For some RVers, a quick, in and out dump station stop is all they need. But for others, the destination itself is the reason for the journey. If you’re the kind of traveler who wants to immerse yourself in the local culture, to live and breathe the spirit of a place, then a simple public dump lane just won’t cut it. When you’re in Lexington, the heart of horse country, you want the full experience. And that is precisely what the Kentucky Horse Park Campground delivers. This isn’t just a place to park your rig and empty your tanks. it’s an all access pass to the world of equine heritage, a chance to camp amidst 1,200 acres of rolling bluegrass, museums, and magnificent animals. It’s the only place in the country where you can spend your morning taking care of your black tank and then spend your afternoon watching world class show jumpers soar over obstacles.
Choosing to stay here transforms a simple sanitation chore into part of a larger, unforgettable adventure. The campground itself becomes your home base for exploring everything the Bluegrass region has to offer. Beyond the park’s gates, which are filled with daily horse shows, breed parades, and fascinating museum galleries, all of Lexington is at your fingertips. You’re just a fifteen minute drive from the hallowed grounds of Keeneland Race Course, where you can catch the thrilling spring and fall meets. The city’s vibrant Distillery District is also nearby, buzzing with live music, craft breweries, and fantastic restaurants. You can take a scenic drive along the famous Old Frankfort Pike, a designated scenic byway that winds past some of the most famous horse farms in the world. The convenience of being located right here, in the middle of it all, cannot be overstated. You’re not just visiting horse country. you’re living in it.
The dump station situation at the campground is designed for convenience and efficiency, befitting a facility of this caliber. There are two well maintained dump stations located near the entrance of the campground, which makes them easy to use either as you’re arriving or, more commonly, as you’re heading out. This dual lane setup is a smart design, helping to prevent bottlenecks during the peak checkout time on Sunday mornings. The pads are illuminated with bright LED floodlights, a thoughtful touch that makes a late night or early morning tank chore much safer and easier. They’ve also done a good job of separating and clearly labeling the non potable rinse water spigots from the potable fresh water taps. As always, it’s good practice to double check before you connect your fresh water hose, but the clear signage here provides welcome peace of mind.
Of course, the amenities extend far beyond the dump station. When you book a site here, you’re getting the full package. The sites are spacious, many with beautiful views, and come with reliable 30 and 50 amp electric and water hookups. This is crucial for recharging all your systems, especially during the hot and humid Kentucky summers when you’ll be running your air conditioner. For those of us who travel with pets, the dedicated dog park is a fantastic perk, giving your four legged family members a safe place to run off leash and burn off some energy. The campground also features modern, clean bathhouses with hot showers and coin operated laundry machines, essential creature comforts for any extended stay. Restrooms are conveniently located throughout the various camping loops, so you never have to walk too far. And, unlike the stand alone public dump station down the road, you’ll find large dumpsters placed on each loop, making trash disposal a simple, everyday task rather than something you have to plan for.
It's important to note what this campground is and what it isn't. While it offers water and electric at each site, it does not have full hookups, meaning there is no sewer connection at your individual campsite. This is why the well designed, high capacity dump stations at the entrance are so important. They are the key to making this system work smoothly. You also won't find on site gasoline or propane sales, nor are there any repair services within the park. However, several gas stations and travel centers are located just a few miles away along Interstate 75 at exits 115 and 120, so fueling up is easy to do on your way in or out.
The value proposition here is excellent. While campsite rates fluctuate depending on the season and the park’s event calendar, you can generally expect to pay in the thirty five to forty five dollar range for a site with water and electric. This fee includes free and unlimited use of the dump stations. When you consider that you’re also getting access to a world class tourist attraction and all the associated entertainment, it’s a very solid deal. My advice is to book your site as far in advance as possible, especially if you plan to visit during one of the major race meets or the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, as the campground fills up completely. Try to arrive before dusk if you can, as the entrance can get a bit backed up when a big show lets out. Also, some of the sites have a gentle slope, so bringing a good set of leveling blocks is always a smart idea. This campground truly marries the practical needs of RV sanitation with a bucket list travel experience. It is, without a doubt, the premier base for any RVer wanting to explore the heart of the Bluegrass.
4089 Iron Works Pike, Lexington, KY 40511
(859) 259-4257
Cost: Price not available
Category: Campground
Has Water
kyhorsepark.com