State Parks near Owensboro, KY

When thinking of a motorhome camping trip, consider a drive through south-central Kentucky to the gorgeous Barren River Lake State Resort Park! Located amid the famous Kentucky Cave region, and just 36 miles from Mammoth Cave National Park, Barren River Lake State Resort Park is an ideal camping destination. Renting an RV is a preferred way of moving around the area, and you’ll find loads of affordable RV rentals in Barren County. The state park also extends into the neighboring Allen County and Monroe County, and you could include a visit to these areas too. 

Covering over 1000-acres, Barren River Lake State Resort Park is popular with visitors who travel here to partake in the park’s myriad recreational …

Beall Woods State Park, near Mount Carmel, is a government-owned nature preserve that was established in 1966. The area had been owned by the Beall family since the mid-1800s, but only half of it had been farmed while the remaining area was left undisturbed. Following the death of the last family member, the land was purchased by a man who intended to harvest the forest. However, the property was purchased by the state of Illinois after numerous local citizens and groups protested, resulting in a civil lawsuit.

The land is a prairie woodland, a type of ecosystem that was once common across the state; its vegetation includes a variety of grasses, cottonweed, prickly pear cactus, and much more. The …

This park is located in the north-central portion of the state, only about 20 miles south of the Kentucky state line. It lies near the town of Gallatin, with the nearest large city being Nashville, located around 40 miles to the southwest. The park sits on the banks of the Bates Branch of the Cumberland River, which offers opportunities to enjoy recreational activities nearby.

Due to the nearby river, water sports, including paddle sports and fishing, are enjoyed at this park. It also features wetland areas where birdwatching is a common activity. This area is rather forested. Hiking, camping, picnicking and viewing local wildlife are other activities found at this site.

Brown County State Park is by far the most popular getaway in Indiana for both Hoosiers and out-of-state visitors. Indiana’s largest state park, Brown County consists of nearly 16,000 acres of diverse landscape sandwiched between Bloomington, Indiana, and Columbus, Ohio. This convenient location is ideal for finding RV rentals in Brown County. Like so many other state parks in the country, this one also started as a Civilian Conservation Corps project to employ young men in the 1930s.

Due to the makeup of the park, Brown County has earned the moniker of “Little Smokies.” Glaciers came to the end of the road here during the last ice age, and their journey formed moody ravines and rugged hills that …

Set amid limestone glades and lush evergreen forests, Cedars of Lebanon State Park immerses you in the natural beauty of Middle Tennessee. The park occupies more than 900 acres and is crisscrossed with scenic hiking trails and shady picnic spots. It takes its name from the abundance of magnificent eastern red cedar trees in the area, which reminded colonial settlers of the storied Mount Lebanon forests used to build the ancient Temple in Jerusalem. In 1955, the area was designated as a state park for all to enjoy.

At just 30 miles from Downtown Nashville, Cedars of Lebanon State Park is popular with day trippers and weekend warriors from Music City, as well as travelers from further afield. Planning a …

Charlestown State Park is located in southern Indiana on the Ohio River and Indiana - Kentucky border. The state park lies near the towns and cities of Louisville, KY, Cincinnati, OH, and Lexington, KY. Charlestown State Park began life as part of the Indiana Army Ammunition Plant and was donated in separate parcels since 1993. Today the park consists of over five thousand acres, making it one the largest national parks in all of Indiana. The park consists of the ‘Fourteen Mile Creek,’ a tributary of the Ohio River, miles of hiking trails, and access to the Ohio River itself. All of these things, and much more, make Charlestown State Park the ideal place to take an …

With its beautiful waterfalls, rugged terrain, and ancient fossils, Clifty Falls State Park is one of the gems of the Indiana State Parks system. Tucked away in the southeastern corner of Indiana, around 47 miles from Louisville, Kentucky, the park is well worth checking out for a few days if you're looking for beautiful natural scenery with a difference.

The park offers challenging hiking trails, plenty of delights to thrill and challenge amateur photographers, and the chance to get back to nature in peaceful surroundings. And with more than 160 sites to choose from in the Clifty Falls State Park campground, RV travelers are very well catered for.

Base your next Illinois motorhome camping trip near Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge in Marion, and you'll be in the midst of relaxing wilderness vibes with access to lots of outdoor recreational opportunities. The refuge's terrain features broad tree lines and lakes, with cropland, oak-hickory forests, and even waterfalls found throughout.

When you book an RV in Williamson County, you can start your adventure at Crab Orchard for prime bird and wildlife observation; keep your eyes peeled for bobcats, bald eagles, and the many resident aquatic creatures. Expand your area explorations with a visit to nearby Shawnee National Forest near Vienna or the sprawling Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area near Grand Rivers, Kentucky. If you are looking …

Located in Pope County, some ten miles west from the town of Golconda, Dixon Springs State Park is one of the top RV camping destinations in the state of Illinois. Golconda campers come here to enjoy the 800-acre recreation area, have a picnic with their families, hike through nature, or swim. The landscape is characterized by craggy terrain, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests home to groundhog, rabbit, deer, squirrel, and fox.

The park is named after William Dixon, who acquired the land back in 1848, which then led to the development of a small community. By the end of the 19th century, Dixon Springs had become a health spa, attracting hundreds of people who wanted to try out the …

Dunbar Cave State Park is one of Tennessee's most popular parks, which is no surprise considering that the cave complex is approximately the 280th largest in the entire known world. When you book an RV in Montgomery County, it is easy to explore this state park, and motorhome camping nearby will make multiple visits a breeze. Dunbar Cave State Park has an extensive prehistoric history and has been used for thousands of years by various peoples living in the area.

In more modern times, Dunbar Cave State Park can trace its history to Mississippian people living along the Red River during the 14th century, who treated the cave as a sacred place. Many cave drawings can be seen within …

Ferne Clyffe State Park is located in the state of Illinois and serves as a perfect getaway for a motorhome camping trip. Located near Illinois Route 37, the park is even accessible by the US Bicycle Route 76. On the outskirts of Goreville, which also happens to be the closest town to the state park, you’ll find renting an RV one of the best ways to explore the region. Not very far from the cities of Marion and Harrisburg, you’ll want to book an RV in Johnson County to explore the state park and cities nearby with ease.

Nestled in the majestic Shawnee Hills, the park is known for being one of the most scenic natural areas in …

History buffs and war reenactors will want to rent an RV in Massac County and camp at Fort Massac State Park to experience one of its infamous Revolutionary War-era encampments. Fort Massac, in Metropolis, Illinois, was Illinois’ first state park, founded in 1908 due to its historical significance. The site has been historically significant since Spanish explorers first settled the area in the 16th century, and it saw heavy military action in every conflict from the French and Indian War through the War of 1812. It served as a training camp during the Civil War, and it soon came under civilian care and entered the state parks system.

Fort Massac State Park is on the southern end of Illinois, …

Tucked away about halfway in-between the cities of Cincinnati, OH, and Louisville, KY is where you can find General Butler State Park. This state park is popular among city dwellers seeking a serene motorhome camping excursion away from the hassle and bustle of big city life. When state park RV camping at General Butler State Park, you’ll get access to loads of water-based as well as land-based activities. Culture seekers can check out a couple of towns in the area such as Madison, IN, Bedford, KY, and La Grange. Should you be looking to cross the Ohio River Scenic Byway off your bucket list, search for an RV in Carroll County and explore the region camping. …

George Rogers Clark National Historical Park is in Vincennes, Indiana, near the banks of the Wabash River. It's a monument to a hero of the American Revolution. A colonel in the American Army, George Rogers Clark led his soldiers and a contingent of Illinois civilians into Fort Sackville in 1877. Today, you can visit the monument and retrace Clark's steps as he moved against the British.

Before going to the monument, you should stop by the park's visitor center, which features exhibits and a short movie explaining the history of the site. There is a bookstore in the center selling souvenirs and gifts as well. The center is open during normal business hours. Once you've seen the park, there …

With excellent hiking and beautiful natural scenery, Giant City State Park is a wonderful destination for anyone who loves immersing themselves in the great outdoors. Located about half an hour southwest of Marion, Illinois, this 4,000-acre park is home to the Giant City Streets, which were formed more than 10,000 years ago by imposing bluffs of sandstone.

Several miles of hiking trails wind their way through this patch of untamed wilderness, while fishing, hunting, rock climbing, and horseback riding are also on offer in the park. Best of all, Giant City Campground offers 85 Class A campsites where you can park your RV for a few nights while you explore the best the park has to offer.

If this …

Green River Lake State Park is located in central Kentucky, south of Campbellsville, and less than two hours away from Lexington. This state park surrounds a large portion of Green River Lake. Moderate hills and dense woods complement the greenish-blue shade of the water, making Green River Lake State Park unforgettable. This state park was established in 1969, and it is among the most visited in the state of Kentucky.

Outdoor enthusiasts come here regardless of the season to engage in their favorite activities. It doesn’t matter if you only like camping and prefer to simply enjoy nature or wish to spend your time fishing – Green River Lake State Park has it all. Do you want to …

Just eight miles southeast of McLeansboro, Hamilton County State Fish and Wildlife Area spreads across 1,683 acres of breathtaking nature. One of the biggest attractions is the 75-acre Dolan Lake, perfect for water sports enthusiasts camping with an RV. You can search for an RV in Hamilton County and enjoy any of the park's outdoor activities, such as horseback riding, hiking, swimming, fishing, boating, and picnicking.

Three miles of shoreline surrounded by gently rolling hills make Hamilton County State Fish and Wildlife Area an ideal getaway for any Norris City or Carmi camper. If you're planning an RV camping trip in Illinois, Hamilton County State Fish and Wildlife Area should be one of your go-to destinations, since it's loaded …