Beech Bend
Gather the family and head for Kentucky to enjoy the 379-acre amusement park with a dragstrip, campground, and water park.
Event information
If Beech Bend Amusement Park in Bowling Green, Kentucky were just seven thrill rides, 19 family rides, and 10 rides just for the kids, it would be wonderful. But it is so much more than that. They also have a super water park with colorful slides, a lazy river, a water tower, and a huge swimming pool. And for motorheads, there’s a dragstrip and raceway, too. Drag racing, funny cars, and NHRA racing can be found here during most weekends and some weeknights.
Another amazing aspect of this park is the campground. Staying the night at an amusement park is like a dream come true for most kids (and adults, too), and with over 400 sites, RVers can enjoy that dream here. Just a short walk to the rides and games, this added benefit is actually part of the entertainment. They boast a fishing river, free internet, showers, a dump station, and even a dog walking area.
If that isn’t enough for the family, Beech Bend also offers a bunch of carnival games, live shows and entertainment, and picnic areas. Once everyone works up an appetite, the park has a huge variety of food choices from carnival favorites like corn dogs and popcorn to delicious meal ideas like burgers, pizza, and chicken. And of course, there are a ton of sweets like fudge, Dippin’ Dots, funnel cake, and cotton candy. Your crew will love it here!
Tickets
In past years, tickets for Beech Bend Amusement Park have been just under $40 for adults and children under 48 inches and seniors were about $35. All kids under two are typically free. Buying tickets online often gets visitors a discount. Buying two-day passes is also a bargain and may run about $40. That is almost a buy one get one free option! They don’t even have to be used two days in a row as long as they are used within seven days.
Explore Beech Bend RV Rentals
Transportation
Driving
In Warren County Kentucky, Beech Bend is easy to reach just off US-68, which is often reached from I-65 or I-165. For country music lovers, this is the perfect opportunity to visit Nashville, just an hour away down I-65. Another fun place to visit nearby is Lost River Cave about seven miles to the south or the Kentucky Museum about five miles to the southwest. There is plenty to do for everyone in Bowling Green.
Parking areas
For those RVers who choose not to camp at the park, there is plenty of parking for everyone. However, for the price paid to camp elsewhere and drive to Beech Bend, it may be less expensive to camp on site and be more fun anyway. Few people area fan of that long walk back to the parking lot after a busy day of riding rides, playing games, and having fun.
Public Transportation
RVers who have left their rigs at a different campground or just want a ride to one of the cities nearby may want to consider a private ride service or independent transportation company. RVers also might use rideshare apps or taxi services when needed. Check with the campground you are staying at to see if they offer a shuttle service for their guests.
Where to stay
Onsite
The campground at Beech Bend has over 400 campsites that can accommodate all sizes of RVs and trailers with both back-in and pull-through sites. Roads are paved and easy to maneuver and 250 of the sites have full hookups. The campground also has 24-hour security, two bath houses, a laundry, showers, and restrooms. Anglers will be happy to know that the Barren River is nearby, and kids are welcome to ride their bikes and explore. Furbabies are also welcome as long as they are leashed at all times.
Nearby
Less than 10 miles away, the Bowling Green KOA is perfect for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the crowds but still want to have the benefit of full amenities. This campground offers 100 spacious lots with utilities that can handle rigs up to 100 feet long, a pool, Wi-Fi, a snack bar, and even mini-golf and fishing for more fun. No fishing license needed!
For those who enjoy nature, Mammoth Cave National Park is just 22 miles to the northeast and has 109 campsites that can accommodate RVs up to 38 feet long. Amenities include flush toilets, hot showers, picnic tables, and campfire rings with grills to cook on. The park also has 53,000 acres of trails, fishing, swimming, caving opportunities, and wildlife galore.
Getting around
Walking from the parking lot or campground is easy since they are close to the park. However, it is best to wear comfortable walking shoes because everyone will be doing a lot of walking. For those with mobility needs, the park offers wheelchair and scooter rentals at the gift shop near the ticket gate. Strollers and double strollers are available to rent here as well for those with little tykes.
What to pack
Clothing
It can be hot in Bowling Green, Kentucky between May and August so pack light, cool clothes like t-shirts and shorts for the most part. March and April are typically pretty warm as well, but it is a good idea to pack a jacket or sweater as well. Also, pack some jeans and long-sleeved shirts no matter what season it is.
Gear
Backpacks are fine if you plan on renting a locker to keep it in while you enjoy the rides. Most visitors use fanny packs or their pockets to carry their needed items like phones, wallets, and keys. For the RVers camping at the park, just leave the big items at the campsite. It is not a long walk back to get what you need.
Health & Safety
Although Beech Bend offers free sunscreen, it is best to carry a small bottle in a pocket or fanny pack to reapply as needed. Hats and sunglasses are good ideas as well but must be removed on most rides. Bug spray is important at the campground because Kentucky is known for its hungry mosquitoes that come out after dark.
Where to eat
Cooking
Be sure the rig is stocked up with cooking and cleaning needs such as pots and pans, eating utensils, paper products like napkins and paper towels, aluminum foil, and cooking spray. It may also be a good idea to keep a portable grill or camp stove in the RV, too. Although the campground may say it has a grill, sometimes things do not go as planned.
Restaurants
Just head down KY-68 a few miles if your family has the urge to enjoy a nice sit-down meal together. RVers are likely to find a seafood restaurant, Cajun cuisine, several pubs, as well as a few taverns and cafés within five miles of the park to the southwest. Head due south down I-65 for an Italian restaurant, Japanese food, an Indian eatery, Mexican, and a pizzeria. Of course, there are also several fast food places to grab some grub in a hurry.
Vendors
Depending on what the family is hungry for, Beech Bend Amusement Park probably has it somewhere. The Tiki Grill offers up everything from pizza to sub sandwiches as well as hot dogs and salads. DJs Diner is a popular place to eat and has everything the grill has and more including funnel cake, cheese fries, and nachos. Hit the café next to the Rumbler and try some of their homemade fudge and hand-dipped ice cream. Don’t leave without visiting one of the gift shops where they have lots of unique gifts and souvenirs.
Safety
Security
When going through the turnstiles to get into Beech Bend Amusement Park, all guests will have to have their bags checked. Be sure to go over the bag check information on their website to know what cannot be brought inside the park. Some common items include weapons, alcohol, and glass. The park also has security cameras and security staff to keep everyone safe while having fun.
Weather
Kentucky is a warm place most of the year and summer can be downright sweltering at times. The average high from June through August is 87 degrees and the average low for those months is 65 degrees. However, it is not unheard of for the temps to get close to 100. April and May are usually pretty warm but can be chilly at night. Rain is common from April through July so bring a rain poncho and waterproof shoes.
Medical
Any guest in the park who gets injured or feels ill during their visit should head to one of the first-aid stations where Beech Bend has medical personnel to help. One of the stations is at the front gate and the other is by the WBKO entertainment stage. For those who need more medical help, there is a hospital and several urgent care offices nearby.
