Kentucky Derby help (Louisville)

[Spleenstomper]

Hey, everyone. Thank you kindly for any help.

I own a very small percentage of a racehorse that appears to have made it in the Kentucky Derby. (Ring Weekend, Graham Motion trainer, St. Elias Stables/Westpoint) and it seems in the next few days I need to make a decision about whether we are going, (super expensive)

I currently have a hotel booked for 3 nights, but we were wondering if anyone knew of any dry camping sites or electric only in the vicinity. I'm thinking stadium hook ups or something of that nature. I'm sure getting an RV spot at a park is likely out of the question.

Wondered if anyone has any ideas? The days are around May 1-4. Thanks.

[Parrothead_Mike]

If you have tickets to the infield then those tickets are for special raised tented rooms. I say this because there are no tickets to get into the infield itself as it's more or less an open area with vendors, restrooms, and betting windows. Churchill began selling the private tents about 10 or so years ago making it practically impossible for the regular infielders to see anything along the front stretch. I'd say that if you were able to get tickets to the raised tents then you're fortunate. Enjoy the day.

BTW, Friday is Kentucky Oaks Day and while not as crowded at Derby Day it's lots of fun.

[Spleenstomper]

Thanks for the experiences! That is what I want to know as well. Yes, my horse (out of Tapit) ran for his life! I didn't even wager on him because I got busy with the kids and forgot!

I'm waiting on hospitality packages to see. Right now I have two tickets to the infield lol. I'm waiting for Westpoint to say what they are going to do. I own so little of this horse it is unreal, so don't expect to see me walking with him on derby day.

Gonna be fun!

[Jim_Shoe]

A friend of mine and I, both in our mid 20's drove a car down from Cincinnati very early the morning of the Derby. We parked in a church parking lot(free) on the back side of the race track and got in line with our cooler full of beer. We heard that they didn't check coolers at the back gate, and they didn't. But we stood in line for so long, that there wasn't anything in it but empties, anyway. Didn't see any horses, but did see several horses' rear ends, so to speak.
The flag pole in the infield had a huge "rat guard" around the base, about 10 feet off the ground. Some guy got his buddies to boost him up, and he climbed the pole all the way to the top. Then he dropped his pants and mooned the grandstands. Only then, he found out that while it only takes one hand to drop your pants, it takes both hands to pull them back up. It took him quite a while. Several cops were waiting for him when he came down. His "moment in the sun" so to speak. 🙂

[Parrothead_Mike]

Congratulations on the Tampa Bay Derby! We were at the track in Tampa this past Saturday and, while I did not place any money on your horse, he ran a heck of a race----Gate to wire run. Actually your horse screwed up my trifecta and exacta bets. LOL!:)

We've gone to the Derby at Churchill Downs for 21 straight years. We never took the camper and always found motels, but you have to be outside Louisville about 45 or more miles. We used to use a Comfort Inn in Bardstown which was about $90/night, but they raised the rates so we looked elsewhere. We found a Best Western in Carrollton, KY, NE of Louisville along I-71. There's a nice state park in Carrollton not far off the interstate. I can't remember the name of the state park, but think it's General Butler SP or something like that.

You're much closer at the KOA, but get there early due to the crowds. Good luck with Ring Weekend!

[Spleenstomper]

Haha. Funny. I'm glad I got in. Sounds like it is going to be a good time with lots of action. The train won't bother me. I had a track in my back yard once. Tell her I'll see her then!

[Merrykalia]

That was my son's significant other that you talked to. She just called to ask me what your name was....told her Spleenstomper. She thought it was comical so I had to explain it to her.

We stayed there over Thanksgiving. I will warm you about the train track behind there.

It is VERY close to downtown. It should take you less than 10 minutes to get to the track from the campground...under normal circumstances. With all the Derby traffic, who knows.

Hope you have a great time. There is a nice pool at the Radisson across the street that you have access to.

[Spleenstomper]

I took a reservation at that KOA. I called and they said its going to be packed and I had to agree to unhook the tow vehicle. They are apparently very close to downtown. I went from $1,000 for 3 nights at hotel to 3 nights for $148.00

See, I'm making money with the RV lol.

[Spleenstomper]

Thank you! I'm going to look it up.

[Merrykalia]

The KOA Metro Louisville has 3 sites left for 30' or smaller for Derby weekend. 812-282-4474. It is actually located in Clarksville, IN.

My son is full-timing there, so I just gave him a call.

[Spleenstomper]

Grandmas website domain is available, so I'm not sure it's still there. We are considering the expo, but it is like 200 a night. (The hotel is 300 night).

Yes another problem is getting from the campground to the derby (unless we stay at expo).

I hope he does well too!

[kevinbti]

Grandmas is basic rv park 16 miles or so away may work for you I did not like that campground in indiana mentioned in the previous post Not sure the area was all that safe If you have time check out the retired horse farm and lexington Great area Derby super fun Did it once but like you said yikes the cost they sure are proud of those horses!

This might work but not sure you will sleep!


http://www.expofive.com/derby-celebration.html

[edsland]

We stayed at the KOA South last year, nice place a lot of shopping and restaurants in the area. Maybe 20 minutes from the track.

[twins89]

Go to rvparkreviews.com Then click on Kentucky. Click on Louisville. call the parks. There is a nice one in Clarksville Indiana, a few miles north of Louisville. There are numerous parks in the area but do not delay. Hope you find something and good luck to your horse.