Some of the best memories are made on a road trip. Packing up your camping gear, bringing a camera to capture the special moments, and planning the route along the open road brings the thrill of endless adventure. Folks across the country have been taking road trips in record numbers, so it’s important to start planning next year’s road trips now as sites are booking up. Kentucky State Parks have a 12-month advance booking window providing flexibility and convenience for the planners in your family.
Here are four great Kentucky road trips with state parks to stop and enjoy along the way.
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The Kentucky Bourbon Trail
One of the top summer trips in Kentucky is the famous Bourbon Trail. There are 18 distilleries located around Louisville and Lexington that provide various experiences and sampling. Make sure to plan ahead by making reservations for tours August through mid-November as they book up fast. You’ll also want to secure a place to relax after a day of festivities at the endearing and historic My Old Kentucky Home State Park or Taylorsville Lake State Park which offers equestrain sites.
Country Music Highway
Make your playlist and turn up the volume for this National Scenic Byway located on the east side of the state! The Country Music Highway can take several hours to drive straight through, or two days to check out all the historic sites including Native American culture, Civil War landmarks, pioneer settlements, and coal mining. There are three state parks along this route that will make a great basecamp. Choose from Yatesville Lake, Paintsville Lake, and Jenny Wiley, or visit all three! Each state park is unique with water activities and scenic trails. All have RV and tent sites with restrooms, showers, laundry, and hookups.
Great River Road
Along the far west corner of the state is a portion of the Great River Road National Scenic Byway. This byway travels along the Mississippi River from the headwaters in Minnesota’s Lake Itasca through ten states to the Gulf of Mexico. Take time to admire the sights along the river and fall asleep to the relaxing water flow at Columbus-Belmont State Park. The campground overlooks the Mississippi and includes utility hookups, grills, restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities. Make sure to explore the nearby trails that run through Civil War earthworks and visit the museum.
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US 68 Scenic Byway
Starting in the southwest area of the state is US 68 Scenic Byway. The 305-mile route takes you through a journey in time with miles of scenic pastures, rolling hills, and farmland with tobacco fields and Irish limestone rock fences from the mid 1800s. Begin your adventure at Kenlake or Lake Barkley State Resort Parks with scenic views of the Grand Rivers. Then travel east towards Bowling Green to stay nearby at Barren River Lake State Resort Park. End your route by Lexington and visit Fort Boonesborough State Park and experience the site founded by Daniel Boone with a replica of his original fort complete with living historians.
Are you ready for your adventure? Plan your camping trip!