The Kentucky Derby is considered “The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports,” and if witnessing it live is on your bucket list, you might consider making your trip to Churchill Downs an RV adventure. Normally held on the first Saturday in May, the Derby has been moved to September 5 this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so you still have time to plan your trip for 2020.
Reserve Your Site at the Kentucky Derby
After you get your tickets to the event, you’ll want to reserve a spot close to the action. Your closest option is Derby Park Campground & RV Park, just a few blocks away from Churchill Downs. In addition to partial hookups, the park offers a homestyle breakfast to its guests on Derby weekend. Also within walking distance, the Kentucky Expo Center opens up its parking lot during Derby weekend and offers electric hookups and basic amenities.
A few miles away, the Louisville North Campground has full hookups, tent sites and camping cabins plus onsite amenities like a game room and playground for the kids. A little further north, Add-More Campground in Clarksville has 35 acres of shade trees plus a fishing pond as well as full hookups. On the south side of town, the Louisville South KOA Campground features all the familiar amenities of this national chain as well trails leading to a historic Native American cave dwelling.
If you prefer the surroundings of a park, Charlestown State Park is about half an hour away on the Indiana side of the river. It features full and electric-only hookups plus opportunities for hiking, fishing, picnicking and more.
There are several other RV parks available a bit further afield, but plan accordingly and leave plenty of time to get to Churchill Downs. Onsite parking needs to be reserved in advance, and taxis and rideshares will be very busy.
Reserve Your RV
We currently have sixteen units in our fleet at Williamson RV Rental LLC, ranging from a four-person, 21-foot travel trailer to a seven-person, 40-foot Class A RV, so there’s something available that will work well for your group. Keep in mind your plans for getting around town as you make your reservation. You can tow a travel trailer to a campground and then unhitch it so you can drive untethered to the track, or you could tow your car behind one of our drivable units. In any case, RVs go fast for Derby weekend, so you’ll want to make your reservation early. Contact us to discuss your needs and we’ll set you up with a great unit perfect for your getaway.
After you’ve got your accommodations plans squared away, go find your big hat! The Kentucky Derby is truly an unforgettable experience, and we look forward to helping you make a weekend full of memories with your loved ones.
