Somerset began as a small settlement of travelers from Somerset County in New Jersey. Settled in the late 1790s, the area slowly grew until it became the county seat in 1802. Several decades later, many prominent Civil War battles were fought in the region, leading to many museums and historical sites. The completion of the Southern Railroad in 1875 skyrocketed the local population. Lake Cumberland was constructed to provide better flood control as well as power. Its completion turned Somerset into a recreational hotspot, drawing in more than a million visitors annually during the summer season.
Somerset's hot and humid summers are easily offset by spending time on the shores of the gorgeous Lake Cumberland. Winters are often mild or cool without much snowfall. The city of Somerset has been featured in several TV series like "City Confidential" and "Justified." Notable people from the region include film producer Tommy Lee Wallace and former professional basketball player Reggie Hanson.
Visitors often stop by Somerset to view the local historical sites and artifacts from the Civil War. The Battle of Mill Springs was fought near the current city of Nancy, which is only a few miles from Somerset. Check out the Brown-Lanier House, West- Metcalfe House, and Zollicoffer Park for more local history facts. The Battle of Dutton's Hill was also fought nearby and is commemorated with a marble obelisk.
Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is a popular recreational spot for tourists. The land was once used by logging and mining companies. This recreational area has one of the highest concentrations of natural bridges in this region of the United States. Visitors can stay at Charit Creek Lodge, a wilderness lodge that can be accessed via hiking.
Master Musicians Festival – This July festival is held by the Somerset Community College to bring musical excellence to rural Kentucky.
Somernites Cruise - Bring your classic or custom vehicle to this renowned car show. Showings are held every fourth weekend between April and October.
Moonlight Festival – Stop by Somerset in October to celebrate great food, gorgeous art, and musical entertainment.
Store your RV at the ultra-secure Benton’s RV & Boat Storage in Winchester. Somerset's A-Z Self-Storage offers short and long-term storage arrangements based on your needs.
Mammoth Cave National Park is less than two hours away from Somerset. Home to the longest known cave system in the world, this national park has more than 400 miles of explored caverns and countless more still waiting to be discovered. The park itself encompasses more than 50,000 acres of land and offers hiking, biking, camping, and fishing opportunities. Check the park's website for information on upcoming events and festivals.
173 miles south in Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park covers more than 500,000 acres of land. Plan a beautiful hike through the lush forests and over the endless mountain ridges. Elevation in the park almost reaches 7,000 feet in some areas, so be sure to bring a jacket and warm clothes. Entrance to this park is free, but there may be additional fees if you plan to camp or rent a pavilion.
Take your pick of water-based activities at New River Gorge National Park. 287 miles away, this national park in West Virginia is home to the astounding New River, one of the oldest rivers on the continent. For thousands of years, it has carved its way deep into the rock. Visitors are welcome to swim, kayak, canoe, and whitewater raft. If you're not interested in getting wet, consider hiking, biking, or watching local wildlife and birds.
Cumberland Falls State Park has 17 miles of hiking trails along with paths that connect to the Daniel Boone National Forest. Anglers can try catching bass or catfish from the Cumberland River. Bring the whole family along to try gem mining at the Cumberland Falls Mining Company.
Encompassing 52,000 acres of water, Lake Cumberland State Park is the perfect place for swimming, boating, and fishing. The park also has two golf courses and exciting wildlife-watching tours. Bring your RV rental along to take advantage of the on-site dump station, fire rings, and picnic shelters.
Levi Jackson State Park is home to parts of a historic road that settlers once traveled to reach Kentucky. This park has several historically valuable areas like the Mountain Life Museum and McHargue’s Mill. You're welcome to ride horses, hike, bike, and fish. There's even an aerial adventure park with zip lines and suspended tunnels.
The beautiful Cumberland Falls is less than an hour away from Somerset. Often called “the Niagara of the South,” this recreational area is also home to the historic Pinnacle Knob Fire Tower. Plan an afternoon of hiking, biking, or taking a leisurely boat ride on the Rainbow Mist.
The Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park is just outside of the city of Hodgenville. This ivory monument memorializes the site where the 16th president of the United States was born and lived for part of his life.
Visit the Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument to learn more about the 1862 battle. The nearby Mill Springs Battlefield & Museum often holds seasonal events like battle reenactments and ceremonies.
If you're interested in visiting Cumberland Falls State Park, the Corbin / Laurel Lake KOA is the closest RV park in the area. This family-friendly facility has an on-site swimming pool and modern showers. Renfro Valley KOA offers swimming, golfing, fishing, and regular seasonal events like hay ridges and pancake breakfasts. Singing Hills RV Park and Campground is the best option if you're planning to spend your time at Mammoth Cave National Park.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Somerset, KY, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Somerset?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Somerset 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 Somerset?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.
