Spring RV guide to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail is Kentucky’s official distillery tourism network.

Built around member stops of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, the trail is designed so travelers can explore bourbon country by region instead of trying to drive the entire trail.

Not your typical trail

Many folks are surprised to find that Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail is not a simple loop. Instead, the approximately 4,000-mile-long trail stretches the length of the entire state and branches off into six distinct regions.

Yes, you can find itineraries that boast a “complete” three-day visit. In reality, it can take a month or more to see all of the distilleries. If you’d like to also experience local museums, scenic attractions, and local eateries, even a month-long trip may seem more like a frenzied marathon.

“Wheel-and-spoke” travel plan

In my opinion, the smartest way for RVers to experience the Bourbon Trail is to pick a home base and tour one bourbon region at a time. This “wheel-and-spoke” type of itinerary will allow you to thoroughly explore each region. This plan shortens each day’s drive and enables you to relax and enjoy each region at a more comfortable pace.

Plan ahead

Spring is a great time to visit the Bourbon Trail areas. It’s best to book tours and tastings early and allow plenty of time between stops.

Note: Don’t forget that the Kentucky Derby is in May. Campgrounds may fill up around that weekend.

Weather

The weather in Kentucky during the spring is often changeable. Here are some things to take:

• Light rain jacket
• Layered shirts
• Comfortable walking shoes (you may well encounter mud)
• Warm jacket or sweatshirt
• Small umbrella
• Sunscreen
• Phone or camera
• Notebook (document favorite bourbon brands; favorite sights)

Note: One solid distillery tour may be enough for many RVers. That’s because the basic bourbon-making story can start to feel repetitive from stop to stop. The trail is more fun when you mix in other sights, meals, and scenic drives.

Northern Region (top of the state)

Positioned along the Ohio River near Cincinnati, the northern region is a smart choice if you want bourbon plus a little more city energy. This area blends craft distilling, shopping, bourbon-centric dining, arts, entertainment, and recreation.

Campgrounds to consider are Abide Glamping in Williamstown or The Landing at Bear Creek RV Park in Falmouth. Big Bone Lick State Park in Union is another good choice.

Things to do in this area include the Newport Aquarium, Berhringer-Crawford Museum, Devou Park, Roebling Suspension Bridge & Purple People Bridge, Conington’s MainStrass Village, and Ark Encounter.

Louisville Region (North-Central)

In this region, RVers can enjoy Whiskey Row, inventive dining, and nearby favorites like the Louisville Slugger Museum, Kentucky Derby Museum, the Louisville Mega Cavern, the Muhammad Ali Center, the Kentucky Science Center, Whitehall House and Gardens, and more.

For RV parks, consider Elks Lodge #8 in Louisville (if you’re an Elks member) and Charlestown State Park in Indiana. Both enable easy city touring along with a relaxing break.

Western Region (Far West KY)

This area of the Bourbon Trail is the most widespread and the least crowded. You’ll want to plan ahead because you’ll have longer drives between distillery stops. The region offers a quieter experience, but you may discover some hidden gems.

Take time to explore Paducah, including the National Quilt Museum. You may also like the Jefferson Davis State Historic Site. There’s also fishing, boating, hiking, antique stores, and more.

Consider camping at the Western Kentucky RV Park or Singing Hills RV Park and Campground. Or, for a “destination” type campground, you may like Kentucky Lakes/Prizer Point KOA.

Bardstown Region

Bardstown is the stop that feels most like classic Bourbon Country to me. Known as the Bourbon Capital of the World, it offers the densest collection of traditional bourbon distilleries.

RVers enjoy the scenic rolling farmland, downtown Bardstown charm, Old Talbott Tavern, the Civil War Museum, and the Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History.

For RV stays, the Bourbon Springs RV Resort has high ratings, as does Longview RV Park.

Lexington Region (East)

Spread out across horse country, the Lexington Region of the Bourbon Trail offers relaxed travel, wonderful scenery, and photography opportunities. You’ll have longer drives between distillery stops, but the area’s beauty makes the drive quite pleasant.

The Lexington, Versailles, and Frankfort side of the trail is where bourbon meets bluegrass. Visitors see hundreds of thoroughbred farms and the relaxed feel of a college town. Tour the University of KY Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, Lexington History Museum, and more.

For camping, Firefly Hills or Cummins Ferry RV Park & Campground are good choices, as is Elkhorn Creek RV Park.

You should go!

A spring Bourbon Trail trip gets better when you treat it like a regional road trip instead of a checklist. Pick one section, book your tastings ahead of time, and leave room for lunch and slower afternoons.

Then spend the rest of your time experiencing the local history, food, music, museums, and scenery that make Kentucky feel like so much more than a whiskey stop.

Have you visited the Bourbon Trail? Tell us about it in the comments below.

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