Are you looking for an exciting and unique way to experience a weekend at the racetrack? RV camping at NASCAR tracks perfectly combines tailgating and camping, putting you in the middle of the action as you enjoy all of NASCAR's festivities. When you combine the various NASCAR race tracks across the country, you will find close to 100,000 camping sites, yet many are unaware of this tradition or how to take advantage of it!
From fishing in Lake Lloyd at Daytona International Speedway or Saturday night fireworks at Dover International Speedway to morning yoga at Michigan International Speedway or a Pedal Party bike ride around the track at Phoenix Raceway, each track offers its own experiences to campers.
10 Reasons to Adore NASCAR RV Camping
Saving money on expenses and sharing the experience of a lifetime with your friends and family are only a few reasons to love NASCAR RV camping. Let's dive into some of the details of what you can look forward to.
1. Affordable Sites
One of the most significant advantages of NASCAR RV camping is that it is an affordable way to cover your lodging for the race weekend. The prices can vary depending on the track and where you stay on the property, but generally, you will find camping at a NASCAR track to be a very affordable option when compared to other lodging.
For instance, rates can vary based on whether your campsite is inside the track, also known as the infield, or in a camping area outside the track. Some tracks also further divide by having tiered plots with different price points. Site prices can vary based on size, whether they are considered premium locations, whether they are on dirt, grass, or pavement, and whether they offer electricity access.
2. Save on Food/Drink
When camping at a NASCAR race, you can bring your own food, stock your RV fridge and coolers with your favorite beverages, and save money on expensive concession prices. Depending on the campsite, you can hook up to electricity to cook your meals on your RV's stove. Some camps may also offer campfire rings or grills.
Tracks such as Circuit of the Americas and Phoenix Raceway offer a general store on-site in case you forget any essentials. Some others, including Homestead-Miami Speedway and Martinsville Speedway, offer food delivery options for their camping guests.
One tradition at NASCAR RV sites is to share meals with fellow campers tailgate style, so be prepared to bring extra food for certain meals and be willing to share! You will most likely be invited to partake in others' meals throughout the weekend.
3. No Insane Hotel Prices
If you've ever been to a NASCAR race, you know how expensive hotel rooms can be, especially those within convenient driving distance of the track. Local hotel rooms are often overpriced and fully booked during race weekends, making it difficult to find lodging unless you plan well in advance.
With NASCAR RV camping, you can park your RV at the track and have a comfortable place to stay all weekend. Many of the current NASCAR tracks offer modern amenities such as Wi-Fi, showers, security, entertainment, and electrical hookups, so you can be assured that you will be comfortable and taken care of.
4. Take Your Pups Along
Though pet policies vary depending on the track, many NASCAR RV camping areas are pet-friendly and allow you to bring your furry friend along. Some tracks, such as Atlanta Motor Speedway and the Circuit of Americas, offer a dog park on-site. At others, you will find dog-friendly campsites so the pet owners can be near each other. This way, your dog can join in the fun of making new friends and get plenty of attention and exercise during race week.
5. Avoid the Worst Traffic
Race day traffic can be intense. One benefit of camping at the track is not having to deal with the worst of it. You can wake up early, avoid the traffic, and have a more relaxed start to your race day. Some tracks even offer extended stay options, with the ability to arrive for load-in before the weekend begins, with some offering load-in as early as Monday or Tuesday of race week.
6. Make New Friends
The NASCAR fanbase is passionate, and NASCAR RV camping is an excellent way to meet other fans, make new friends, and share your love for the sport. Like-minded individuals who share your passion for racing will surround you, and there are plenty of communal areas and opportunities to socialize. Some tracks even offer special events for campers, such as concerts, pavilion meet-ups, volleyball games, and other organized activities that encourage mingling with your fellow NASCAR campers.
7. Party Vibes vs. Family Atmosphere
Are you meeting some buddies for a party weekend, or are you bringing the kids along and hoping for a family-friendly environment? Fortunately, NASCAR RV camping has something for everyone. Some campsites are geared more towards partying, while others offer a more family-oriented experience.
For example, family-friendly campgrounds may have extended quiet hours, scheduled family and kid-friendly activities, and playgrounds available. Some tracks, such as Watkins Glen International, offer kid zones with a full slate of events, including a family movie night. Check the booking site for the track where you are staying to see the options.
8. Walk to the Races
When RV camping, you won't have to worry about finding parking and can enjoy a stroll to your spot to watch the race. Some camping areas, typically those inside the track, offer a view of the race from your RV, so you won't even have to leave your campsite to enjoy the action. If your campsite is farther out, some tracks offer tram or shuttle rides throughout the day.
9. Meet Your Favorite Drivers
Attending a NASCAR race can be an exciting and memorable experience for fans, especially because of the opportunity to interact with their favorite drivers. Some drivers choose to stay in the same camping areas as fans, so there is a possibility of meeting them while camping. It's not uncommon for drivers to interact with fans in the camping areas, signing autographs and taking photos.
In addition to meeting drivers at the camping areas, fans may also attend autograph sessions or meet-and-greets that some tracks offer during race weekends. During these events, fans can get up close and personal with their favorite drivers. It's important to note that these events are typically well-organized and require fans to follow specific guidelines to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
10. Make It a Road Trip
If you're planning on RV camping at a NASCAR event, why not turn it into a road trip and make some stops along the way? Adding one or two destinations to your itinerary can help break up the drive. Depending on where you're starting from and where you're heading, there are a number of different options for road trip destinations.
For example, if you're traveling to a NASCAR race in the Northeast, you could make a stop in Washington, D.C., to see the historic landmarks and monuments. If you're traveling through the Midwest, you could visit the Windy City of Chicago or explore the natural wonders of the Badlands or the Black Hills in South Dakota. And if you're heading to a race in the West, you could stop at the Grand Canyon, the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, or the iconic Las Vegas Strip.
You can turn your NASCAR trip into a true adventure by taking your time and seeing some sights along the way. And with an RV, you'll have all the comforts of home, no matter where your travels take you.
NASCAR RV Camping Tips
Now that we've talked about all the wonderful reasons to give NASCAR camping a try, let's go over a couple of tips to make your trip as smooth as possible.
Book in Advance
NASCAR RV camping spots can fill up quickly, so booking your site in advance is best, especially if you have your heart set on a particular location or specific accommodation, such as a track view or electrical hookups. Some tracks offer reservations online or by phone, so consider booking as soon as you know you are attending a race. Keep in mind that many tracks require a separate ticket for the race, so be sure to check that you have both admissions to the race and a campsite reserved.
Kids Could Be Free
Some tracks offer free or discounted admission for children under a certain age, including for RV camping. Be sure to check the track's website or call to find out if they have any promotions or discounts for children.
NASCAR RV Camping With Cruise America
From saving money on lodging and food to making new friends and meeting your favorite drivers, NASCAR RV camping has something for everyone. If you're interested in NASCAR RV camping but need an RV, Cruise America can help.
Cruise America is an RV rental company that offers a variety of RVs for rent, perfect for NASCAR RV camping. Cruise America RVs are easy to drive, and depending on your needs, you can rent an RV for a weekend, a week, or even longer. Start planning your NASCAR RV camping trip today and prepare for an unforgettable race weekend.
