Kentucky Bourbon Trail by RV: 95+ Distilleries, One Epic Road Trip

Quick Definition

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail is a self-guided driving route connecting 95+ distilleries across north-central Kentucky, organized by the Kentucky Distillers' Association (KDA). The "official" KDA trail passport covers the major distillery houses—Buffalo Trace, Woodford Reserve, Maker's Mark, Heaven Hill, Wild Turkey, Four Roses, Jim Beam, and others—each offering tours and tastings to visitors.

For RV travelers, the Bourbon Trail presents two critical logistics challenges: distillery parking (most facilities accommodate Class C motorhomes and small trailers, but few can safely handle 40+ ft Class A rigs) and appropriate routing (matching your rig size to accessible distilleries, then returning to RV-friendly overnight bases).

All major distilleries require advance tour reservations—typically booked 2–4 weeks ahead during peak season. Unlike a hotel-based bourbon tour, you're managing your rig, designating a sober driver, and coordinating campground-to-distillery logistics. This guide walks you through every practical detail.

Explore Kentucky RV Parks to find accommodations across the state.

TL;DR

• 95+ distilleries open to visitors across central Kentucky; the KDA "official" trail covers the major eight.
• Advance reservations required for all major distilleries—book 2–4 weeks ahead, especially April–May and September–October.
• Designate a sober driver: every distillery tour includes tastings. If you're towing, let a passenger taste while you stay sober.
• Best home base: Bardstown (My Old Kentucky Home State Park campground, 35 miles south of Louisville, central to most distilleries).
• Frankfort and Versailles offer excellent alternatives—Buffalo Trace is free and in Frankfort; Woodford Reserve (a National Historic Landmark) is in Versailles, 25 miles from Lexington.
• Seasonal sweet spot: April–May and September–October offer pleasant weather and moderate crowds.
• Class A motorhomes: stick to Jim Beam, Heaven Hill, and distilleries with large parking lots; avoid tight two-lane roads (Maker's Mark, Woodford Reserve entry routes).

The Bourbon Trail Route (Suggested Itinerary)

Days 1–2: Bardstown Base

Overnight: My Old Kentucky Home State Park Campground (35 miles south of Louisville, 50 hookups, $30–$38/night).

Stops:

• Heaven Hill American Whiskey Experience (5 miles northeast of Bardstown). Modern visitor center, no parking constraints for Class C and small trailers. Tours $20–$40/person, 90 minutes. Reservations: heavenhillkentucky.com.
• Maker's Mark Distillery (Loretto, 17 miles south of Bardstown). Historic site, UNESCO World Heritage designation. Note: narrow two-lane road from Loretto; Class C fine, Class A difficult. Tours $18–$50, 75 minutes. Reservations: makersmark.com.
• Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History (Bardstown, on-site). Free admission, no reservation needed. Small, self-guided exhibits.

Days 3–4: Frankfort & Versailles Base

Overnight: Elkhorn Campground on Elkhorn Creek (near Frankfort, 42 sites, full hookups, $35–$42/night). This is the best-positioned bourbon trail camp—private but excellent facilities and proximity.

Stops:

• Buffalo Trace Distillery (Frankfort). The most visited distillery in Kentucky. Free basic tour (45 minutes, reservations recommended), paid premium tours ($20–$100). Large gravel overflow RV lot, 40-ft max. Reservations: buffalotracedistillery.com.
• Woodford Reserve (Versailles, 10 miles east of Frankfort). National Historic Landmark, beautiful grounds. Note: two-lane entry road; Class C fine, 40-ft Class A avoid. Tours $16–$60 (2–3 hours), reservations essential. Reservations: woodfordreserve.com.

Days 5–6: Louisville or Georgetown Base

Overnight (Option A): Louisville KOA Holiday (40 minutes north of bourbon trail epicenter, full hookups, $55–$65/night, convenient for Jim Beam run).

Overnight (Option B): Georgetown area (limited RV options; use Lexington parks instead, 30 miles away).

Stops:

• Jim Beam Distillery (Clermont, 20 miles south of Louisville). Large facility, spacious parking lot handles Class A motorhomes. Tours $15–$60 (45–90 minutes), interactive bourbon-making experiences. Reservations: jimbeam.com.
• Wild Turkey Distillery (Lawrenceburg, 15 miles east of Versailles). Family-owned, scenic setting on Crow's Branch Creek. Tours $20–$35, 45 minutes. Reservations: wildturkey.com.
• Four Roses Distillery (Lawrenceburg). Spanish colonial-style architecture, small-batch and single-barrel education. Tours $15–$45, 50 minutes. Reservations: fourroses.us.

Check Bardstown RV Parks for additional overnight options in the primary bourbon trail hub.

Distillery Logistics for RV Travelers

Parking by Rig Size

Buffalo Trace (Frankfort)

• RV parking: Gravel overflow lot east of main facility.
• Capacity: 40-ft maximum.
• Amenities: None (no hookups, dump). Plan bathroom/water at campground.
• Best for: Class A, Class C, small trailers up to 40 ft.

Woodford Reserve (Versailles)

• RV parking: Limited. Two-lane entry road, narrow parking on-site.
• Capacity: Class C and small trailers only.
• Best for: Class B+, small Class C.
• Avoid: 40-ft Class A (road and parking too tight).

Maker's Mark (Loretto)

• RV parking: Moderate lot, but access road is narrow two-lane from Loretto.
• Capacity: Class C, small trailers.
• Best for: Class B, Class C up to 32 ft.
• Avoid: Large Class A (road conditions).

Jim Beam (Clermont)

• RV parking: Large dedicated parking lot.
• Capacity: 40-ft Class A fine.
• Amenities: Restrooms, gift shop.
• Best for: All rig sizes.

Heaven Hill (Bardstown area)

• RV parking: Full RV parking lot dedicated.
• Capacity: 40-ft Class A, Class C, trailers.
• Amenities: Accessible facilities.
• Best for: All rig sizes.

Tour Reservation Strategy

All major distilleries require advance bookings (2–4 weeks recommended, especially April–October):

• Use the official distillery websites—direct bookings are more reliable than third-party booking sites.
• Call ahead (numbers on each distillery site) if online reservations are full.
• Block out 2–3 hours per distillery visit (tour + gift shop + bathroom break).
• Sober driver rule: designate one person per vehicle to skip tastings. Non-drinkers can attend; many tours include educational non-alcoholic components.

Overnight Bases on the Bourbon Trail

Bardstown (Primary Hub)

My Old Kentucky Home State Park Campground

• Full hookups: 50 sites, $30–$38/night.
• Distance to major distilleries: 5–17 miles.
• Best for: Class A, Class C, small trailers.
• Amenities: Restrooms, laundry, picnic areas, walking trails.

Lincoln Trail Campground (Private)

• Full hookups: 38 sites, $32–$40/night.
• Distance to Maker's Mark: 15 miles.
• Best for: All rig sizes.

Frankfort & Versailles Area

Elkhorn Campground (Elkhorn Creek, near Frankfort)

• Full hookups: 42 sites, $35–$42/night.
• Distance to Buffalo Trace: 8 miles; Woodford Reserve: 12 miles.
• Best for: Class A, Class C.
• Amenities: Creek frontage, fishing, scenic grounds.

Check Georgetown RV Parks for additional options in the Lexington area, roughly 30 miles east.

Louisville Corridor

Louisville KOA Holiday

• Full hookups: 85 sites, $55–$65/night.
• Distance to Jim Beam: 20 miles south.
• Best for: Class A, Class C.
• Amenities: Pool, activities, laundry.

Cost Math

3-Night Bourbon Trail Base: RV vs. Hotel

RV Option (Bardstown My Old Kentucky Home SP)

• Campground: $30/night × 3 nights = $90
• Distillery tours: 3 distilleries × $48/person average = $144/person
• Total (1 person): $234
• Total (2 people): $378

Hotel Option (Bardstown B&B or Mid-Range Hotel)

• Hotel: $155–$180/night × 3 nights = $465–$540
• Distillery tours: 3 × $48/person = $144/person
• Total (1 person): $609–$684
• Total (2 people): $753–$828

RV advantage: $220–$375 savings per person for 3 nights. For families or groups, the RV base multiplies savings further.

Full Trip Budget Estimate (6 Days, Class C Motorhome)

• RV fuel (400 miles round-trip from Louisville, ~6 mpg): $200–$240
• Campground (3 nights Bardstown, 2 nights Frankfort area): $165–$210
• Distillery tours (4 distilleries, 2 people): $384–$480
• Meals, fuel, miscellaneous: $300–$400
• Total: ~$1,050–$1,330 (for 2 people, 6 days)

Hotel equivalent: ~$1,800–$2,200+ (lodging alone for 5 nights plus tours).

Kentucky Bourbon Trail RV Parks: At a Glance

Frequently Asked Questions

Driving while towing: how do I stay sober and enjoy the trail? Designate one person as the driver before the trip. That person skips all tastings and alcoholic beverages. Non-drivers can fully participate in tastings. Many distilleries offer water, coffee, and non-alcoholic tour options. The sober driver can enjoy tours, history, and gift shops just as much.

Can a 40-ft Class A motorhome park at Woodford Reserve? No. Woodford Reserve's entry road is a narrow two-lane route, and the on-site parking is limited and tight. Class A motorhomes over 32 feet should skip Woodford or arrange separate transportation (rental car) from your campground for that tour.

How far in advance should I book Buffalo Trace tours? Book 3–4 weeks ahead during peak season (April–May, September–October). Buffalo Trace is Kentucky's most-visited distillery and fills quickly. Off-season (November–March) you may book 1–2 weeks ahead. Call the distillery directly if online reservations are full—they sometimes hold spots for phone bookings.

Where are KDA Passport stamp locations? The Kentucky Distillers' Association passport can be obtained at participating distilleries or downloaded from kentuckybourbon.com. Stamps are issued at each distillery after a tour. The passport booth in Bardstown (Bourbon Heritage Museum) also has stamps.

Is the road to Maker's Mark suitable for large RVs? The approach from Loretto is a narrow two-lane rural road with tight curves. Class A motorhomes over 32 feet may encounter difficulty. Class C and smaller trailers are fine. If unsure, call Maker's Mark (502-865-2099) to ask about RV-specific access.

When is Bardstown Bourbon Festival, and should I visit then? The Bourbon Festival runs mid-September (9 days). Book campgrounds 3–4 months ahead—this is peak season. Expect crowds, higher tour prices, and festival-only fees. Regular visits (April–May or October) offer better availability, similar weather, and easier parking.

Are there non-drinker options on the Bourbon Trail? Yes. Heaven Hill offers educational experiences focused on barrel-making and Kentucky history. The Oscar Getz Museum in Bardstown is free and non-alcoholic. Woodford Reserve's grounds are beautiful for a walk, even without tasting. Several distilleries now offer craft cocktails made with their whiskey (sober passengers can purchase these and learn mixing techniques).

Can I park my RV overnight at a distillery? Only Heaven Hill permits overnight RV parking in designated lots (reserved in advance). Buffalo Trace allows day parking only. Most other distilleries require you to leave by closing. Always confirm when making tour reservations.

Should I base myself in Frankfort or Bardstown? Bardstown is more central (distance to most distilleries is shorter) and has better-equipped campgrounds. Frankfort is for visiting Buffalo Trace, then routing south to Bardstown. If visiting Woodford Reserve and Wild Turkey (northeast), Frankfort/Versailles is better. Most multi-day trips use Bardstown as primary base and day-trip to Frankfort.

What's the best distillery for first-time bourbon visitors? Buffalo Trace (free tour, most accessible, great gift shop and history exhibits) or Heaven Hill (modern facility, interactive elements, clear educational progression from grain to bottle). Both offer beginner-friendly tours without overwhelming whiskey jargon.

Thinking About Selling Your RV Park on the Bourbon Trail?

The bourbon tourism market is booming. Kentucky's distillery tourism generated over $9 billion in economic impact in 2024, and the Bourbon Trail alone attracts 2+ million visitors annually. RV travelers represent a growing, high-loyalty segment—many stay 4–7 nights and return seasonally.

If you own an RV park in Bardstown, Frankfort, Versailles, or the Louisville corridor, you're sitting on a recession-resistant asset. Bourbon trail visitors spend on lodging, tours, meals, and attractions year-round. Parks with full hookups, proximity to major distilleries, and seasonal programming command premium occupancy rates and higher nightly rates.

Whether you're looking to optimize operations, refinance, or explore a sale, I'd love to talk through your numbers.

Jenna Reed
Director of Acquisitions
jenna@rv-parks.org

Learn more about selling your park: /sell