Riverbend Campground Newbie--a few ?s

[christiem]

New to Riverbend Campground
  I have been to 2011 FF and loved it.  Camped on site, but my BF is a light sleeper, so we thought Riverbend might be a little quieter than on site.  a few questions about camping:
1.  Can people camp at Riverbend before the gates open on Thursday?  Trying to determine if there will be some good spots available at, say, 9-10 am on Thursday, or if it’s worth just getting there really early.
2.  Do you drive to the spot you want to camp in or do you park and run like it’s a land grab?  I’ve read a few posts about the main campground, but I’m unclear about Riverbend. 
3.  The guy I talked to on the phone at PBG said there is a family area in the campground that prob stays a little quieter than some of the other areas of the campground.  Are there other designated areas and are they marked?
4.  Are there showers and flush toilets at Riverbend or is it a matter of walking across the street and showering, etc.  on site? 
5.  I accidentally bought 2 parking passes thinking they were camping passes.  I have one extra to sell.  Doesn’t seem like anyone on forum is interested.  Any advice for trying to sell when we arrive on Thursday? 
Thank you all for your advice and for giving the FF the great vibe that it most certainly deserves! 
 

 Listening to: the voices in my head

[kernstb]

Hey Christie-

We aren't camping in Riverbend for Folks, but have the last two years for Rockygrass.  Riverbend is fantastic - lots of River access, quiet, and beautiful.  You'll love it.  Answers, as best I can provide:

1. Planet Bluegrass doesn't take over from the landowner until Thursday morning, so no early access.  However, the owner is REALLY nice, so a peek may be alright.
2. PB did a great job with the line and entry this year.  For Rockygrass (way more campers) we started lining up towards the entrance at around 7 AM, then they moved us closer to the campground.  When it was time to go in, they let the line in in order, but it's still a foot race and land grab.  Keep in mind that there is a lower shelf of land next to the river that you can't camp in, so just watch for the painted lines.  If you don't care about where you camp, arriving at 9 should be fine.  Should be tons of real estate.
3.The family area is further to the west.  Earlier quiet hours.  But in general, Riverbend as a whole is pretty quiet.  there may be some late night jams by the fire pit, but that's it.
4.Should be a shower trailer there, but no flush toilets, just porto-johns.
5.When you get there, ask the volunteers at the front table of the campground if you can post a note on your extra parking.  Should sell before the day is out.

You'll have a great time.  Enjoy!

Kurt

[jado]

Thanks for this!  I've been wondering these same things.

[christiem]

Kurt,
Thanks so much for all of the info you included--very helpful! I'm that much more excited now.