Berea
Berea, KY
A small college town known for craft studios, where weavers, potters and woodworkers sell directly. Browse the Old Town shops, then head to the nearby forest edge for a short walk before the road south.
Berea, in Madison County, lies right on Interstate 75, about 65 km (40 miles) south of Lexington. The town was incorporated in 1890, and its history is closely tied to Berea College, founded in 1855 by the abolitionist John G. Fee. The college is regarded as the first non-segregated, coeducational college in the South. Every student receives a scholarship covering tuition and works at least ten hours a week on campus. Berea carries the nickname "Folk Arts and Crafts Capital of Kentucky", rooted in Appalachian craft traditions.
A walk through town with its workshops and galleries takes two to three hours. The calendar includes the Spoonbread Festival in September and the Celebration of Traditional Music in October, held since 1974; expect more activity if you visit then. Its location on I-75 makes Berea an easy stop between Lexington and Knoxville.
- Nearest town
- Berea, KY
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 37.5687, -84.2963
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. Cold, short days in January. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- OH Kentucky RV ParkMotorhome stopover1 mi from BereaMotorhomes
- Walnut Meadows RV ParkMotorhome stopover1 mi from BereaMotorhomes
- S-Tree Campground FREECampsite18 mi from BereaFree
- Turkey Foot Campground FREECampsite22 mi from Berea
- Fort Boonesborough State ParkCampsite23 mi from Berea · 166 pitchesTentsCaravans
- Rockcastle RiversideCampsite24 mi from Berea
All campsites in Kentucky · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Berea?
Berea is in Berea, KY, at GPS 37.5687, -84.2963. It is about 35 mi from Lexington.
Can you camp near Berea?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is OH Kentucky RV Park, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 10 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Berea?
Places worth a stop nearby: Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (30 mi), Natural Bridge State Resort Park (36 mi), Keeneland (37 mi) and Nada Tunnel (38 mi).
When is the best time to visit Berea?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)