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Van Camping 2020

The Ohio to Tennessee Version

  • 31
  • 31:17
  • 1,687 mi
  • $279
Take This Trip

Created by travelingprater - February 13th 2020

This trip takes you to quirky roadside attractions, unique places to eat and some of the best national parks in the country.

Sunbury, OH US

1
42mi 00h 52m
Photo of Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park
4.8

1775 Darby Creek Drive, Galloway, OH, US

Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park

1

Stopped to see the bison but it was really cold and they were further out in the pasture than we wanted to go. We arrived after hours so the visitor center was closed. Will definitely stop another time.

2
93mi 01h 48m

1763 Hamilton Cleves Rd, Hamilton, OH, US

Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum

2

Got a late start so we weren't able to stop and check this out even though I snagged a great deal on Groupon.

3
41mi 00h 49m

4450 Eastgate S Dr, Cincinnati, OH, US

Jungle Jim's International Market Eastgate

3

Jungle Jim's International Market is a fun way to begin a road trip. Plan to allow plenty of time to explore the selection, visiting during the week if possible so you can take a guided tour or try some of the samples that are available. You don't often think of a grocery store as a popular place to take photos but Jungle Jim's is a grocery store first and tourist attraction second, or maybe it's the other way around.

4
20mi 00h 30m
Photo of John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge
4.5

One Roebling Way, Covington, KY, US

John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge

4

We passed by this but didn't take the time to stop and walk along the bridge (it was cold and windy) or to check out the murals.

5
26mi 00h 44m
Photo of Rabbit Hash Historic District
4.5

10021 Lower River Rd, Union, KY, US

Rabbit Hash Historic District

5

This charming stop is a bit off-the-beaten-path but one stop is all it takes and you'll be hooked and work it into each subsequent road trip. Visit on the weekend if possible and you may experience the locals banding together and playing their fiddles.

6
9mi 00h 16m
Photo of Big Bone Lick State Park
4.0

3380 Beaver Rd, Union, KY, US

Big Bone Lick State Park

6

Minutes from I-75 this is a great place to stretch your legs. Stop in at the Visitor Center, hike the short trail to possibly see the bison (ask when feeding time is and they'll be in the front pasture), and enjoy a picnic lunch. Camping is also available though it was closed for upgrades during our February visit.

7
107mi 01h 49m

State Highway 245 Clermont, Ky 40110, Shepherdsville, KY, US

Bernheim Forest

7

We arrived late in the day, but we had only stopped to see the Giants. We were not disappointed. The giants are spread out on a 2-mile walk but parking is available near each site for those that are short on time or aren't able to walk as far. This is an amazing stop- not to be missed if you're in the area.

8
16mi 00h 25m
Photo of My Old Kentucky Home
4.5

501 E Stephen Foster Ave, Bardstown, KY, US

My Old Kentucky Home

8

Once again, we were running late and didn't have time to stop. I would like to camp here sometime and tour the home.

9
59mi 00h 57m
Photo of Horse Cave KOA
3.4

489 Flint Ridge Rd Horse Cave, KY, US

Horse Cave KOA

KOA Book With KOA

Click to find bookable tours and activities here

9

Campground was under renovations and we pretty much had it all to ourselves. Temporary trailer bathrooms were clean and had hot water.

10
14mi 00h 21m
Photo of Mammoth Cave National Park
4.5

1 Visitor Center Parkway, Mammoth Cave, KY, US

Mammoth Cave National Park

10

You'll find a campground, hotel, cottages, and walking and hiking trails, but the gem of the park really is are the cave tours. We opted for the easy Frozen Niagara Tour, but our favorite tour so far has been the Historic Tour. Had planned to camp in the national park but the campground was closed for renovations.

Tip: Buy your tickets in advance. Especially during busy seasons and spring break, etc.

11
5mi 00h 10m

566 Old Mammoth Cave Rd, Cave City, KY, US

Big Mike's Rock Shop

11

If you have a thing for rocks, and even if you don't, Big Mike's is the place to shop. You can also get your photo taken with Big Mo before you leave.

12
67mi 01h 06m
Photo of The World's Largest Crucifix
4.3

870 Saint Thomas Lane, Bardstown, KY, US

The World's Largest Crucifix

12

Didn't make it this time around but plan to stop another time.

13
125mi 02h 24m

7351 Hwy 90, Corbin, KY, US

Cumberland Falls State Park

13

Cumberland Falls is a must stop when in the area. You'll find the falls a short walk from the parking lot and if your visit coincides with a full moon, you may opt to visit at night to see the Moon Bow. Word of caution: this can be a busy place during the tourist season so plan to arrive early in the day if possible.

14
22mi 00h 32m
Photo of Harland Sanders Museum and Cafe
4.0

99 Colonel Sanders St, Corbin, KY, US

Harland Sanders Museum and Cafe

14

A fun place to stretch your legs, eat, learn a bit of history and it provides fun photo ops. What more could you want? Hint: This KFC serves chicken liver. Mmmmm...

15
1mi 00h 04m
Photo of Sanders Park
3.0

201 S. Main Street, Corbin, KY, US

Sanders Park

15

Located in downtown Corbin, this park pays homage to their local hero. You'll find a statue, quotes from Colonel Sanders and a mural on the building across the street that is fun.

16
67mi 01h 09m

2423 N Charles G Seivers Blvd., Clinton, TN, US

Clinton / Knoxville North KOA

KOA Book With KOA

Click to find bookable tours and activities here

16

Wouldn't stay here again. Arrived after hours and missed the sign that we wouldn't have access to the restrooms or showers. There wasn't a way to reach anyone and there was not camp security for us to reach out to.

17
40mi 00h 45m

2320 Winfield Dunn Pkwy, Sevierville, TN, US

Smoky Mountain Knife Works

17

A must stop for outdoor enthusiasts, adventurers and doomsday preppers. My family has been visiting for years and could easily spend hours in the store. Who knew there were so many variations and brands of pocket knives?

18
8mi 00h 14m

100 Music Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN, US

WonderWorks

18

This museum is fun for all ages. I've visited when my kids were tweens and again as adults and it never disappoints.

19
2mi 00h 06m

So much to see and do, where do I even begin?

Banner Photo Credit: Tonya Prater