check with the RV’s owner. The rental company will have a certain policy regarding fuel refilling requirements.
6. Are RVs pet-friendly in Kentucky?
That depends on the RV company. Many allow pets, but you may need to pay a deposit or extra fee.
