Nascar Camping
When traveling to a NASCAR race, one of the main desicions you will most likely make is lodging. There are a couple of options when staying at the track. Camping is the best way to experience a NASCAR event in my opinion.
If you have information about any track or NASCAR camping you've stayed at. Others race fans would enjoy hearing about it, please let us know!
Be sure to check out our NASCAR Camping Forum and tell us about your race experiences!
Were gathering information everyday - so check back for the latest NASCAR camping information added!
Nascar Camping Information
Traveling to a NASCAR race is a fan's dream come true. Proper planning will make sure that your vacation goes off without any snags and you have the best possible time at the track. I believe there are three main factors when planning your trip. NASCAR Legal Coolers are always something to keep in mind from track to track. NASCAR tracks (including Martinsville) now have a carry-in policy which states that each person may bring in "one soft side bag/cooler, no larger than 6 x 6 x 12 inches."
Three Things To Keep In Mind
- Tickets - Can you get in the race?
- Traveling - How are you going to get there?
- Lodging - Hotels - Nascar Camping etc.
NASCAR Camping Nice To Haves
- Favorite Recipes Courtesy of Michigan International Speedway
- CampingWorld.com Race Day Equipment
- NASCAR Race Checklist - Download Printable PDF
Start planning your NASCAR trip as soon as possible. NASCAR races tend to sell out, so planning ahead ensures you the best seats or a seat at all. Check on our Nascar Camping discussion forums to see about camping at any specific track. To make sure you get the best of the best, book things early. Look online and find upcoming events in and around the track you're traveling to. Look into everything the track and local area has to offer.
With NASCAR pretty much coast to coast, you should have a good selection of locations to choose from. Traveling distance and lodging should play a part in this decision, unless you're a die hard fan making it out to a special track. From Florida to California, a NASCAR event is probably closer than you may think.
Atlanta Motor Speedway hosts to NASCAR Srpint Cup Series events each year. The track is located about 30 miles south of Atlanta off of I75. Nash Battlefield is one of the view Civil War Battlefields in the country that remains intact. The region also has a strong culture grip – with many museums and performances through out the year.
Bristol Motor Speedway is one of the smaller tracks in the series, but it does not lack for excitement. It only takes the cars about 15 seconds to go completely around the track. The only problem with this track is that tickets sell out years in advance. While you are in the area, be sure to visit Paramount Center for the Arts. It was built in 1931 and recently restored to its original splendor. Bristol Caves is a great underground adventure that the whole family will enjoy.
Darlington, South Carolina is one of the toughest tracks on the series route. It is also one of NASCAR’s oldest tracks. When you come to Darlington for a race, be sure to check out all of the historical building through out the city.
Daytona International Speedway is probably the best known track in all of NASCAR – mostly because of the famous beach nearby. The races in Daytona are as much about the destination as they are the track. Plan on staying for more than the weekend. Not only do you need to take time to visit the amazing beaches in the area, but you also have several science and cultural museums where you can spend your day. Lets not forget Disney and all the theme parks Orlando has to offer. Orlando Trip Planning Site
Now that we know what track/race we're attending, its time to figure out how we're going to get there. Flying or driving is most likely going to be your options so decide on what's best for you. If you're camping then you are most likely driving. You'll also want to check air fares as soon as possible if you do plan on flying. However, I wouldn't book my flight until my lodging and ticket was taken care of. NASCAR races tend to fill up whichever city they're in, so be sure to book your accommodations as soon as possible.
Now that you know where you're headed and how your getting there, its time to make a list. This is important for lots of reasons. Food, drinks, chairs, clothes, firewood, bag, camera, etc. Nothing is worse than being at the track and forgetting something or being uncomfortable due to lack of planning. Even if you're staying in a hotel, its still a good idea to make a list and pack smart.
You should also buy all of your supplies (food and drinks) before you leave. If you are traveling in a large car or a motor home then you should have no problem. Buying all needed supplies before you leave for your NASCAR trip gives you the opportunity to stock up on everything while its on sale. Shopping locally near the track is not smart, and typically you'll run into higher prices and fewer selections.
If you are camping or just hanging out around the track, you will most likely meet other race fans. This is part of the fun of getting off the couch and going to a NASCAR race. Be sure to bring a camera with you. A NASCAR race is an awesome experience, one that you will want to remember and share. Please send us any photos of you at the track, tailgating, funny, whatever, we want to see them!
by: William Perry
Going to a NASCAR race is a great experience itself, going to a NASCAR race and camping is a whole different experience. NASCAR Camping with others who are there for the same reason as you is probably one of the coolest parts when traveling to a race track. You are generally surrounded by great people who are just as passionate as you when it comes to the track.
However there are some key things you'll want to look into before unloading all that NASCAR camping gear.
I've been fortunate to camp at Indianapolis, Bristol Motor Speedway, and Daytona. All completely different experiences, and yet the same. Each track including the three I mentioned usually offer more than one option of camping or I should say specific campgrounds. Some will get loud and the party won't quit until the sun comes up. Some are more laid back and easy going. Depending on the type of fan you are should determine which one you'll end up staying in. You'd hate to end up in the rowdy side of the track with expectations of kicking back and relaxing.
Some tracks offer pit road or infield camping and I believe this to be one of the best ways to vacation at a NASCAR race. Being able to park your RV or unload your camping gear inside the track is one way to surely help you have a better experience at the track. Imagine being able to stand up on your custom RV platform or kick back in your soft and cozy chair and catch all the action from the track. Fans can get pretty creative and elaborate with there creations. Make sure to keep an eye out for these creations, and they don't stop at the RV's but down to the wagons full of beer with a racing wing attached. I've seen some pretty wild and creative things from fans, its one of my favorite parts of going to a race.
Tent camping is a great way to also experience the race. Be sure to make a list of all the things you might want and need when camping at the track. Also be sure to pack plenty of food for extra visitors. One of the best parts of camping is meeting new people. More than likely you'll end up in conversation with other race fans and its always nice to invite them over for a burger on the grill or a beer.
If you have any tips or suggestions for race fans when camping at the track, please share with others. We are all fans of this great American sport and its the fans that truly make the experience.
Thanks and have a great race!
by: William Perry
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THIS SAT! Sept 5th
