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Ranchhand
07-09-2019, 03:36 PM
Next year for spring break the wife and I are going to take the fifth wheel and are two girls that are 9 and 7 to Gatlinburg. We will be starting in southwest Michigan. According to mapquest it is about a 10 hour drive and I am guessing with two little girls it will probably turn into a 11 or 12 hour drive. Not really sure I want to do that drive in one day and show up at the campground at 8 at night. So I was thinking about finding a campground around Lexington Kentucky for a afternoon/evening.

Question 1 Do most campgrounds offer just a one night stay or will they want you to stay more then one night.

Question 2 If I get a pull through site will the sites be big enough to leave the truck hooked up for the night. (Camper is a 38 foot fifth wheel) Not a big deal if I can't it would just save a step in setting up and tearing down.

Question 3 Anyone have any recomendations for a campground around the Lexington area.

LHaven
07-09-2019, 04:16 PM
1. Tell the campground owner you're looking for a transient pull-through for one night. It's an extremely common request, it's part of their business.

2. All depends on what the campground has to offer. Mention the total length of your rig and say you'd like to stay hitched up, so they can decide if they have an open space that fits you.

3. Not my stomping grounds, sorry.

gearhead
07-09-2019, 06:56 PM
A 1 night stay is no problem. We do a lot of that, a lot.
Look at campgroundreviews.com for a campground around Lexington.

sourdough
07-09-2019, 07:20 PM
Nearly everywhere we go (private rv parks) there are spaces provided for "overnighters". They even give me my "reserved" spots in the parks we go to all the time; generally pull thru. I always tell them the length of the trailer and inquire about remaining space for the truck. Some leave us with lots of room; some leave us parking sideways in front/back to stay out of the road. For overnites I always ask for a pull thru so we can "do our thing" with minimal disruption.

TandE
07-10-2019, 02:55 AM
We just got back from a two week trip and did this the whole way with a 3 and a 5 year old.

Started in the PNW and was traveling to Colorado Springs for a family reunion. Then up to Mount Rushmore and back. Every stop besides in Colorado and South Dakota which we stayed multiple nights and had reservations we got a pull through so we didn’t have to unhook. I took a chance and didn’t call ahead just showed up and it worked out great. Although most of our stops were in areas where not much is going on in terms of vacation stuff so that helped tremendously that they all had spots. Like what was said most have spots available for one nighters in some areas and depending on the time of year they are so busy they don’t really have spaces available to do that.

I made sure to plan it where we left as early as possible but we’re stopped for the night no later than 3. That way the kids would have some playtime before bed and doing it again.

Northofu1
07-10-2019, 03:42 AM
If you want to stay on the cheap, as I do.
Cracker barrel restaurants, walmarts, truck stops.
Personally, I have issues paying $40 to $60 to sleep and go, I do like showing up at campground right at check in time rather than 8pm

mwemaxxowner
07-10-2019, 05:03 AM
Many Walmart stores are starting to eliminate overnighting. If that's your plan, might be a good idea to go in and ask the store manager, so you don't get run out just as you get nice and cozy.

Northofu1
07-10-2019, 05:08 AM
Many Walmart stores are starting to eliminate overnighting. If that's your plan, might be a good idea to go in and ask the store manager, so you don't get run out just as you get nice and cozy.

I use Allstays app and make sure review is updated

TandE
07-10-2019, 05:12 AM
If you want to stay on the cheap, as I do.
Cracker barrel restaurants, walmarts, truck stops.
Personally, I have issues paying $40 to $60 to sleep and go, I do like showing up at campground right at check in time rather than 8pm



I have issues paying that much for a one night stay too but I’d rather my kids run around a campground play area rather than a parking lot. Years ago this is all the wife and I did but now I’ll gladly pay so the kids have something to do and safely.

mwemaxxowner
07-10-2019, 06:33 AM
I use Allstays app and make sure review is updatedI haven't heard of that app, I'll check it out!

Logan X
07-10-2019, 06:42 AM
I have 4 kids and so it is worth it to me to pay for a campground for overnight stays. Like others mentioned, it is good to let the kids run around and swim etc.

I also use the Allstays RV and Camping app. It is a good resource to find any type of camping. It is worth the money to get the version that you pay for and not just the free app.

Ranchhand
07-10-2019, 12:31 PM
The wife and I talked about staying at a Walmart but she was not real fond of the idea and I kind of agree that I would rather have the kids running around a campground then a Walmart parking lot. I don’t really want to pay 40 or 50 bucks for a one night stay either but it is a vacation for the family so if it cost a extra 50 bucks then I am not to worried about it. I did tell the wife that when it comes to the trip home that plan on doing it in one day. Probably by the time we head back I will just want to get home and will not be spending the night in between.

JRTJH
07-10-2019, 12:42 PM
I certainly agree that a WalMart parking lot is not the environment I'd want my kids or grandkids "running around to blow off steam" after being cooped up in the back seat for most of the day. For me, almost any campground would be better than turning them loose to "play in traffic"....

That said, you might do some research for community sponsored, county run campgrounds along your route. Usually they have minimal camping hookups (if any at all) but almost always are in a city park or a county park complete with play grounds and facilities for children. I'm thinking along the lines of all the "tourist park" facilities in the UP and in many LP communities. While some cost as much as private campgrounds, many are only $10 or $15 a night, close to town (shopping, dining) and have things for kids to do without playing in traffic.

sourdough
07-10-2019, 03:13 PM
I don't know about other parts of the country but throughout our part of the country literally every city has "free" RV accommodations, usually within a city park. One I used to stay at was just off a highway coming into the town - just pull in and hook up (all I'm aware of had water and electric - no charge). I'm not sure how you find out about those as I've never seen them advertised. If you had a specific spot you wanted to land you might call the chamber of commerce.

Northofu1
07-10-2019, 05:08 PM
I have issues paying that much for a one night stay too but I’d rather my kids run around a campground play area rather than a parking lot. Years ago this is all the wife and I did but now I’ll gladly pay so the kids have something to do and safely.

If I had kids with me and wanted to stop driving at 3pm, campsite is totally worth it. If I left home after work and drove for 6 or 7 hours, no kids are playing anywhere.

travelin texans
07-10-2019, 05:59 PM
We've never camped at Walmart, but my wife's cheap a## brother in law does it from East Texas to Cheyenne Wyoming every night going to the rodeo every year, funny thing is it probably cost more than a RV park time her sister goes into the store, guaranteed she'll spend $50+ every time.

LHaven
07-10-2019, 10:46 PM
Personally, I have issues paying $40 to $60 to sleep and go

Ouch, yes. You can often find much better bargains at non-commercial (state, county, etc.) parks, provided you can get there on time, score a vacancy, and skip sewer connections for one night.

notanlines
07-11-2019, 02:37 AM
Kevin, we've stayed here twice. Easy off-easy on from I-75. They have what you need.
https://www.whisperinghillsrv.com/

Hblick48
07-11-2019, 08:16 AM
We've stayed at many Walmarts during two coast to coast trips. Never had a problem, but it's just the two of us, retired. Biggest issue is watching out for traffic when exiting the rig to walk the dog. One of us always go inside to check with manager before settling in. We have a generator, solar, and inverter so we can "glamp" with satellite tv wherever we are.

pdegelow
07-14-2019, 03:22 PM
Your first 2 questions seem to have been answered. So, this is directed to your last question. I would highly recommend the Kentucky Horse Park Campground. It is a beautiful campground with nice, large sites & lots of shade. You may like it so well you'll want to stay more than one night. It has easy access from I75.

larryflew
07-18-2019, 10:21 AM
Just for info it isn't Walmart it's the city they are in that restricts overnight RVs.

The Old Fogies
07-18-2019, 10:38 AM
We have stayed at the Kentucky House Park a few times. It's close to three interstate.

LewisB
07-18-2019, 10:51 AM
I agree with all the comments associated with kids and safety. Additionally, part of the decision (roadside "glamp" vs. RV Park) needs to include the weather conditions as well as all of the hidden costs of glamping. We did this for years, staying in truck stops, rest areas, Walmarts, etc. But we also travel primarily in the SW states (Arizona, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, etc.).

At some point, I realised our 5500W generator uses 1/2 to 1 gallon of fuel an hour depending on load. So sitting in a "free" parking spot like a truck stop and running the generator for 8 hours = (say) 6 gallons of gas X $4/gallon = $24 a night + wear & tear on the equipment. It wasn't always just because it was hot; sometimes the DW wanted to run the AC just to create white noise to drown out all the truck traffic where we were parked. Sort of makes spending $30-35 a night for an RV park with electrical hookups a lot more reasonable.

Also, there is a lot to be said for the peace of mind associated with being in an RV park, knowing you are not going to get blocked in by angry truckers. Then there could be some security issues that reduce the risk of intrusion in an RV park rather than when out in the general public...

We have almost completely made the switch - our preference now seems to be to find an RV park where we can get off the road, into a more controlled environment. For these stays, we don't need the most attractive place - who cares if it is just a dirt lot - we'll be staying inside the RV for the few hours we will be parked anyway and gone at sunrise.

Just sayin'...

Local150
07-18-2019, 11:59 AM
I don't remember exact name but stayed at a nice koa near there

RAC
07-18-2019, 12:12 PM
We are in southeast Michigan and when making our trip to Florida in January, we always stay at the Mount Vernon, Renfro Valley RV Park over night. The 50 amp sites are level and plenty long enough that you won't have to unhitch. It's close to I-75 and there is food and gas at the exit.

Local150
07-18-2019, 12:16 PM
Your first 2 questions seem to have been answered. So, this is directed to your last question. I would highly recommend the Kentucky Horse Park Campground. It is a beautiful campground with nice, large sites & lots of shade. You may like it so well you'll want to stay more than one night. It has easy access from I75.
That is a nice place

GordieGaffer
07-18-2019, 12:21 PM
don't forget to check if they are open spring break can be cold and some campgrounds going south have not opened yet good luck and enjoy the ride

LV_Tom
07-18-2019, 12:48 PM
Where I live, overnighting in Cracker Barrels, Walmart Lots is not allowed. They area campgrounds have complained that they must charge and pay a a Transient Occupancy tax to the local government and WalMart doesn't. Also some jerks have dropped their Black water tanks in the parking lot leaving it covered with "Brown Fish", causing a health issue.

johnlewis
07-18-2019, 01:34 PM
Next year for spring break the wife and I are going to take the fifth wheel and are two girls that are 9 and 7 to Gatlinburg. We will be starting in southwest Michigan. According to mapquest it is about a 10 hour drive and I am guessing with two little girls it will probably turn into a 11 or 12 hour drive. Not really sure I want to do that drive in one day and show up at the campground at 8 at night. So I was thinking about finding a campground around Lexington Kentucky for a afternoon/evening.

Question 1 Do most campgrounds offer just a one night stay or will they want you to stay more then one night.

Question 2 If I get a pull through site will the sites be big enough to leave the truck hooked up for the night. (Camper is a 38 foot fifth wheel) Not a big deal if I can't it would just save a step in setting up and tearing down.

Question 3 Anyone have any recomendations for a campground around the Lexington area.

1. Most campgrounds will let you stay for 1 night. Usually it is only campgrounds in highly popular areas that require more than 1 night.
2. Check out http://www.campgroundreviews.com/. The campsite listings tell you if there are pull through sites available. The reviews for the campsite will tell you if a pull through site is long enough to stay hooked up.
3. Use campground reviews to find the best places in the area you want to stay in. We have stayed at the Kentucky Horse Park Campground north of Lexington. It is a really nice campground, but there are no pull through sites. Check other campgrounds in the vicinity using campgroundreviews.com, and you will be able to find a place to stay with pull through sites.

Have a great trip!

Hblick48
07-18-2019, 01:40 PM
I use RV Parky, Allstays, and Passport America (we are members). Passport America first because of the savings. RV Parky is the easiest to use. Not all parks show up in Allstays or RV Parky, so using both gets best results.

TJTx
07-18-2019, 03:42 PM
I agree with most of the previous posts. The DW and I always stay in a camp ground. I know some people stay in store parking lots to save money, however (at least for me), I prefer to get a sound good nights sleep and hit the road refreshed and not sleep with one eye open holding my travelers insurance (.357 Mag) next to me. The DW and I were doing some research for a trip to the Ark Encounter next year and came across Whispering Hills RV Park in Georgetown KY just outside of Lexington. Check it out.

bubbubouy
07-18-2019, 05:32 PM
As was mentioned previously, Kentucky Horse Park Campground in Lexington is large, easy to get in and out of, and safe. I don’t remember any pull through sites, you would have to inquire.

Here is the link

https://kyhorsepark.com/visit-khp/park-info-resources/khp-campground/

JRTJH
07-18-2019, 10:00 PM
I agree with most of the previous posts. The DW and I always stay in a camp ground. I know some people stay in store parking lots to save money, however (at least for me), I prefer to get a sound good nights sleep and hit the road refreshed and not sleep with one eye open holding my travelers insurance (.357 Mag) next to me. The DW and I were doing some research for a trip to the Ark Encounter next year and came across Whispering Hills RV Park in Georgetown KY just outside of Lexington. Check it out.

We stayed at Whispering Hills last fall. It is a nice park, gravel roads are a bit dusty and some of the sites on the rows closest to the pond are not level front to back. We had to extend our landing gear fully and just barely were able to get level. It's quiet, out of the way and relatively close (about 25 miles)

When you turn onto Roger's Gap Road from Cincinnati Road, you'll cross under the interstate. As you start down Roger's Gap Road, you'll wonder if you're lost or if you'll find a place to turn around. Keep the faith, the campground really is "down that narrow and winding road".....

LHaven
09-08-2019, 07:53 PM
I would highly recommend the Kentucky Horse Park Campground. It is a beautiful campground with nice, large sites & lots of shade. You may like it so well you'll want to stay more than one night. It has easy access from I75.

It surely is that. (Aside from a weird reservation system that doesn't do same-day reservations.) It's shady, and right now the weather is perfect. We're staying two days to take a day of rest from the road. The DW is considering a bourbon-tasting tour.

gearhead
09-09-2019, 03:54 AM
I would highly recommend Woodford Reserve distillery. Beautiful grounds, great tour, and an educational tasting experience.
Makers Mark is great as well.
Jim Beam has, or did have, a pretty good BBQ "stand" outside the barrel house. The CEO Fred Noe was wandering around when we there. I'm pretty sure he had a generous sample of the product before lunch.

LHaven
09-09-2019, 05:22 AM
Ha ha! Booked a Woodford tour last night, because they were the only one open Mondays!