RV Rentals Kentucky

Popular RV Rentals Near Kentucky for Any Budget

Grab a great deal on an RV, and discover for yourself why Kentucky and the surrounding area have become popular vacation destinations. Travel trailers are the most popular RV rentals in the state, and you can snag one for as little as $65 per night. Make your journey a little easier by renting a pop-up trailer for about the same price. Don’t worry about towing by securing a drivable Class B for as little as $120 per night. Go a little larger with a Class C, starting at about $125, or a larger Class A starting at about $160 per night.

RVshare’s Top Vacation Destinations Near Kentucky No Matter the Duration

Whether you’re passing through and just want a meal or want to spend a few days, Lexington, known as the "Horse Capital of the World," won’t leave you disappointed. It's the second-largest city in Kentucky and is located in Fayette County at the intersection of Interstate 64 and Interstate 75 in the famed Bluegrass Region. Check out the best bourbon distilleries in the country on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Take a step into history when you visit Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill. Before you hit the road, grab some barbecue at County Club or get an elegant meal at Dudley’s on Short. You can also take a preplanned road trip to Miles City, Montana after thoroughly exploring the city.

Louisville, the largest city in Kentucky, is situated on the Ohio River on the Indiana border. Spend some time exploring the thousands of acres encompassing the city parks, or hit the links at one of the championship golf courses. Stop by and tour the famous Louisville Slugger Museum, or explore the Muhammad Ali Center. Louisville also makes for a great place to begin road trips to Charleston, South Carolina; Denver, Colorado; and Tulsa, Oklahoma.

To the north, just over the Ohio border, you’ll find Cincinnati. Take the kids to the Cincinnati Zoo, or grab some fresh food from the Findlay Market. Get out of the RV for a little while, and explore the Ohio River on a riverboat cruise. Get in some thrills by spending a day at King's Island. You can also take a road trip from Cincinnati to the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee.

Explore Kentucky in an RVshare RV Rental

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.

Discover Nearby Towns and Cities

Elizabethtown, Kentucky – Located about 45 miles south of Louisville, Elizabethtown is a small city of about 30,000 residents. Visitors to the area enjoy everything from the vibrant downtown area to parks and hiking. If you travel with your four-legged companion, be sure to check out the Freeman Lake Dog Park. Stop by Papi’s Tacos & More for authentic Mexican cuisine, or catch some handcrafted ice cream at The Dreamery.

• 150+ Restaurants

• 20+ Gas Stations

• 3 Campgrounds

• 1 Nearby National Forest

• 4 Nearby State Parks

• 5 Nearby RV Parks

• 12 Dump Stations Within 20 Miles

Frankfort, Kentucky – The state capital and home to over 28,000 residents, Frankfort sits about 25 miles northwest of Lexington. Stretch your legs, and enjoy the waterfalls at Cove Spring Park, or take a boat tour of Kentucky’s Bourbon industry. Grab some bread for your trip at Andy’s Artisan Bread, or enjoy a true Kentucky bourbon experience at Bourbon on Main.

• 150+ Restaurants

• 30+ Gas Stations

• 1 Rest Area

• 3 Campgrounds

• 1 Nearby National Forest

• 1 Nearby State Park

• 7 Nearby RV Parks

• 10 Dump Stations Within 20 Miles

Murray, Kentucky – Head west of the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, and you’ll find the small town of Murray. It currently has a population of about 17,000 residents and is home to Murray State University. In this city, you’ll enjoy parks, golf and the Arboretum at Murray State. The downtown district allows you the opportunity to explore more than 200 years of history. While here, get a quick bite at the Burrito Shack, or get the freshest burger you’ve had at Off the Hoof.

• 100+ Restaurants

• 20 Gas Stations

• 10 Campgrounds

• 1 Nearby National Forest

• 4 Nearby State Parks

• 7 Nearby RV Parks

• 7 Dump Stations Within 20 Miles

Best National Parks Near Kentucky

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.

Popular State Parks Near Kentucky

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.

Must See Monuments and Landmarks Near Kentucky

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.

Upcoming Events Near Kentucky

• 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.

Popular POI Activities Near Kentucky

• Rockcastle River – Satisfy your need for adventure and thrills as you navigate all or part of the 54.8-mile river. Running from near Livingston in the north to the Rockcastle Campground in the south, this river transitions from placid to near class III whitewater rapids.

• Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail – While you may not want to attempt the entire 290-mile trail, you’ll enjoy whatever portion you decide to hike. The trail system features several loops suitable for day hikes if you don’t want to camp on the trail. It starts in northern Kentucky, just west of the Carter Caves State Resort Park, and then travels southwest with numerous trailheads not far off I-64.

• Red River Gorge – If you prefer climbing, Red River Gorge, located in the northeastern part of the state, offers over 1,600 climbs to test your resolve and skill. Give your arms a rest, and try the 1,900-foot zip line that travels up to 55 miles per hour.

RVshare’s Top Picks for Nearby RV Parks and Campgrounds 

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.

Best RV Dump Stations Near Kentucky

You’ll have easy access to dump stations around Kentucky while exploring the state. Many campgrounds offer dumping services for registered guests. There is a dump station available for public use at the Kentucky Horse State Park near Lexington. You’ll get easy access to the Flying J Travel Plaza #644 near Walton, which offers a discount for members, or try Loves Travel Stops and Country Stores 348 near Calvert City.

Popular RV Storage Facilities Near Kentucky

Keep your rig in great condition with the indoor and outdoor RV storage options available from Five Star Storage near Bowling Green, Kentucky. About 20 miles outside Lexington, you’ll find Benton’s RV & Boat Storage near Winchester. Benton’s is solely devoted to vehicle storage and understands the importance of security. Closer to Louisville, you’ll find Champion Storage on Preston Highway, where you’ll have options for covered and uncovered storage for your RV.