Kentucky Exposition Center

On state fairgrounds and next tonKentucky Kingdom. At intersection of I-65 and I-264. Just saw few minutes from downtown and about a mile from Churchill Downs. Not for relaxing camping but close to major Louisville events.

Looking for a quiet, woodsy, inexpensive glamping experience?

This is not it.

Looking for a place to stay that is close to Churchill Downs, a Kentucky Expo Center event, or Kentucky Kingdom?

This is the place.

Large parking lot 1.5miles from Churchill Downs (with sidewalks to the track - making it extremely walkable). Just outside of the entrance to the Kentucky Kingdom amusement park and the Kentucky Expo Center.

Optional 30/50A, shared sewer hook-up options, and water options. I say options, because if there is a large event going on, you must finangle yourself into a position to possibly share sewer with your neighbor. During events it is recommended that you make reservations if you'd like hook-ups. Boondocking is $30 and is first come/first serve.

There is an office that was well staffed with friendly folks to assist us in finding a 'spot' (spots are not marked) that would not impede traffic and would allow for us to hook-up.

I recommend extra hoses and power extension cords if you plan on having full-hookups; you've kinda got to work with what is available when you arrive. The office will 'rent' you a water hose splitter (so you can share with a neighbor) for $10 if you need one.

Lights are on all night, so if always feels like daytime - just pretend you're in Alaska. Security patrols pretty frequently and all gates except for Gate 2 are locked after 10pm at night.

We stayed here for Derby 2017.

By Thursday evening (Thurby) the lot was pretty full, with creative parking and pretty close quarters.

For Derby, the lot was loud and parties (with very loud music) went on til ~3am Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings. It was pouring rain the entire time we were here, so I would assume these parties may get even more raucous during nice weather Derbies.

Have I mentioned that you can walk to Churchill downs from here? Because you can. There is also a shuttle during Derby week for $15/day. But, since traffic moves more slowly than walking, I'd recommend walking during Derby.

On the Sunday of Derby weekend, the lot completely cleared out - we were among 2 other rigs (I would estimate 100+ during Derby). Also, we had extreme difficulty finding someone to pay when we decided to tack an extra night onto our stay (it's really not bad when there aren't a bunch of partiers partying until all party hours!) When we called, we were told the office is only staffed Wed-Sat. We slipped a check under the door... although I'm not sure they take checks.

Anyways, if you're going to Derby or some other nearby event, this is the place. If not, you'll more than likely find a much more aesthetic, peaceful, and less costly place to stay not too far away.