Fort Boonesborough Campground

The Great Outdoors

Camping at Fort Boonesborough Campground puts you on the doorstep of this fascinating historical site, which has been reconstructed as a working fort with cabins, blockhouses, and furnishings. The fort saw plenty of action during the American Revolutionary War and withstood an attack by Native Americans during what become known as the 1778 “Great Siege.” Watch as resident artisans demonstrate historic crafts such as blacksmithing and pottery, offering an insight into what life was like for Kentucky’s pioneer settlers.Just to the north of Fort Boonesborough Campground at a hairpin bend in the Kentucky River lies Lower Howard’s Creek Nature and Heritage Preserve. This protected scenic area provides an intimate setting for learning about the local flora and fauna, as well as the region’s history. Follow the John Holder Trail that accesses land once owned by pioneering settler Colonel John Holder who made his mark as a defender of Fort Boonesborough. The settlement he established grew to include a tavern, boatyard, warehouse, and mill, with a landing that became a major departure point for produce-laden boats bound for New Orleans. Other parts of the preserve can be explored on organized hikes led by knowledgeable local guides.A short drive west of Fort Boonesborough is the Raven Run Nature Sanctuary, a scenic woodland preserve that sprawls across 734 acres. There are around ten miles of marked hiking trails to explore, passing through meadows, picturesque streams, and the remains of 19th-century settlements. If you’re visiting during the spring, be sure to hike the short Yellow Trail that accesses the sanctuary’s “flower bowl.”

Exploring the City

Fort Boonesborough campers can pick up grocery supplies in Richmond, which lies just 15 minutes’ drive south. There are also numerous gas stations here if you need to fill up your RV rental, as well as a wide variety of fast-food restaurants and eateries for dining out.While you’re in Richmond, don’t miss a visit to the Historic Mount Pleasant House, which has watched over the city from its hilltop setting for more than 200 years. It was constructed for George Brown in the 1800s after he migrated from London and established a cotton spinning mill at the base of the hill. During the Civil War, it served as a hospital for both Confederate and Union soldiers during the tumultuous 1862 Battle of Richmond. If you’re traveling with kids, don’t miss a play at the Lake Reba Recreational Complex, which is home to the Paradise Cove aquatic center, a mini-golf course, and a variety of sporting fields.Closer to the campground is the Kentucky River Museum, which occupies the former operator’s home and a maintenance building for Lock 10. It explores the impact of the Kentucky River on the area’s commerce and details the locks and dams that were constructed during the 20th century. In all, there are 14 locks along the Kentucky River, all of which were built by the United States Army Corps of Engineers.Camp in an RV near Fort Boonesborough and spend a day exploring Lexington, which is the second-largest city in Kentucky. It’s long been associated with horse farms and horse racing, with iconic thoroughbred racetracks such as Keeneland. Delve into the local equine history at the Museum of the Horse within the Kentucky Horse Park where you’ll also find the Hall of Champions where you can learn about some of the United States’ most decorated horses, jockeys, and trainers. Take time to tour the lavish Ashland estate, the former home of Henry Clay, then pay your respects at his burial site within the picturesque grounds of the Lexington Cemetery.Whether you want to discover the Revolutionary War history of Fort Boonesborough or the horse racing legacy of Lexington, book an RV in Madison County and start planning your next vacation.