Sponsored by Firefly Hills
A Different Kind of Kentucky RV Park Experience
If you’re looking for a Kentucky RV park near Red River Gorge, there’s no shortage of places to park for the night. But Firefly Hills offers a little more than the basics. It’s a small, family-run campground where kids can get muddy, guests can help feed the chickens if they want to, and there’s a historic farmhouse on-site that’s been part of the local landscape for a hundred years.
Set just outside Beattyville, this park was built by full-time RVers who wanted to create a space that felt a little more connected, both to the land and to the people passing through. It’s the kind of place that works for all kinds of travelers: families with kids, couples on a weekend getaway, or groups gathering to celebrate something special. However long you stay, it’s the kind of stop that feels easy to enjoy.
Close to Red River Gorge Without the Crowds
Firefly Hills sits on a quiet ridge near the South Fork of the Kentucky River. It’s close to Red River Gorge but removed from the traffic and crowds. Major climbing areas like Muir Valley, PMRP, and Miller Fork are just 15 to 20 minutes away. Natural Bridge State Park, underground kayaking tours, and trails in Daniel Boone National Forest are also nearby.
For RVers exploring eastern Kentucky, the location strikes a good balance. You get peaceful, mountain scenery with easy access to everything around you.
- Zip lines, horseback rides, off-road parks, and scenic drives are all within reach.
- Beattyville and nearby Slade offer charming small-town stops for food, gear, and groceries. Restaurants like Miguel’s Pizza or the farm-to-table Hop’s let you dig into the local flavor.
- Depending on the season, you might catch a festival, outdoor concert, or even a rally.
Whether you’re coming from Lexington, Cincinnati, Knoxville, or Louisville, Firefly Hills makes a comfortable, convenient basecamp.
So many great things to explore in this area. Be sure to explore the Moonshine Trail. Kentucky is known for its bourbon, but knowing where it came from is even better!
4CsinanRV | RV LIFE Campgrounds
Ways to Stay at This Unique Kentucky RV Park
RV Sites
Each of the full hookup RV sites includes a 70-foot back-in gravel pad, an adjoining parking area, a concrete patio, and a picnic table. You’ll have metered 50/30/20 amp electricity, water, sewer, and Wi-Fi. The sites are easy to access and offer plenty of space to settle in without feeling squeezed.
On-Site RV Rentals
If you’re traveling without your own rig, Firefly Hills offers a few stationary RVs for rent. They’re already hooked up and stocked with the essentials: linens, cookware, a coffee maker, and even a few extras like board games and pantry basics. It’s a comfortable way to experience the campground without needing to bring your own setup.
The Farmhouse
The restored farmhouse is ideal for guests who prefer a traditional stay or need a little extra space for visiting friends or family. Bedrooms are private, and the shared upstairs bathroom includes a shower, bathtub, and double sinks. Downstairs, there’s a cozy living room, a full kitchen, a dining room, and a well-stocked library. The house also includes a hot tub, workstations with a printer, strong cell signal, and a peaceful back deck that overlooks the garden and fire pit area.
Coming Soon: Glamping Tents
Spacious, furnished safari tents are planned for 2026, offering another option for guests who want a camping experience with a few extra comforts.
A Kentucky RV Park with Character and Breathing Room
The experience at Firefly Hills is shaped by the small things that make daily life feel more connected. There’s a community fire pit for evening conversations, walking trails through the woods, and a stocked fishing pond where guests can cast a line. Heated bathhouses are open year-round. The park is pet-friendly, with a fenced dog area where pups can run off-leash.
Families will feel especially welcome here. Instead of plastic playgrounds, kids get natural spaces to explore. There’s a mud kitchen for messy outdoor play, a fairy garden with hidden corners and building materials, and forested spots for fort-building and log-jumping. The paracord Web lets kids (and adults) bounce, sprawl, or just chill in the trees. There’s even a gaga pit for fast-paced games.
This campground is amazing, especially if you have kiddos! The owners have spent a lot of time to intentional set up encouraging play spaces in the surrounding forest. There is a giant jumpy web in between the trees, tree stumps at differing heights to climb on, a hammock circle, and a large mud kitchen creating endless play opportunities for hours. Our kids loved it and were so sad to leave!
50PiesFamily | RV LIFE Campgrounds
Guests are welcome to join in the rhythm of the campground. That might mean feeding the chickens, gathering eggs, or picking a few fresh vegetables from the garden. Some guests cook with what they harvest, while others just enjoy the slower pace. Participation is always optional, but it’s there for those who want it.
Built by RVers, Rooted in Community
Firefly Hills was started by Tonja and Troy Lesmeister, full-time RVers who wanted to create the kind of campground they had always looked for. Something personal. Peaceful. Connected to the land. They didn’t just install hookups and call it a day. They built a place where RVers could slow down, let their kids roam safely, and meet other travelers without feeling like they were in a resort or packed into a parking lot. That welcoming, lived-in vibe shows up in the layout, the pace, and the way guests are encouraged to join in.
Each year, Firefly Hills hosts a two-week Halloween and Día de los Muertos gathering. It includes trick-or-treating, face painting, a dance party, hayrides, a community altar, and even a murder mystery dinner. The event is designed for all ages, with crafts and hikes for kids and a few relaxed evenings just for parents. Firefly Hills also hosts small private events, including retreats, reunions, and even the occasional wedding.
…Firefly Hills provided an exceptional setting for our Full-time Families event, which was a resounding success! Firefly Hills offered the perfect blend of community spirit and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for our gathering.The location was ideal for our group, allowing for natural socializing while respecting individual space. The community fire pits became organic gathering points each evening, where families shared stories and formed lasting connections.Children enjoyed the open spaces that provided opportunities to explore and make new friends, while parents appreciated knowing their families were in a safe and inclusive space…
4CsinanRV | RV LIFE Campgrounds
| 🎧 Want to hear more about the story behind Firefly Hills? Listen to this episode of The RV LIFE Podcast featuring co-owner Tonja Lesmeister. |
Thinking Long-Term? There’s a Membership for That
For RVers who visit the area often or just want a familiar place to return to, Firefly Hills offers a flexible membership program. Members get a reserved full hookup site along with a few thoughtful extras.
Each site includes a 12′ x 16′ cassita and extra storage space. Members also have access to the maintenance shop, which includes covered RV bays and tools. Shared areas like the farmhouse kitchen, co-working parlor, and hot tub deck are available too. You can store your RV on-site for up to 14 days. And if you’re not using your site, you’re allowed to rent it out.
A Kentucky RV Park That Feels Like Its Own Little World
Firefly Hills is close enough to Red River Gorge to keep your days full. But it’s different enough to make the downtime feel just as memorable. Kids build fairy houses instead of standing in line for a bounce pillow. Guests gather eggs in the morning and share stories around the fire at night. You can show up solo, with family, or as part of a group and still feel like you belong Whether you’re here for a weekend, a climbing trip, or something more open-ended, this quiet, creative little Kentucky RV park offers something thoughtful, simple, and just a little different in all the right ways.
| 📅 Ready to visit or learn more? You can book your stay or explore membership options at fireflyhillskentucky.com. |
