Beloved by locals and visitors alike, My Old Kentucky Home State Park is unlike any other park in the state. Located in northern Kentucky in the city center of Bardstown, the park is home to the historic house formally known as Federal Hill when it was built back in the early 1800s. The property that the park sits on was once a successful farm estate. The Rowan family held the mansion and land for more than three generations until 1922 when the last successor of the family sold the land to the state of Kentucky. The estate was so iconic in its hay day that it sparked the inspiration for Stephen Collin Foster's famous song and the park's namesake: "My Old Kentucky Home, Good-Night."
Visitors to My Old Kentucky Home State Park can tour the historic house with a knowledgeable guide and learn more about the history of the park. If you're visiting during the summer, you can even catch the famous musical -- The Stephen Foster Story. The musical is performed at the park on various nights throughout the summer. But there's more to do here than just reminisce about days past. After you've set up camp, you and yours can take a walk around the park, enjoy a game of golf or tennis, or search for birds in the surrounding trees.
RVers planning on staying the night can park in one of 39 available sites at My Old Kentucky Home State Park's campground. Five sites offer full hookups while the rest are equipped with water and electricity. If you're in the area, don't hesitate to stop and enjoy one of the state's favorite and most unique parks.
My Old Kentucky Home State Park is located in northern Kentucky, just 40 miles south of Louisville. Due to the park's convenient location in the city center of Bardstown, the roads surrounding the park are all well maintained, and even those driving big rigs or hauling a trailer should have no issue reaching the park.
The park entrance is located off of major routes US-150 and US-62. Once inside, roads remain wide and paved for easy accessibility, and tree branches are trimmed regularly for large vehicles. The campground is located on the south side of the park off of Parkview Ave.
Due to the park's popularity with day visitors, there is plenty of additional parking dispersed throughout the park. Lots are located at the north entrance, near the mansion, at the south entrance near the campground, at the golf course, and near the amphitheater. If you are staying overnight, you will, of course, have your own private parking spot at your campsite.
Welcome to one of the largest KOAs in Kentucky, and a great place to base your travels in the Bluegrass State. At the family-oriented Louisville South KOA, just minutes from downtown Louisville, you’ll feel worlds away. Prehistory lives here with an Indian cave dwelling burrowed within limestone cliffs, just a short walk away. Also in the campground, enjoy movies on the outdoor screen, make crafts, and have fun in the seasonal pool. On-site fishing and bike rentals round out just some of the fun to be had. There’s even a dog park for the pup. Pull-through sites can accommodate rigs up to 90 feet. Other amenities include restroom and laundry facilities, Wi-Fi and cable television, and firewood and propane available for purchase. Nearby attractions include Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby Museum, Mammoth Cave National Park, plus great eats, museums, and cultural festivals.
The My Old Kentucky Home State Park campground is located in the southern part of the park, off of Parkview Ave. The campground is situated in a wooded area, and most of the sites are either full or partly shaded. Of the 39 RV- and trailer-friendly sites, five offer full hookups while the rest are equipped with water and electric hookups only. Guests will find a picnic table and fire ring at each site, and restrooms with showers and a dump station are located nearby. If you find you need more supplies during your stay, a grocery store and laundromat can be found across the street from the campground. This campground is open from March to November, and reservations can be made up to a year in advance. Maximum vehicle lengths for each site range from 24 to 55 feet, and pets are welcome at all sites.
Don't forget your binoculars in the pop-up as you walk around the park because there are some great birding opportunities to enjoy. No matter what time of year you visit, keep your eyes peeled for red-tailed hawks, a variety of woodpeckers and owls, and goldfinches, to name a few. If you are visiting in the winter, you may also see dark-eyed juncos, yellow-rumped warblers, and ruby-crowned kinglets, among others. For your best chance at spotting these unique birds, head to the picnic area, around the home, or just hang out in the campground with your eyes to the skies.
Searching for a souvenir to remember your RV trip to My Old Kentucky Home State Park? Head over to the gift shop to peruse their collection of state mementos, including cookbooks, Derby items, candles, and other Kentucky state keepsakes. The gift shop is also outfitted with quilts, pottery, furniture, and other handmade items, along with some specialty food items. If you get caught in the rain, the gift shop is a great shelter, and you may leave with something special. Rain or shine, don't miss this quaint store.
If you're looking to hit the green during your sojourn, you're in luck. The Kenny Rapier Golf Course is located on the park grounds and offers a truly great golfing experience for visitors. Situated across from the campground, this 18-hole course has been newly renovated, making it a must-see for golf enthusiasts visiting My Old Kentucky Home State Park. A pro shop is located on-site and will cover all your golfing needs, including but not limited to rental clubs and carts.
If you couldn't snag a campsite at My Old Kentucky Home State Park, there are a few alternate RV camping options in the nearby area. There are numerous private RV campgrounds on the outskirts of Bardstown that offer a wide variety of amenities. If you prefer the surroundings that state parks provide, you have a few options. Taylorsville Lake State Park is just 20 minutes north of My Old Kentucky Home and offers RVers 45 sites with water and electric hookups. About an hour to the south sits Green River Lake State Park. With over 150 campsites equipped with water and electricity, you should be able to secure a spot to stay for the night without a problem.
History buffs and curious learners alike will love the opportunity to learn more about the famed house and the park's history during their RV vacation to the park. The mansion that once housed the Rowan family has since been turned into a museum. Most of the items in the house reflect the time period of when the family lived there, and on the guided tour you will learn more about the estate. If that wasn't exciting enough, the guides are dressed in old-time regalia and are even known to sing a rendition of "My Old Kentucky Home, Good-Night!"
There's no better way to enjoy a summer afternoon than sitting around a picnic table with friends and family. And luckily, My Old Kentucky Home State Park has plenty of tables. The picnic area is located in the south of the park, just across from the campground. Here, visitors will find grills, restrooms, a playground for the kiddos, and tons of picnic tables. If you're lunching with a group, you can reserve the park's picnic shelter up to a year in advance. If you're staying overnight, you can hunker down next to the rig and enjoy your meal at your own private table.
If you are visiting My Old Kentucky Home State Park during the summer months, you won't want to miss the yearly rendition of the musical based on the park. The J. Dan Talbott Amphitheatre located on the north side of the park becomes center stage for the iconic musical, The Stephen Foster Show. Whether you're a fan of theatre, or you're just looking to enjoy an entertaining evening on the picturesque park grounds, you are sure to enjoy the show -- the play has been charming guests at the park since 1959! Tickets can be bought online in advance.
