Guide To RV Camping The Kentucky Derby

Who’s ready for the 2022 Kentucky Derby?

Derby Week in Louisville is an all-out block party leading up to Derby Day. The atmosphere in the city throughout the ramp-up is second only to the races themselves. With the enormity of hotel prices during the week, people are turning to RVs to secure their place at the track. But RV parks near the Kentucky Derby are filling up fast, so don’t be left out of the fun!

Below is our guide to Derby Week in Louisville. Scroll for information on RV campgrounds near the track and things to do in the city during your stay.

Kentucky Derby Week

Event Schedule

Opening Night kicks off Derby Week on April 30, 2022. 

From there, the following Sunday and Monday on May 1 and 2 are referred to as Dawn at the Downs. On these days, ticket holders are invited to a lavish breakfast while they watch contenders for the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks participate in their morning workouts. Throughout the breakfast, guests are given insights on past performances by the competitors as well as evaluations of their morning practice.

On Tuesday, May 3rd, Champion’s Day celebrates the history of Derby winners and highlights the history of the sport in the US. Thurby, on May 5, will feature a performance by Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats between afternoon races. 

Friday, May 4, marks the first of the premier races. The Kentucky Oaks race is celebrated as America’s most profitable race for fillies. With $1.25 million Grade 1 Stakes, the race is an exciting staple of American sports history whose inception stretches back to 1875. In fact, the Kentucky Oaks has the second highest rates of attendance in the US, behind the famous Derby itself.

Saturday, May 5, is Kentucky Derby Day. The most famous horse racing day in the US on the most famous racetrack in the US, the Kentucky Derby is a nonstop feast for the senses. The lavish fashion of the track, the coolness of a mint julep in hand, and the roar of the crowd when the horses round the final bend— attending the Kentucky Derby is a once in a lifetime event for many. 

Where will you be on Derby Day?

What is RV Row?

RV Row is the name given to the stretch of RV parks near the Kentucky Derby racetrack. Given that the week leading up to the Kentucky Derby is filled with fever-pitch level excitement in Louisville, expect a non-stop party. Below are a few of the best RV campgrounds near Churchill Downs for both location and amenities.

RV Parks Near the Kentucky Derby

Derby Park RV

The closest RV campground to Churchill Downs, Derby Park RV is ideal for people looking to stay just a couple blocks away from the track. The park is equipped with a grill and patio area, two bars, pool tables, corn-hole, and more! On Oaks and Derby Day, the park serves home-style cooked breakfast for its guests.

Derby Park RV supports 20-30 and 50 amp.

Captain’s Derby Parking

Just a couple blocks from Churchill Downs is a beloved pop-up RV campground. Captain’s Derby Parking is a family business from Louisville local Fred Stair so darling to track attendees, that most guests are return RVers. The campground opens to host guests Thursday-Sunday on Derby Week.

The atmosphere of Captain’s Derby is what seems to bring people back so often— that and the home-cooked breakfasts (served, optionally, with beer). What the park lacks in amenities, it more than makes up for in easygoing, family-style personality. Frequented by a somewhat younger crowd, Captain’s Derby is a great spot for meeting new people in a decidedly backyard cookout ambiance.

Louisville South KOA

Outside of RV Row and further away from the track, Louisville South KOA is geared towards families and people that want top-notch features from their RV campground. 

The park itself, tucked amongst the trees, comes with a swimming pool, dog park, picnic tables and fire rings, general store, walking trails, laundry facilities, and more! The park is about 20 minutes from downtown Louisville, and supports full electric hookups.

More Things To Do In Louisville 

Louisville’s Bourbon District

The birthplace of bourbon keeps the city of Louisville thirsty with its incredible distilleries. In fact, there are so many bourbon libraries within walking distance of each in downtown Louisville, it’s famously known as the Bourbon District. A visit to the city is incomplete without a walk through what was once known as Whiskey Row in the 20s, when over 50 distilleries lined the streets. 

Today, the bourbon scene continues to flourish with local favorites for educational distillery tours and tastings. Check out Old Forester Distilling Co., Angel’s Envy Distillery, and Prohibition Craft Spirits Distillery. 

Waverly Hills Sanatorium

Bourbon isn’t the only famous spirit that calls Louisville home.

Said to be one of the most haunted establishments in the US, Waverly Hills Sanatorium is a top destination for fans of the paranormal. The gigantic hospital was once a tuberculosis ward in the 1910s before eventually falling into madness. Featured on Ghost Adventures, Ghost Hunters, Buzzfeed Unsolved: Supernatural and more, the Sanatorium offers guided historical or paranormal tours and even private overnight investigations! 

Muhammad Ali Center

Both a non-profit museum and a multicultural center, the Muhammad Ali Center is a heartfelt tribute to the legendary boxer. In addition to temporary traveling exhibits, the museum features three levels of interactive exhibits and galleries honoring Ali. Further than this, the center also offers cultural outreach programs to the adults and youth of Louisville. 

Fourth Street Live!

Also found in downtown Louisville is a massive entertainment and retail complex that spans over 350,000 square feet. Fourth Street Live! is a wonderland of restaurants, bars, and shops throughout its pedestrian walking district. A concert series takes place on the main stage during Derby Week, featuring acts like Chase Rice and Steve Aoki.

While visiting, be sure to stop by Guy Fieri’s Smokehouse, the Hard Rock Cafe, and Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse. 

Olmsted Parks Conservancy

If you’re looking to escape the crowds during your trip, Olmsted Parks Conservancy has you covered. The organization has kept the city’s many beautiful parks untouched by the surrounding city . The result is numerous areas of lush green grass over rolling hills and wooded biking trails. Japanese maple trees that overlook stone bridges on water to stroll under. To experience the serenity for yourself, check out parks Cherokee, Iroquois, Chickasaw, and many more.

It’s not too late to reserve your RV for the Kentucky Derby! Check out RVnGO’s collection of vehicles and book your tickets for the Derby today!