Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, Kentucky
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Pay homage to early settlers and explorers during your own RV excursion through Kentucky with a visit to Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. In the mid-18th century, explorers such as Daniel Boone used the natural gap in the Cumberland Mountains to move beyond the settled eastern lands and into the frontier of present-day Kentucky and Tennessee. It also was used strategically by both Union and Confederate forces during the Civil War with a number of skirmishes taking place on the surrounding land.
Today, the park is nearly 25,000 acres of beautifully-forested mountain land in Appalachia. Approximately 750,000 people visit the park each year to take in the diverse natural landscape and connect with the history of frontiersmen. You’ll definitely want to park the RV here for a couple of nights to explore and make the most of what Franklin Delano Roosevelt called, “the first doorway of the west.”
Formed over hundreds of millions of years by erosion from ancient rivers, Gap Cave is full of geological and biological diversity. View incredible formations such as soda straws, stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstone. The cave is also home to blind albino crayfish, cave salamanders, and brown bats. Soldiers also explored the caverns for entertainment during the Civil War, and there are a number of places where they carved in their names and ranks.
In order to explore the cave, you’ll need to go on a guided tour led by a park ranger. The tour is about two hours; the cave floor can be slick, so make sure you wear proper hiking boots. Follow the guidelines of the ranger closely to help prevent the spread of White-Nose Syndrome, a fungus that is currently decimating bat populations in the eastern U.S.
Take a step back in time and explore the Hensley Settlement at the top of Brush Mountain. Built at the turn of the 20th century, the settlement includes 12 cabins, a blacksmith’s shop, a schoolhouse, and a springhouse. During its peak, around 1925, nearly 100 people called this mountaintop settlement home.
Make sure to budget a fair amount of time for the four-hour tour. You’ll take a shuttle from the visitor center up to the top of Brush Mountain to visit the settlement. Since the tour is lengthy, and there are no amenities up there, the rangers recommend you bring water and snacks. Tours are only offered from May-October.
Hike out to the stunning White Rocks overlook for a 360-degree view of the park that crosses state lines. The rocks are named for their clean limestone appearance. This is a great, tranquil place for some reading, peaceful contemplation, or an impromptu picnic.
Along the trail to the overlook, be sure to stop at Sand Cave. This 75-foot cave features a dazzling display of seven different colors of sand. You’re free to enter and explore, so head on in, and check it out!
A trip to Cumberland Gap would not be complete without learning about the trailblazers who made it famous. Stop in and ask the rangers questions, and enjoy the numerous interactive exhibits. The movie theater also screens two short films that go in-depth on the history of exploration in the area, as well as the unique geology of the park.
Bookworms will also love perusing the Eastern National Bookstore. Look through all of the hand-picked works that describe the great history of Appalachian travel and how the region was influenced by the Civil War. You’re bound to find a book, or five, that pique your interest.
The hiking trails throughout the Cumberland Gap are full of beauty and history. More than 80 miles of trails offer incredible, far-reaching views of the Cumberland Mountains and a glimpse of the nation’s past. Roam the same mountainous lands as Daniel Boone did during his westward excursion, and imagine you are trudging through uncharted territory.
You will also be able to see old Civil War fortifications along the trails. Stop at Fort McCook and Fort Lyon, and imagine a bustling camp of determined young soldiers going about their business. Look closely, because some soldiers left their marks on various portions of the forts.
There are 160 sites available at Wilderness Road Campground within the park, although only 41 provide electrical service (up to 50-amp hookups). There is also a dump station, potable water source, and shower facility for your convenience. Unfortunately, these sites are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, so you cannot guarantee that there will be a spot for you. Make sure to have a backup plan to stay at one of the other campgrounds mentioned below.
A 29-mile drive to the north will take you to Thompson Park and RV Campground. Its 31 sites offer full hookup capability with 30/50-amp electrical. Additional amenities include Wi-Fi, charcoal grills, a playground, and a boat launch onto the Cumberland River. If you’re feeling lucky, take your fishing pole down to the river, and see if you can get a trout to bite.
A little bit closer to the south, Lonestar RV Park is about 25 minutes from the park. Full hookup access and a beautiful view of Norris Lake await you. Sites are large and can accommodate rigs 40-80 feet in length. Apart from the many activities at the lake, the campground is also near a winery, golf course, and shopping.
The Mountain Pass Campground is the closest option outside of the park at little more than a 20-minute drive. Spacious sites offer 50-amp electrical service and full hookup access. You’ll be positioned right on the Powell River, so come ready to do a little tubing or fishing for some feisty smallmouth bass.
If you’re willing to drive a little farther (29 miles), the Sunset Cove Campground is a great option for continued family fun. The onsite swimming area mimics a private lagoon with sandy beaches. You will also have access to a small fishing pond, fully stocked with five different species. Your full hookup campsite will accommodate an RV rig up to 60 feet in length.
If you’re looking for a prepared meal inside the park, it’s going to be you and your crew doing all the cooking. If you land a campsite at Wilderness Road, you’re going to want to bring plenty of food with you. The picnic areas within the park have plenty of tables, water fountains, and trash receptacles.
The nearby town of Middlesboro, Kentucky has several restaurant options—spanning from fast food to fine dining. You’ll find most of the major fast food chains as well as local Mexican, Chinese, southern fried chicken, American cafés, a drive-in, and even a Japanese Steakhouse. The nearby small town of Cumberland Gap also offers a coffee house and tea room.
Whether you’re fortunate to find onsite camping within the park or you’ll be spending the evenings in a quaint mountain town, your daily visits to Cumberland Gap will renew your sense of wonder as you channel the pioneer within. Put Cumberland Gap National Historical Park near the top of your list for your RV adventure through the great state of Kentucky.