Fort Boonesborough State Park
Kentucky

Fort Boonesborough State Park

Available Activities
  • Hiking
Verified by America’s State Parks Editorial Team – Updated February 2026

Fort Boonesborough State Park commemorates Kentucky’s second settlement, founded by Daniel Boone in 1775. Explore the reconstructed working fort with resident artisans demonstrating 18th-century pioneer life!

Historic Fort

FeatureDetails
🏰 EstablishedApril 1, 1775
⚔️ Famous EventSiege of 1778 (11-day defense)
🛠️ ArtisansBlacksmithing, weaving, woodworking
📅 Fort OpensApril 1, 2026 (seasonal)

⚠️ CAMPGROUND CLOSED: Due to flood damage, camping is closed until at least December 31, 2026. The historic fort exhibit remains open seasonally.

Daniel Boone’s Legacy

The Wilderness Road concluded here. Boone led the defense during the 1778 siege against Shawnee Chief Blackfish and British forces.

FAQ

When will camping reopen?

The campground is closed indefinitely due to flood damage. Reopening is expected no earlier than December 31, 2026.

🏰 Walk in Daniel Boone’s Footsteps

Visit KY Parks.

Location & Getting There

Fort Boonesborough State Park is located in Kentucky. The park’s coordinates are 37.8922, -84.2717. Check the park’s official website or your state parks app for detailed driving directions and GPS navigation tips.

Quick Facts

  • Location: Kentucky
  • Coordinates: 37.8922, -84.2717
  • Activities: Hiking, Camping, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing
  • Pets: Allowed on leash in most areas (check local rules)

Things to Do

Kentucky “resort parks” feature Bluegrass hills and Appalachian foothills. Activities include boating and bass fishing on massive lakes, hiking forested trails, golfing championship courses, horseback riding, and exploring cave networks and Civil War sites.

Best Time to Visit

Spring and fall are ideal. Summer is hot and humid but great for lakes. Winter is quiet, with resort park lodges offering peaceful off-season getaways at discount rates.

Visitor Tips

Kentucky parks have no entrance fee. Famous for 17 “Resort Parks” with full-service lodges, restaurants, and 18-hole golf courses. Book well in advance for summer and fall weekends.

Explore More Kentucky State Parks

Fort Boonesborough State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Kentucky. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Kentucky guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.

Sarah Mitchell
Written by

Sarah Mitchell

Editorial Team

Sarah Mitchell is an outdoor writer and trail researcher with over 8 years of experience exploring state parks across America. As the lead editor at AmericasStateParks.org, she has personally visited more than 200 parks in 42 states, logging thousands of trail miles and hundreds of campground nights. Sarah specializes in detailed park guides, accessibility information, and family-friendly outdoor planning. Her work focuses on helping first-time visitors feel confident and well-prepared for their state park adventures.

Sarah Mitchell

About the Author

Outdoor Editor & Trail Expert

Sarah Mitchell is an outdoor writer and trail researcher with over 8 years of experience exploring state parks across America. As the lead editor at AmericasStateParks.org, she has personally visited more than 200 parks in 42 states, logging thousands of trail miles and hundreds of campground nights. Sarah specializes in detailed park guides, accessibility information, and family-friendly outdoor planning. Her work focuses on helping first-time visitors feel confident and well-prepared for their state park adventures.

200+ state parks visited across 42 states | 8+ years of outdoor writing

Last updated: February 20, 2026

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