Quick Navigation
- Nashville, TN
- Red River Gorge
- Indianapolis, IN
- Land Between the Lakes
- Cincinnati, OH
- Rend Lake, IL
- St. Louis, MO
- Mammoth Cave
- Hocking Hill
- Berea, KY
Owning an RV opens the door to countless adventures, even on an extended weekend. My Financing USA is located in Louisville, Kentucky and we have compiled a list of ten places we would take an RV for a weekend getaway. Maximizing the use of your RV doesn't mean you need to travel far to create memories with your family. For example, within a five-hour radius of our city, you’ll find natural wonders, lively cities, serene lakes, and small-town charm ready for your next holiday weekend.
Whether you're planning your first family RV outing or your fiftieth, this guide will help you pick the right destination for your next long weekend away.
Discover the Music and Magic of Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville might be known for its country roots, but this city offers much more than music. Families often start their visit at the Country Music Hall of Fame, where children can explore sound booths, dress up in stage gear, and even try recording their own song.
The Parthenon replica in Centennial Park offers a surprising educational experience, while the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere delights all ages with giraffe feedings and a jungle gym unlike any other. If you’re looking for a hybrid of a bustling city and outdoor retreats check out the peaceful trails of Radnor Lake State Park—ideal for spotting deer and herons in the early morning light.
Local RVers rave about breakfast at the Pancake Pantry in Hillsboro Village, and for camping, the Nashville KOA Resort provides a shuttle service to downtown making transportation even more convenient for those with motorhomes.
Where to Go in Nashville
The Parthenon at Centennial Park
Radnor Lake State Park
The Country Music Hall of Fame
The Opry Mills Hotel
Escape to Nature in Red River Gorge, Kentucky
Located in the heart of the Daniel Boone National Forest, Red River Gorge is the ultimate outdoor playground for adventurous families. Hikers love the trails to Natural Bridge and Sky Bridge, but one of the most unique experiences is underground kayaking at Thrillsville Adventure Park.
For those who prefer scenic drives, the Red River Gorge Scenic Byway offers endless vistas, rock formations, and picnic spots. Miguel’s Pizza is practically a pilgrimage for visitors and is often praised as “the best pizza after a hike” on travel blogs and Google reviews.
The nearby Natural Bridge Campground offers easy access to the trails while surrounding you with Kentucky’s lush mountain beauty.
Immerse Your Family in Play and Science in Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis blends education and entertainment perfectly, especially for families with curious kids. With five floors of dinosaurs, space exhibits, and rotating interactive installations, the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is sure to be a highlight for your family’s next visit.
The city’s Canal Walk offers paddleboats and sculptures along a peaceful downtown loop, while White River State Park and the Indianapolis Zoo offer more chances to connect with nature. You’re even able to schedule a private gondola ride where gondoliers will sing to you and your family as you float down the canal. The Speedway Museum near the famous Indy 500 track also surprises many families with its immersive and family-friendly exhibits.
If you’re looking for a quiet getaway that’s still near the city, Lake Haven Retreat provides a campground experience while keeping downtown attractions within reach.
Where to Be in Indianapolis
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
The Canal Walk
White River State Park
The Speedway Museum
Reconnect with Nature at Land Between the Lakes, Kentucky
Tucked between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, this expansive recreation area is ideal for unplugged family adventures. You can bike the trails, swim at public beaches, and even drive through the Elk & Bison Prairie for an unforgettable wildlife experience.
Parents love the Woodlands Nature Station for its live animal exhibits and educational programs, while the Homeplace 1850s Farm gives kids the chance to see how people lived, cooked, and farmed more than 150 years ago.
Campers often choose Hillman Ferry Campground for its lakeside RV sites and friendly rangers who host outdoor movie nights and junior ranger programs in the summer.
Take a Family Urban Retreat in Cincinnati, Ohio
A quick drive north brings you to Cincinnati, with sports and more family friendly events. The Cincinnati Museum Center, located in a beautifully restored train station, hosts multiple museums under one roof, including a natural history museum and a hands-on science center.
Families often walk across the Purple People Bridge to the Newport Aquarium in Northern Kentucky, where you’ll walk through a glass tunnel surrounded by sharks and stingrays. On a sunny day, Smale Riverfront Park offers splash pads, giant swings, and a peaceful skyline view of the Ohio River.
If you’re a sports fan you’ve got so many options to choose from as well. The Cincinnati Reds for baseball, Bengals for football, and the USL: FC Cincinnati for soccer all can provide nearly year-round excitement for the sports enthusiasts.
Lastly, don’t forget about the amusement park options. Kings Island is a Midwest favorite with family friendly attractions.
Where could you stay? The Winton Woods Campground comes highly recommended for families seeking wooded, lakeside RV sites near the city without sacrificing convenience.
Cincinnati Attractions
The Newport Aquarium
The Cincinnati Reds
Kings Island
Smale Riverfront Park
Slow Down Beside the Water at Rend Lake, Illinois
Families who want a quiet escape surrounded by water will feel right at home at Rend Lake. This southern Illinois gem is ideal for swimming, fishing, boating, and hiking. South Sandusky Beach is popular for shallow water play and picnics, while the Rend Lake Visitor Center offers wildlife exhibits and scenic overlooks.
Wayne Fitzgerrell State Recreation Area surrounds part of the lake and offers gentle walking trails, sunset views, and family-friendly fishing spots. Travelers often comment on how relaxed and uncrowded the area feels compared to other lake destinations.
RVers enjoy South Sandusky Campground for its quiet, shaded sites and proximity to the lake.
Let Curiosity Thrive in St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis Attractions
St. Louis Zoo
Six Flags over St. Louis
The Gateway Arch
The Muny at Forest Park
St. Louis offers one of the best value-packed city visits in the Midwest—many of its top attractions are free. Start your adventure with a tram ride to the top of the Gateway Arch. Then head to Forest Park, where you’ll find the St. Louis Science Center and the award-winning St. Louis Zoo, both with free admission. During the Summer you can also watch a Broadway Level show at the Muny at Forest Park which seats roughly 11,000 includes about 1,500 free seats each show.
The City Museum is a must-visit according to nearly every family travel blogger and Google review. It's an imaginative, climbable world of caves, tunnels, and slides housed inside a former shoe factory. Bring kneepads and a flashlight—seriously.
If you’re looking for a theme park adventure, you have Six Flags over St. Louis with a waterpark for all your summer adventures.
St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA provides a convenient basecamp with amenities like bike rentals, a playground, and easy access to downtown.
Explore the Depths at Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
For kids who love geology, history, and adventure, Mammoth Cave is a weekend wonderland. Families can choose from several ranger-led tours, ranging from easy 30-minute strolls to longer lantern-lit excursions. Above ground, the park features scenic driving routes, kayaking along the Green River, and miles of wooded hiking trails.
The Junior Ranger program is a highlight for many visitors, and Cave City’s nearby Dinosaur World provides a playful detour for younger children.
Cave Country RV Campground is clean, close, and convenient, offering full hookups just minutes from the cave entrance.
Hike, Zipline, and Discover Caves at Hocking Hills, Ohio
Hocking Hills delivers a true forest fantasyland. The Old Man’s Cave loop is one of the most popular trails, winding past waterfalls and sandstone cliffs. Nearby, Ash Cave and Cedar Falls provide accessible walks that still wow with natural beauty.
Families with older kids often rave about the canopy zipline tours, which take you over creeks and valleys. Even in rainy weather, the sheltered gorges and caves stay cool and magical.
Hocking Hills State Park Campground offers a well-run, wooded campground with quick access to all the park’s major sites.
Embrace Arts and Appalachian Charm in Berea, Kentucky
If your ideal RV weekend is peaceful, walkable, and rich in culture, Berea is a must-visit. Known as Kentucky’s folk arts capital, Berea is home to dozens of local artists. Families can explore Old Town Artisan Village, where kids can watch glassblowers and potters in action.
The nearby Pinnacles hiking trails offer beautiful overlooks without the crowds, and the Kentucky Artisan Center hosts weekend storytelling and art demonstrations.
Oh! Kentucky Campground is just outside of town and offers family-friendly amenities like shaded lots, fire pits, and friendly hosts who are happy to share local tips.
Which Trip is Right for Your Family?
Every family is different, which is why this guide includes something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for educational experiences, outdoor adventures, quiet lakes, or a vibrant city weekend, there’s an RV-friendly destination just a few hours away from Louisville.
All you need is a tank of gas, a packed fridge, and a sense of adventure.
Planning an Upgrade for Your RV Travel Lifestyle?
If you're still looking for the perfect RV, or need help financing the one you've been dreaming about, My Financing USA is here to help. We offer flexible RV loan options for all credit profiles, with a fast and simple application process.
Learn more on our website or contact us for details.
