Situated in both Kentucky and Virginia, Breaks Interstate Park is the outdoor lover's dream. As one of the only bi-state parks in the country, Breaks Interstate encompasses over 4,500 acres of trails, rock climbing opportunities, and scenic canyons. You won't want to miss the incredible views of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest and Pine Mountain. The park sits in a "break" in the surrounding mountains and has been used for transportation by frontiersmen. Hidden ponds and interesting rock faces will delight all that come to see. Elevations rise from 870 feet at Russell Fork River in the canyon bottom up to 1,978 feet at the Clinchfield Overlook.
As soon as you park your camper at Breaks Interstate Park, you can wander around more than 25 miles of hiking trails. Or, take a ride on a guided horseback trail if you dream of being a cowboy. You'll have plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, from rafting and mountain biking to fishing and boating. There are several types of birds in the park and lots of native wildlife, from bears to otters. History buffs will enjoy knowing that they are walking in the footsteps of Daniel Boone. Due to cooler winter temperatures, the peak season is from March through November.
Breaks Interstate Park is a great RV destination for your summer travels, with over 100 sites available to rigs -- most of which offer full hookups.
Conveniently located in both Virginia and Kentucky, Breaks Interstate Park is easily accessible by RV or car, since it's only five miles from Elkhorn City, KY, off of KY-80. Here, travelers will find supplies, restaurants, and places to gas up the rig. Due to the mountainous quality of the area, large vehicles should be ready for sharp turns, a few switchbacks, and steep inclines when making their way to the park.
Local roads will take you anywhere in the park you wish to go, from the Lodge and restaurant to the campgrounds and trailheads. Due to construction, there may be some road accessibility issues throughout the park, so plan ahead if you are in an RV, pulling a trailer, or in another large vehicle.
The park is surrounded by green, and visitors often take advantage of the nearby national parks and forests. Daniel Boone National Forest sits to the west of the park, and the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest and the New River Gorge National River lie to the east. Consider adding these places into your itinerary when visiting Breaks Interstate Park.
Parking options for RVs and trailers are located at trailheads, near the Rhododendron Restaurant & Conference Center, horseback riding stables, and the Visitor Center. Of course, if you are staying overnight you can park in the campground.
Breaks Interstate Park offers 138 pet-friendly campsites available for tents and RVs from March to December. Reservations are recommended and can be made up to 11 months in advance. The campsites are divided into Campground A, B, C, and D. Campground D offers grassy areas versus wooded areas offered by the other sites. The campsites provide access to electricity and water, and some sites additionally offer sewer hookups.
Amenities at the campground include a dump station, a playground, restrooms, laundry facilities, and propane. You'll also have access to an Information Center, a camp store, and a basketball court. Campsites have gravel pads, offer a picnic table, and have both back-in and pull-through accessibility. Trailer length is 45 feet maximum and RV length is 62 feet maximum. You'll have everything you need to enjoy a lovely RV camping trip at this state park.
Breaks Interstate Park Campground offers limited availability for first-come, first-served guests. While reservations are recommended, if there are open sites, you may choose one and use the drop box at the woodshed for payment for one night. If you don't have a reservation but want to stay for multiple nights, you should visit the Camp Store or reservation desk at the Lodge for more details.
If you are camping with your RV the maximum length is 62 feet. For trailers, the maximum length is 45 feet. This campground offers a wide range of amenities including playgrounds, a dump station, and laundry facilities. Some sites offer full hookups, while others offer hooks ups for water and electricity only. The camp store and hiking trails are within walking distance.
To learn more about the park, park your motorhome at the Visitor Center and check out the historical and cultural museums that are located inside. The displays you can walk through include the gristmill, moonshine still, and Count's cabin, where you can learn about the natural and cultural history of the park. The 24-hour touch screen kiosk inside the Visitor Center will give you additional park information and trail maps so you can stay busy during the remainder of your stay.
Come out and enjoy the 21st Century's treasure hunt in high-tech style. Using a GPS enabled device, you can go on the hunt for small containers called geocaches. Many post the experience online. This outdoor treasure game is fun for all ages to enjoy, and Breaks Interstate Park has more than 60 geocaches hidden in the area. At the Visitor Center, you can pick up a GPS device and map that show the Geocache coordinates.
Breaks Interstate Park is part of the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail, and has many species of birds for your viewing pleasure -- so make sure those binoculars are in the campervan. Some birds that you may encounter include the Swainson's Warbler, Osprey, Red Tail Hawk, Hooded Warbler, and Black and White Warbler. If you are lucky you may even see Peregrine Falcons. The Visitor Center provides a checklist of the different species found here and a Recent Sighting List.
Lakes, ponds, and rivers, oh my! Anglers can rejoice in the plethora of fishing opportunities that await them when they bring the pop-up to Breaks Interstate Park. Bluegill and bass can be found in large numbers in both the two-acre Beaver Pond and the man-made 12-acre Laurel Lake. The Russel Fork River is also a great option for casting out and is stocked with rainbow trout each season for your fishing pleasure. A fishing license is required for all those looking to drop a line during their visit and can be purchased from the Visitor Center.
For those looking to get out of the campervan and stay in comfort for a night or two, Breaks Interstate Park offers five camping cabins on the north side of Laurel Lake. Cabins range in size, but all are furnished with plush furniture, high definition televisions, fireplaces, and washers and dryers. The kitchens are equipped with appliances and cookware, including coffeemakers and dishcloths. Outside, guests will find a porch overlooking the lake where they can relax on the patio furniture or take a soak in the hot tub. A two-night minimum stay is required for the cabins.
For those looking to enjoy the ritz over the remote, the Rodedendrum Lodge offers over 80 options for visitors to lodge in luxury. Six different lodges grant guests a variety of rooming options, and some rooms are even pet-friendly. Each lodge offers balconies to guests with sweeping views of forests, the Russel Fork Gorge, or the surrounding mountains.
Similar to the lakeside cabins, Breaks Interstate Park also offers four woodland cottages near Beaver Pond for visitors looking for a more comfortable camping experience. The cottages vary in size, but all offer top-notch amenities including televisions, fireplaces, and forest views. The kitchens are equipped with appliances and cookware, including coffeepots and dishcloths. Outside, guests will find a picnic table with a grill. A two-night minimum stay is required.
If you're looking for a unique camping experience, you can book a stay at the yurt available at Breaks Interstate Park. The yurt is located near Campground D and accommodates up to three people. You can enjoy rustic relaxation since the yurt is furnished and features a microwave, air conditioning, and a refrigerator. You can also sit by the campfire outside since it features an outdoor picnic table, fire pit, and grill.
For some heart-pounding outdoor recreation, consider visiting the park in the Autumn. On Saturdays and Sundays in October, white water rafting is made possible when water is released from John Flannagan Dam and Reservoir into the Russel Fork River. Levels of difficulty vary from Class Two all the way up to Class Six rapids. With names like "twenty stitches," "El Horrendo," and "broken nose," the Class Six rapids are not for the faint of heart. Stop by the Visitor Center to learn more about white water rafting at the park.
For the equestrian, hitting the trail at Breaks Interstate Park is an option. If you're traveling with children under ten, they can ride around the stables with an experienced wrangler. Children aged eleven and older, as well as adults, will be able to experience the breathtaking views and amazing scenery Breaks Interstate Park has to offer during a 30-minute guided trail ride. To have an enjoyable adventure, wear long pants and close-toed shoes.
Breaks Interstate Park offers amazing scenery on the Mountain Bike Trail. After you park your RV, grab your bike and head out onto the 12 miles of cycling trails. With a stack loop trail system, the trails range from moderate to difficult, so there is something for all to enjoy. Depending upon which route you choose, you will experience the possibilities of good climbs and long downhill runs, all while soaking in the surrounding mountains and greenery.
With over 25 miles of hiking trails, you will want to pack good shoes in the Sprinter to trek out on the various routes at Breaks Interstate Park. Most trails are less than one mile long and range from easy to difficult. The Ridge and Geological trails are self-guided, and you can pick up a booklet at the Visitor Center. The Overlook Trail begins at Clinchfield Overlook, which has an elevation of 1,978 feet and offers sweeping views of the state line. Guided hikes are also available during the summer months.
For those of you wishing to explore the park by water during your RV vacation, you're in luck. Breaks Interstate Park offers some great boating opportunities on Laurel Lake, including a boat ramp and seasonal rentals of pedal boats, canoes, and Johnboats. Rentals are available from the dock from late May until early August, and on weekends throughout mid-August to October. Whether you're looking to fish on the lake, or simply enjoy the view from the water, Breaks Interstate has got you covered.
If you're camping during the warmer months, don't forget to pack your bathing suit. Breaks Interstate Park offers a fun reprieve from the summer sun in the form of a 4,000 square-foot beach-entry pool and waterpark. The kids will love the water slides, spray ground, and in-pool basketball and volleyball courts, while the adults will enjoy the shady areas and concession area available nearby. The waterpark and beach pool are open from late May to early September.
