Blue Licks Battlefield State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Blue Licks Battlefield State Park in Nichols County, Kentucky is the site where the last Revolutionary War battle in the state occurred. Animals came to the area to lick salt. Native Americans captured pioneer Daniel Boone at this site and killed his son. Learn more about the history of the area by visiting this park's Pioneer Museum. This park is a terrific location for a hike along the Licking River, where you may see many different species of birds and native plants. Nearby, see Daniel Boone's last Kentucky home, and explore the Clay Wildlife Management Area. Nearby cities: • Mount Olivet, KY • Flemingburg, KY • Owingsville, KY • Mount Sterling, KY
Spring 33-77 F
Summer 59-86 F
Fall 34-77 F
Winter 26-50 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Blue Licks Battlefield State Park
Blue Licks Battlefield State Park Campground • Water hookup: 51 sites • Electrical hookup: 51 sites • Sewer hookup: No • Wi-Fi: Yes • Pet-friendly: Yes • Max RV length: 47 feet • Other amenities: Dump station, shower house, playground, pavilion
Blue Licks Battlefield State Park Campground
Blue Licks Battlefield State Park Campground offers 49 modern campsites with electrical and water hookups for RV campers. While the campground is open year-round, the office is closed from mid-November through March. During the winter months, water hookups are not available.
Water Hookup: Yes
Electric Hookup: 20/30/50 amp
Sewer Hookup: No, a dump station is available onsite
Wi-Fi Available: No
Pet Friendly: Yes
Fee: $20 per night
Office hours: 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. during the peak season
Zilpo Recreation Area
Zilpo Recreation Area offers 30 RV campsites with electrical hookups. The campground sits on the shores of Cave Run Lake and provides a sandy beach for sunbathing and lakeside fun. Fishing, hiking, biking, boating, and kayaking are among the favorite activities at this campground. The park service provides restrooms and showers. Picnic tables and fire rings are included at every camping site. Water is available in central hand-pump locations.
Water Hookup: No
Electric Hookup: 15/20/30/ amp
Sewer Hookup: No. A dump station is available
Wi-Fi Available: No
Pet Friendly: Yes
Fee: $30 per night
Office hours: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. during peak season
Kentucky Horse Park Campground
Twenty-five miles to the southwest of Blue Licks Battlefield State Park lies the Kentucky Horse Park Campground. This park provides 260 well-spaced RV campsites that take RVs and trailers up to 55 feet in length. Each camp comes equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring. Restrooms, showers, and bathhouses are available for each visitor. The park provides a junior Olympic-sized swimming pool for fun and games during the summer months. A 12-mile hiking and biking trail allows anyone wishing to stretch their legs to venture beyond their campsite.
Water Hookup: Yes
Electric Hookup: 20/30/50 amp
Sewer Hookup: No. Two dump stations are available at the park entrances
Wi-Fi Available: Yes
Pet Friendly: Yes
Fee: $35-$40 per night
Office hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday and Monday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday-Saturday
Fort Boonesborough State Park
Fort Boonesborough State Park is a reconstruction of the original settlement led by Daniel Boone. Along with the fort, the park offers 166 RV campsites on the Kentucky River's shores. All the campsites have electrical and water hookups, and 18 sites enjoy sewer access. A lifeguarded junior Olympic-sized swimming pool is available during the summer months, and a boat ramp allows easy access for anglers and skiers to enjoy the river. Tours of the fort help educate children on the hardships of colonial life. Miniature golf, horseshoes, and volleyball are additional activities that many visitors enjoy.
Water Hookup: Yes
Electric Hookup: 15/20/30/50 amp
Sewer Hookup: Yes, for 18 campsites
Wi-Fi Available: Yes
Pet Friendly: Yes
Fee: $33 to $45 per night
Office hours: 8 a.m.-10 p.m. daily
Whispering Hills RV Park
Whispering Hills RV Park is a welcoming site for RV campers. The park sits 43 miles southwest of Blue Licks Battlefield State Park. Over 230 RV camping sites are available with electric, water, and sewer hookups. Each campsite provides a picnic table and a fire ring for camping enjoyment. Restrooms, showers, and bathhouses are spaced throughout the park. Additional amenities include a playground, basketball court, pool, fishing pond, and laundry services. As a special treat, the park plays a movie each Friday night for its guests.
Water Hookup: Yes
Electric Hookup: 20/30/50 amp
Sewer Hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi Available: Yes
Pet Friendly: Yes
Fee: $36 to $46 per night
Office hours: 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday
What to Do at
Blue Licks Battlefield State Park
History lovers will enjoy exploring the Pioneer Museum to learn more about this area's role during the American Revolutionary War and Daniel Boone's time spent in this area, and everyone can dine on local meats and produce at Hidden Waters Restaurant. There are many options for hiking along trails that have been established by the buffalo that once roamed freely in this area. The Licking River is a fantastic place for a paddling and fishing adventure. Challenge your traveling companions to a game of miniature golf. If you have children along, they will adore playing in the old-fashioned playgrounds.
Inside Blue Licks Battlefield State Park
One of the most popular attractions of the park is the battlefield monument, which was erected in memory of American settlers' 1782 defeat by British forces. Another popular feature is Fort Tanner—a small fort constructed over one of the salt springs to protect settlers while distilling salt. A well-trodden buffalo trail reminds all visitors of the vast herds that once roamed this area. A gift shop and additional educational tours are great additions for those who want to know more about the history while visiting the park.
Fishing
The Licking River is a terrific place to go muskie fishing using crankbait on a braided fishing line as these fish put up a tremendous fight. Anglers can also catch smallmouth and Kentucky bass by fishing near wooded covers along the river. These fish often bite on chartreuse spinnerbait or small grubs.
Nature Watching
Blue Licks Battlefield State Park is a fantastic spot to go birding. Watch for snipe, solitary sandpipers, and killdeer in the spring, and autumn is an excellent time to spot hawks near the ravines. Visitors often see red-headed woodpeckers along the Heritage Trail.
Stargazing
Blue Licks Battlefield State Park is an outstanding place to go stargazing since the area is far away from significant light pollution. The meadow in the nature preserve, found along the Heritage Trail, is a fantastic place to spread out a blanket to stargaze.
Flora and Fauna
Following the Heritage Trail in the spring allows you to see the federally endangered Short's goldenrod, which only grows in two places worldwide. This plant grows up to 2.5 feet tall and produces numerous tiny yellow flowers in the spring. Along the trail, you will also see many native grasses.
Hiking
After you see Short's goldenrod, continue along the Heritage Trail, and you will come to a reconstructed trade fort. History documents that the original trade fort was built at this location before 1784. The two-mile trail starting near the nature center connects to the longer Buffalo Trace Trail, which was the path that buffalo followed to get to the salt-rich springs.
Boating
There is a free boat launch for kayaks and canoes. This is a favorite option for people who want to fish from their boats on the Licking River. Additionally, going on a paddling adventure on the river is terrific in the fall when the leaves change color.
Swimming
There is a swimming pool at Blue Licks Battlefield State Park, but it is only open to people staying in the lodge.
How to Get to
Blue Licks Battlefield State Park
It is easy to get to Blue Licks Battlefield State Park from Lexington, Kentucky, in under an hour. Start by going northeast on U.S. 27 North/U.S. 68 East. Continue for about 39 miles, and turn left on Blue Licks Battlefield Street Park. Then, go 0.3 miles, and turn right on Lodge Avenue.
Entering Blue Licks Battlefield State Park
There is no fee for parking, however there is an entrance fee of between $4 and $7 to enter the park, depending on your age and military status.
Frequently Asked Questions About Blue Licks Battlefield State Park
Spring is a great time to visit Blue Licks Battlefield State Park. The campground and museum open in mid-March. Furthermore, Short's goldenrod will be blooming in the nature preserve.
Blue Licks Battlefield State Park is a fantastic place to go birding. Listen carefully, and you may hear red-headed woodpeckers pecking at trees. You may also hear many songbirds singing and see hawks flying overhead.
The campground has 51 designated RV camping spots at Blue Licks Battlefield State Park. Each site comes with water and electricity hookups, but campers need to bring extended equipment to hookup. There is a dump station, pavilion, and playground.
You do not always need to make reservations at Blue Licks Battlefield State Park, but park officials highly recommend making them. The fee for a camping spot begins at $26 Sunday through Thursday, $30 on weekends, and $32 on major holidays.
Yes. Pets on a leash are allowed at Blue Licks Battlefield State Park. Owners often go hiking with them along the short trails. Note that pets are not permitted in the museum or inside any other buildings.