RV Park Scoop - Renfro Valley RV Park (Renfro Valley, Kentucky)

Before we left Georgia behind we had to pick up some pecans. Everyone knows that Georgia is known for their pecans, peaches, and Vidalia onions. Moses, the man behind the pecan stand was a real business man. We picked out what we thought were the two bags of pecans we were going home with. Nope, Moses made us a deal on 4 bags of pecans. With smiles on our faces (including Moses) and less cash in our pockets we were all happy.

Every state has its own challenges, whether it’s the mountains of Tennessee or dust storms of Texas. What is pretty consistent across the board are the terrible drivers. Yes we have our fair share in Canada but on the I-75 there seems to be way too many. There are so many people from Canada and different US states, that are all trying to get home in one day. So, in saying that, people are crazy on the road, cutting me off and stopping on the on ramp in front of me instead of accelerating. These are just to name a few. I’ve also noticed that if it is race weekend (NASCAR) people seem to drive like they are on a race track.  So the moral of the story is you have to have eyes up your butt.

As we approached our stop for the night we were feeling good so we decided to push on another 30 miles or so. What a score. We found the most amazing RV park in what I thought was the middle of nowhere. It’s just off the I-75 at exit 62, 45 miles south of Lexington and 135 miles north of Knoxville. As we were ready to exit, all the traffic started to slow down. We crept along then the traffic came to a complete stop right in front of our exit. Fancy that! Another score!

I had never heard of Renfro Valley let alone the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame. Once we registered, got set up, had something to eat, I decided to go out and explore. The campground is part of the Renfro Valley Entertainment Center and is equipped with all the amenities. The interior roads and sites are all gravel with grass between each site. All sites have 30/50 amp service along with water, sewer, and cable TV. There is no Wi-Fi at this park.

Our site...trees are just starting
to blossom

This is about 1/3 of the campground...got to love the
hills of Kentucky

Within walking distance of any given site is live country, gospel, and bluegrass music along with a shopping village and historic cabins. They also have a full service restaurant on the premises. As I was walking around all I could smell was smoked ribs. Too bad I just ate.

Pretty neat shops

The Music Store which has been around since 1939

An old Gristmill 

Full service restaurant on the premises

Aunt Polly's House...the
oldest house in Renfro Valley circa 1817

How did this place get it’s start? Well I asked the same question and this is what I found out. It all started in Chicago in 1937 when a young man by the name of John Lair was listening to a new contraption called the radio. With his new love for music and entertainment John moved back home to the Renfro Valley and started the Renfro Valley Barn Dance. For two years the show continued on WLW radio in Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio. While this was happening the Big Show Barn was being built in Renfro Valley. Most locals figured the barn would turn into a future tobacco barn. What they did not know was in two short years there was a loyal following of the radio station. So on November 4th, 1939 the Old Barn doors opened and the announcer from WLW started to broadcast what became known as the Renfro Valley Barn Dance. They are now in their 76th year. If you like country music this is the place to come. It’s quite, small but has great entertainers.

The Old Barn

The New Barn

Unfortunately, we arrive a day early or we could have seen Loretta Lynn in concert. Other artists gracing the New Barn stage are Tracy Lawrence, Ronnie Milsap, The Oak Ridge Boys, Charlie Pride, Merle Haggard, Mickey Gilley just to name a few.

Site of the Bluegrass Festivals

A country singer entertaining the
campground

We have already decided that this place deserves a return visit. The area is alive with music and entertainment.