Top Campgrounds and RV Parks in Kentucky Derby

Just blocks from Churchill Downs, this events venue and flea market space turned RV park for Derby weekend is the place to be if you want to enjoy the festivities up close and persol. Not only can you walk down the street and be at the race in minutes, but the park is just a 10 minute drive to downtown Louisville and close to public transportation.

Why You’ll Love Derby Park Expo Five

If you want to live and breath the Derby celebration all weekend long, this is the place to do it. You can see Churchill Downs from your RV, and you don’t even have to leave the campsite to enjoy live music, home cooked food, and top notch beverages as well as fun activities for the whole family. This RV park has a real community feel where everyone is there for the Derby, and it attracts visitors from all over the world.

Home to the Kentucky State Fair and other major events, this large expo center has an RV park that transforms into a giant celebration during Derby weekend. The grounds are only a mile from Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby, making it easy to walk or take public transportation to the event.

Why You’ll Love Kentucky Exposition Center

While this RV park doesn’t offer as many amenities as others, chances are you won’t be spending much time in your RV anyway. When you are hanging out at the RV park, you’ll be surrounded by other Derby-goers, making it a great spot for celebration. It’s one of the most conveniently located RV parks to Churchill Downs, and walking distance is important when parking near the Derby can cost upwards of $100+ per day.

If you can’t stay at one of the two campgrounds within walking distance of Churchill Downs, this is your next best bet. It’s the closest year-round campground to downtown Louisville. Located right across the bridge into Indiana, it’s just off I-65 and just minutes to Churchill Downs. It’s also right next door to the Atlantis Water Park and Derby Dinner Playhouse.

Why You’ll Love Louisville North Campground

Aside from being only 7 miles from Churchill Downs, this RV park is also just 1 mile from the Falls of the Ohio State Park, and a few miles from the Louisville Slugger Tour and the Howard Steamboat Museum. It’s perfectly situated for exploring downtown Louisville, and it’s incredibly affordable, even during the Derby. This lovely, clean campground has modern, updated facilities and plenty of amenities, including guest access to a heated indoor pool at the hotel next door.

Just across the state line in Elizabeth, Indiana, Horseshoe Southern Indiana RV Park is only 35 minutes from downtown Louisville and 40 minutes from Churchill Downs. As part of a casino, guests have immediate access to all casino amenities. Because it sits right on the Ohio River, the RV park also offers lovely views.

Why You’ll Love Horseshoe Southern Indiana

For those who love casino camping, this is the best place to stay in close distance to the Kentucky Derby. This casino is very modern and filled with activities and very nice, updated facilities, making up for the fact that RV camping is just pavement parking with no hookups. The on-site steakhouse is very highly-rated, and the nightlife is plenty.

Located in Brooks, Kentucky near the intersection of I-65 and I-265, this RV park is just 10 minutes from downtown Louisville and Churchill Downs. Because it’s near two interstates, the immediate area offers many options for dining, gas, shopping, and more. It’s also very close to the Jefferson Memorial Forest.

Why You’ll Love Brooks Mobile Home & Louisville RV Park

This is one of the closest RV parks to Churchill Downs and the center of Louisville. Although it’s lacking in amenities, the park is under new management and the owners are constantly updating the facilities and adding more to the park. The majority of people here are long-term residents but they are making more room for temporary RV guests.

One of two RV parks immediately next to Churchill Downs, this is a great place to stay for the Kentucky Derby. The park is directly outside of the race track and just a few blocks from the University of Louisville and the Cardinal Stadium.

Why You’ll Love Trackside RV Park

This incredibly small RV park is hard to reserve during the Kentucky Derby, but if you can snag it, you’re in for a great deal. It’s one of the most affordable RV parks in the area, and you couldn’t get any closer to Churchill Downs. You could probably even watch the derby from your RV! The park also has activities going on during the weeks leading up to the derby.

Situated in Clarksville, Indiana at the intersection of I-65 and I-265, this park is directly across the river from downtown Louisville. It’s only a 20 minute drive to Churchill Downs and even closer to many other nearby attractions. The area directly surrounding Add-More Campground and RV Park is full of restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, and shopping.

Why You’ll Love Add-More Campground & RV Park

It’s hard to beat the value that this park offers, being just 10 minutes from downtown Louisville and yet offering clean, updated RV sites for very reasonable prices. The park itself is calm and peaceful, surrounded by 35 acres of old growth trees and a fishing pond. You’ll find all the necessary amenities here as well as very personable and hospitable park hosts.

Located in Charlestown, Indiana, just across the Kentucky state line, Charlestown State Park is the best place to stay if you want to be immersed in nature while still being only a short drive from downtown Louisville. Churchill Downs is just 30 minutes away. The town itself, Charlestown, is charming and offers plenty of nearby amenities.

Why You’ll Love Charlestown State Park

This beautiful state park is home to the birthplace of the Ohio River, formed during the ice age. The river itself offers a wide range of recreational activities, from water skiing and rafting to catfishing and swimming. Other outdoor activities abound, and include bicycling, boating, and ample hiking. The park is filled with wildflowers, stunning views, and even a waterfall. Park rangers offer educational programs such as archeology lessons. Meanwhile, you’re less than a mile from town and about 20 miles from the center of Louisville.

With mature shade trees and beautiful views, Silver Lakes offers residents 335 modern home and RV sites with all utility hookups. With acres of picturesque land perfect for a picnic, residents also enjoy three fishing lakes, a playground, a basketball court, a picnic area, as well as a brand new clubhouse for socializing with family, friends and neighbors!

Why You’ll Love Inspire Communities Silver Lakes

Green Tree Mall and several exceptional schools are minutes away. With a bus and school bus stop at the community entrance, life is even easier! Churchill Downs and Downtown Louisville are also in close proximity. Check out all the new shops and restaurants on Veteran's Parkway or take a day to see the world famous Kentucky Derby!

What People Are Saying About Inspire Communities Silver Lakes

“Very well kept mobile home park. Quiet neighborhood with a couple of small lakes to enjoy.” -William, Google Review

Deluxe, friendly and perfect for kids are some of the most common descriptors used in regard to the Louisville South KOA. You’ll find just about everything you need on-site, but the park’s proximity to Louisville means it’s easy to spend a night out on the city when the mood strikes. Downtown is just a few minutes away.

Why You’ll Love Louisville South KOA

KOA has earned their reputation as a company that has condensed camping into a science, and their Lexington campsites are no exception. A particular emphasis is placed on making sure this park can be enjoyed by every member of your family. Between amenities like a full playground and a constant schedule of activities, the little ones will find plenty to do, and there’s even a fully featured dog park on the premises.

What People Are Saying About Louisville South KOA

“Great staff at the front office. Check in process was simple and it was nice to be ushered to your campsite to take the guess work out. My girls had a blast on the playground and it was clean and spacious.” – Angie, Google Review

Grandma’s RV Camping is a small RV park to the south of Louisville. It is located in the town of Shepherdsville, Kentucky and the sites are capable of accommodating big rigs that are up to 70 feet long. In addition, Grandma’s RV Camping provides free Wi-Fi.

Why You’ll Love Grandma’s RV Camping

Grandma’s RV Camping is family-owned, and it is a member of the NFIB. This RV park is right next to Interstate 65, and it is only a mile away from the nearest Walmart. Grandma’s RV Camping also features state-of-the-art laundry facilities.

What People Are Saying About Grandma’s RV Camping

“Even though it’s right off the highway, it was fairly quiet. It is a clean, well-maintained park. Not much shade and spots are close. Not really a campground so much as a place to park while you explore Louisville. Owners were really nice getting us in on Memorial Day weekend. Easy access to Louisville.” – Lisa, Google Review

This quiet RV park is riverfront and located next to a brand new public boat ramp. Canby Ferry Campground is family-friendly and provides a relaxing scene. There are concrete and gravel pads that can accommodate up to a 50' RV on concrete pad.

Why You’ll Love Canby Ferry Campground

This RV campground is riverfront and offers amazing views of the water and background. You will feel right at home and comfortable. You can bring your own boat, kayak, canoe, or jet ski and use the new boat ramp next to the campground.

What People Are Saying About Canby Ferry Campground

“No reviews yet!”

The Indian-Celina Lakes Recreation Area is a tranquil resting place in the Hoosier National Forest. Both the 152-acre Indian and the 164-acre Celina Lakes are close by, offering boating, fishing, hiking, and tours of the historic Rickenbaugh house site. This natural respite is only 25 miles from Holiday World.

Why You’ll Love Hoosier/Indian-Celina Lakes Recreation Area

This is a great park for getting back to nature and finding a quiet space. It is set in dense forest with plenty of privacy. The Rickenbaugh House historic center is a great place to spend a little time, then take a walk along the 1 mile Rickenbaugh Interpretive Trail or the Two Lakes Loop National Recreation Trail that circles the lakes.

What People Are Saying About Hoosier/Indian-Celina Lakes Recreation Area

“One of the prettiest parks I have ever been in. Excellent experience in my 27 foot Class A. Very friendly host guided me into my level, long site, albeit surrounded by poison ivy. Then he brought me some tomatoes from his (nearby home) garden. A nice treat. Interior roadways are nicely paved but narrow, but navigable. Electric only. Limited air antenna reception, but I sure didn’t care, it was so beautiful.

Evansville is just about an hour’s drive from the Hoosier National Forest, home of the Indian-Celina Recreation Area. This is one of the most desirable areas for camping and outdoor activities in the Midwest. It is one of the highest rated campgrounds in the state because of its surrounding beauty the tranquil atmosphere.

Why You’ll Love Indian-Celina Recreation Area

If you are looking for a quiet getaway in the heart of the most beautiful part of the state, the Indian-Celina Recreation Area might be the place for you. Campers always seem to leave with smiles on their faces. It is a particularly good match for campers looking for a true camping experience without all of the extraneous bells and whistles.

What People Are Saying About Indian-Celina Recreation Area

“A pleasant, quiet campground. Some good hiking trails in the park. We stayed on the South Loop and enjoyed it much. We camped at Hoosier / Indian-Celina Lakes Recreation Area in a Tent Trailer.” – Memphis Camper, RV Park Reviews