Kentucky is a sleeper hit for RV travel — Mammoth Cave, the Red River Gorge, the Daniel Boone National Forest, and a bourbon trail that winds through genuinely beautiful countryside.
The average rental runs about $115/night, with travel trailers starting around $80/night and Class C motorhomes typically running $160/night.
Eastern Kentucky mountain roads require a mid-size or smaller rig. The Red River Gorge, Natural Bridge, and the Daniel Boone National Forest involve some narrow, winding mountain roads. A Class C or smaller handles them well. A 40-foot Class A is manageable on KY-15 and KY-11 but limits your secondary road options considerably.
Slide-outs are worth the cost at Mammoth Cave. Mammoth Cave's Headquarters Campground has roomy sites with full hookups. The extra living space of a slide-out makes a multi-night base camp here genuinely comfortable — and you'll want multiple nights to do the cave tours justice.
A tow vehicle setup works well for the Bluegrass region. The horse farms, distillery tours, and rolling countryside of central Kentucky are best explored in a smaller vehicle once you're set up at camp. A travel trailer with a tow vehicle gives you the best of both.
Awnings earn their keep in summer. Kentucky summers run hot and humid — consistent 85–90°F with high humidity from June through August. A good awning and a quality air conditioner are worth factoring into your unit selection for summer trips.
Kentucky is moderately complex to navigate in the east and straightforward in the center and west. A few things to plan around:
Mammoth Cave tours must be reserved separately from your campsite. The cave tour tickets and campsite reservations are separate bookings through Recreation.gov. Both fill fast for spring and fall weekends. Handle them at the same time — not sequentially.
Red River Gorge campgrounds are first-come, first-served during peak season. Natural Bridge State Resort Park has reservable sites, but most dispersed campgrounds in the Daniel Boone National Forest are first-come. Arrive Thursday if you're targeting a popular weekend.
Kentucky State Resort Parks are an exceptional value. Kentucky operates one of the best state resort park systems in the country — full hookup sites, on-site restaurants, pools, and activities at most locations. Book through the Kentucky State Parks reservation system.
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park fills fast for fall. The "Niagara of the South" is one of Kentucky's most beloved destinations. Hookup sites book well ahead for October foliage and the rare moonbow phenomenon on clear full-moon nights.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
On average expect to pay $142 per night in Kentucky.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Kentucky?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Kentucky from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Kentucky?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.
Do you need a special license to drive an RV in Kentucky?No. You don’t need a special license or CDL to drive an RV in Kentucky.