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Camping at a NASCAR race is always a fun experience, but, if it’s your first time, it’s important to know how to plan for it. How do you reserve a camping spot, and what types of things should you plan for? Well, we have your definitive guide for planning your next NASCAR Cup Series camping trip.

• For this list, we will assume that fans already have a camper, RV, or tent figured out for the weekend. For our guide on how to potentially rent an RV at a NASCAR race, check that out here.
• We will focus on all of the things that fans have to plan for the camping trip. From reserving a spot, to what types of things fans need to prepare themselves for.
• Fans enjoy camping at a race track, and it is a tradition for many fans. It is part of what makes NASCAR so unique from many other sports.

How to Reserve a Spot

The only place fans can go to reserve camping spots is via the race tracks. Most race tracks have tabs on their websites dedicated to camping where fans can research which spot they want the best. NASCAR.com/camping has direct links to each of these track’s camping pages.

Fans can either head to individual websites or call the race tracks directly to reserve camping. Some camping spots can only be reserved by phone, and some can be reserved online. For example, Charlotte Motor Speedway allows fans to reserve at the Geico Family Campground only, but, the 600 Terrace can only be reserved over the phone. This may vary from track to track.

It’s worth noting that not every NASCAR track has much camping available. The LA Coliseum and the Chicago Street Race do not offer any camping options. Indianapolis Motor Speedway offers camping, but, it is limited and very expensive.

Factors to Consider when Reserving a Spot

Now, reserving a spot seems easy to do in and of itself, but, there are multiple factors to consider. Each of these factors may vary from track to track as well, so, be sure to research what race track you are going to for what their policies are.

Where Will the Spot Be?

Each race track has a camping map readily available to show where the camping spot will be. Fans should consult this so that they know where the spot will be. Do they prefer to camp close to the track or even in the infield, or do they want to camp a bit further away from the race track? This is important for fans to know exactly where they will be so that they can plan the timing for the weekend.

How Much Will the Spot Cost?

NASCAR Camping is unique in that fans can do it on a budget, or they can splurge if they so choose. For example, at Charlotte, the Geico Family Campground is $175 for the weekend, and the 600 Terrace is between $7000-$8000 for the weekend. This information is either readily available on the website, or that information will be given over the phone. Still, fans should know that they will have multiple pricing options for the weekend.

Spot Size

Fans should know how wide their RV or camper is along with the size of their spot. Usually, spots are about 20-25′ at NASCAR Cup Series tracks. Some RVs may require a bigger spot, and fans must consider that when reserving.

Paved, Grass, or Gravel?

Depending on the track and the landscape surrounding it, camping spots will either be paved, grass, or gravel. Again, this varies from track to track, and some tracks may have all three, two of the three, or just one. Regardless, the surface of the camping spot should be considered when fans are trying to camp at a race track.

Does the Spot Have Hookups?

Not every spot at a NASCAR track has full electric, water, and sewer hookups. If there are no electric hookups, then fans usually can bring a generator for electricity in their camper or RV, but, those generators may need to be turned off during Quiet hours depending on the campground. If the spot does not have water or swear, tracks often have numbers that fans can call to get water delivered to them or sewage pumped out.

Are There Quiet Hours?

This is especially important depending on what type of camping experience you are looking for during the weekend. If a campsite has no quiet hours, that typically means there is a lot of partying going which, may be great for some. Campsites with quiet hours are usually geared towards families and those just looking to relax during the weekend. Again, think about what kind of experience you are looking for throughout the weekend when making this decision.

Is the Spot Level?

Not every NASCAR track is built on perfectly manicured, flat ground. Some tracks are carved into the mountains, which means the surrounding landscape can be quite hilly. If you don’t want the hassle of leveling a camper before the weekend starts, then make sure the spot is level. This is often something that requires asking someone at the track or over the phone.

Water Delivery and Pumping

Some race tracks have numbers that fans can call to either deliver or pump water. This is important throughout the weekend if fans need to use their camper’s bathroom throughout the weekend. This information is usually readily available on the track website.

First Come/First Serve, or Reserved?

Some campgrounds have fans reserving a specific spot for the race weekend. Others are first come/first serve. This can affect when fans want to get to the track because they may need to get there early to get the prime spots.

Towing and Car Parking

Fans should contact their race track for what to do about towing and car parking. Some spots may be big enough to fit their cars in, but, that may not be true for all of them. Fans may need to look for other places to park their car in that instance, and that includes towing should that unfortunate situation arise. Usually, the tracks have numbers to call similar to water delivery.

Extra Expenses to Consider

When planning for a NASCAR camping trip, it’s important to know what extra financial expenses fans must consider. These expenses may result from some of the decisions that fans make regarding their spot. This does not include normal travel expenses.

Gas/Generator

If a spot does not have electric hookups, fans should consider buying a generator and maybe gas for that generator. These can often be found at a local Walmart or a local camping store. Fans may need to buy one either leading up to or just after getting to the track during a given weekend.

Groceries

For fans who do not want to eat food sold at the race track, they should factor in buying groceries for the weekend. This can include all of the basic things found on a typical grocery list, and fans should plan ahead about either buying this ahead of time or the weekend of.

Race Tickets

Buying a camping spot does NOT always guarantee admission into the race track for the weekend. Some fans are okay with watching the race on a TV from their campground, but, fans who want to see it live and in person, may need to buy a grandstand ticket. This is true for any camping spot that does not have a direct view of the race track.

These are all of the factors that fans need to consider when camping at the race track. For first-timers, these are all questions they should find answers to before camping.