Ashland / Huntington West KOA

Nature lovers will definitely want to visit Grayson Lake State Park; it’s only half an hour's drive away when you’re camping at Ashland-Huntington West KOA. The lake is located 10 miles from Greyson between rolling hills and sandstone canyons. The stunning landscape was once home to Cherokee and Shawnee American Indian Tribes. Nowadays it’s a hotspot for recreational activities. The park is set up with two nature trails, the Lick Falls Trail and the gentler Beech-Hemlock Forest Trail. Spread across the park's 1,500 acres, you can see a wide variety of flora, including rhododendron, mosses, and ferns. It’s also a haven for bald eagles, warblers, and many more bird species. The lake itself has 74 miles of shoreline. There are picnicking areas near the waterside and even an 18-hole golf course.

Another place you can take an RV rental near Ashland-Huntington West KOA is Carter Caves State Resort Park. Naturally, the park’s main attraction is the series of caves which were mined for saltpeter during the early 1800s. You can get kitted out with a helmet and flashlight for a guided tour of the cave’s underground lakes and waterfalls. Learn the difference between a stalagmite and a stalactite before returning to the daylight. This state park is also set up with 20 miles of hiking trails which range from less than a mile to 10 miles in length. These take visitors over natural bridges and through lush forests where you’ll have the chance to spot sparrows, wrens, finches, and more. A diverse variety of bird species occupy the park throughout the year. On a summer’s day, you can take a canoe or kayak to explore Smoky Valley Lake.

You can also drive your campervan rental north from Ashland-Huntington West KOA to Greenbo Lake State Park, a park covering an area of over 3,300 acres. Here, you’ll find a 300-acre freshwater lake surrounded by dense forest and mountainous terrain. The area is a dream for birding enthusiasts. Take any of the 25 miles of hiking trails, and you can hear the calls of hawks and bluebirds or the knocking of woodpeckers. Cyclists can bring their mountain bikes and follow the nine-mile Claylick Trail along a rugged ridgeline or discover abandoned houses alongside a trickling creek on the eight-mile Michael Tygart Loop Trail. The park is also equipped for paddle sports and horseback riding.

While you’re camping at Ashland-Huntington West KOA, you can make a visit to the city of Greenup. Its only 16 miles away from the campground. This riverside city is a tranquil place to enjoy lunch or dinner. There are a number of restaurants dotted throughout the city which range from Mexican to Italian or classic American diners. After getting a bite to eat, you can take a stroll through Greenup City Park. The urban green space is located on the banks of the Ohio River so you can watch the water traffic from the picnic areas or feed the resident ducks while the little ones run around the playground.

History buffs can take their RV rental east of Greenup to The McConnell House in Wurtland. The four-room farmhouse of John M. McConnell was completed in 1834, but the owner passed away just a few weeks later. Despite years of neglect and damage caused by the Civil War and weather, The McConnell House is a perfect example of a 19th-century Southern plantation farmhouse. Inside you can find elegant woodworks and a number of pre-Civil War artifacts. The historic building is now owned by the Heritage, Arts, and Science Center and is regularly opened for guided tours and events.

One of the highlights of the year in this area is the Greenup County Fair which is held in late summer at the Greenup County Fairgrounds. During the annual event, kids and adults can enjoy the carnival rides, taste local food and beverages, or browse for arts and crafts souvenirs. The fair also hosts agricultural exhibitions, art, and fun competitions.

Whether you’re diving into history, sampling local produce, or discovering wildlife on remote forestry trails, you’re sure to find something to enjoy when you rent a camper near Ashland-Huntington West KOA, Kentucky.