Situated in the heart of Kentucky's Bluegrass region, Lexington is a historic city with a rich cultural heritage. It was founded in 1775, making it one of the oldest cities in the United States. The city is named after the Battle of Lexington, the first major engagement of the American Revolutionary War. Many horse ranges in the area make Lexington a great destination for horse lovers, offering excellent opportunities for horseback riding, racing, and more.
In 1780, the Lexington Compact was signed, officially making Lexington the first city in Kentucky. This document symbolizes the freedom and independence that Lexington has come to represent. A huge caravan of around 600 pioneers and their families arrived in Lexington at the end of the Revolutionary War, and this is how the city grew to become what it is today. The cholera epidemic of 1833 decimated the population, but it was eventually rebuilt and is now a vibrant city full of life.
RVers can start by visiting the University of Kentucky, where you can tour its state-of-the-art facilities and explore the campus grounds. For a glimpse into the past, visit the Lexington History Museum or take a tour of Henry Clay's Ashland Estate. There is also nearby Ashland, home of the Henry Clay Memorial Park, which features several monuments and statues dedicated to the former senator.
Check out the downtown area if you're looking for a little culture and entertainment. You can find art galleries, performance theaters, independent music venues, and many unique restaurants and shops here. The Mary Todd Lincoln House is also located in downtown Lexington and provides a fascinating glimpse into the life of one of America's First Ladies. For outdoor activities, the city of Lexington is surrounded by numerous parks and lakes, offering a wide range of recreational activities. The Kentucky Horse Park is a must-see for horse lovers, and the Raven Run Nature Sanctuary offers more than seven miles of trails to explore. If you're looking for family-friendly fun, check out the Lexington Children's Museum or take a stroll through Jacobson Park.
Campgrounds Near Lexington, Kentucky
Whispering Hills RV Park near Lexington is one of the best campgrounds with sites with full hookups. You will love Whispering Hills' pool and showers. The park has easy access to the I-95 highway and has good cell reception. The campground offers a Good Sam discount, and they have a waterslide.
Kentucky Horse Park Campground in Lexington has 260 primitive sites. These sites are back-in, and the parking spots are spacious. The park offers laundry services, and you will find showers at various points. You will love cooling off in one of its many pools. The sites have excellent cell reception. Enjoy your vacation with your pet as they are allowed.
Fort Boonesborough State Park is another wonderful campground near Lexington, with 163 sites with full hookups. You can hike through one of its many trails and enjoy scenic views of nature and the fort. The sites are back-in and pull-through. Your four-legged furry family members are allowed, and the sites have excellent cell reception.
State Parks Near Lexington, Kentucky
Enjoy nature and history at Fort Boonesborough State Park, where you can explore a fort from the 18th century. This park is just 27 miles from Lexington and offers plenty of activities for families and RVers. Explore one of its many hiking trails or ride along the Kentucky River. With its many pet-friendly campgrounds, you and your furry friends can enjoy some of the most scenic views in Kentucky.
Around 48 miles from Lexington is Blue Licks Battlefield State Park, home to a battlefield from the Revolutionary War. It is the site of the last battle of the American Revolution. Visit the nature center to learn more about the park's history. Enjoy one of its several hiking trails to spot wildlife such as deer, turkeys, and wildflowers. Take a dip in Blue Licks Creek to cool off during hot summer days. Fishing is allowed in Salt Lick Creek; you can catch bass, catfish, or bluegill.
Kincaid Lake State Park is located 61 miles from Lexington and offers plenty of recreational activities for outdoor enthusiasts. The park features a 183-acre lake that is popular for fishing and swimming. Largemouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, and channel catfish are the fish to angle for. You can also rent a kayak or canoe to explore the lake at the marina. Take a hike through one of the two trails located in the park and spot wildlife like deer, foxes, and birds. You can catch a movie at the 300-seat amphitheater or take a stroll through its nature trails. The park also offers RV campsites with full hookups, back-in and pull-through sites, and primitive camping.
National Sites Near Lexington, Kentucky
Visit Camp Nelson National Monument and learn about its role in the Civil War. Located only 20 miles from Lexington, this monument preserves land associated with a former Union Army recruitment and supply depot. You can visit significant sites like a cemetery and the former Union Depot. The site also was a refugee camp for African American freedmen and their families. The Visitor Center at Camp Nelson provides interactive exhibits and artifacts related to the site's history. Explore some historic buildings like the two-story storehouse or hike through its trails.
Tour Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park, located 86 miles from Lexington. This park is the birthplace of the United States 16th President, Abraham Lincoln. You will find a memorial building and a symbolic birthplace cabin at this site. You can also view artifacts related to Lincoln's life here. Request a ranger-led tour to learn more about the park's history and role in American culture. The site also offers interactive exhibits, educational programs, and special events.
Cumberland Gap National Historic Park is 131 miles away from Lexington. The park is on the border of Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee, and it was one of the first passages settlers used to find a route to the west. You can tour its historical sections with many views that have remained unchanged since the 1700s. Enjoy scenic views from the Pinnacle Overlook and explore trails like Hensley Settlement Trail and White Rocks Trail. The park also offers camping, horseback riding, and other recreational activities. You can also visit its two visitor centers to learn more about the park's history.
National Forests Near Lexington, Kentucky
Explore the steep forested slopes of Daniel Boone National Forest, located 85 miles away from Lexington. This national forest has 708,000 acres filled with wildlife like white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, bobcats, and barred owls. Discover its scenic trails and picnic areas, or take a dip in one of the many swimming holes it offers. Visit the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail to explore its scenic views of the forest. You can hike through the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area and spot wildlife like black bears, mink, and river otters.
Hoosier National Forest is located 147 miles away from Lexington. This national forest comprises four different districts with about 203,000 acres. Here you can find various landscapes featuring hills and ridges, deep ravines, rivers, wetlands, and hardwood forests. Take a hike through the Browning Mountain Trail, which offers scenic views from the highest point in Hoosier National Forest. Visit the Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge and spot animals like wood ducks, wild turkeys, blue herons, and white-tailed deer. Camping opportunities are available at the nearby Yellowwood State Forest and Deam Lake.
Drive for about five hours from Lexington to Pisgah National Forest and explore its 500,000 acres of forest. This national forest offers various recreational activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, and camping. Take a hike along the Appalachian Trail, a scenic 2,200-mile trail that passes through this forest. Visit Shining Rock Wilderness for its mountain views, waterfalls, and wildlife. You can explore the Linville Gorge with its steep slopes and rugged terrain or try fishing in one of its rivers, like the Davidson River. You can also tour its visitor centers to learn more about the park's history and ecology.
