Camping at Watkins Glen for NASCAR race?

[VaSteve]

A few years ago we went to the Glen and watched the races. Stayed at an expensive B&B several miles away. I'm thinking, on an impulse, of heading up there this year to watch with my 9 year old I recall people camped all over the lawns and such in the houses nearby. It looked chaotic but looked like some places were just pay the house and stay there.

It would be me and my son...so no really partying or bus burning. I know they have showers inside the grounds but I assume that's for people staying on property.

Anyone have any experience in this?

[matt f]

If you are taking your son and want to stay on the grounds, may I suggest going to the "Historic" races. Stay above the straight between turns 7 and 8 (toe and heel of the boot.) New restrooms and showers. Friendly, open access to the garages and drivers, crews. Can see cars coming out of the carousel into the laces, up through the toe, around turn 8 and into turn 9.

The Nascar race is crowded and loud at night. They also don't drive the boot.

Staying off track means you deal with getting into and out of the track and parking every day.
Staying in someone's yard has obvious hygiene concerns.

If you can get a room, the Seneca Lodge and Falls Hotel are close, within 2-3 miles and both have restaurants. neither is a 5 star resort, but adequate. The Seneca is rich in racing history and where all former winners would go to celebrate.

Overall, IMO the Historics or the Zippo is less expensive and a better experience.

No more burning buses, the "Bog" is now a concession area.

Heading there today for a 2 day advanced DE. Love the place!

Matt

[VaSteve]

There's spots at the KOA for $49/night and they have a pool and bathroom. Might do that.

I can certainly come back for another race. I know NASCAR weekend is a zoo, did it in 2010.

This is kind of impulsive and somewhat of a recon mission for future events. Son likes camping....I'm "meh" about it.

[FLYGEEZER]

I'm with matt f . Turn 7 & 8 excellent !

[white85carrera]

+1 on the vintage race experience, plus a completely different crowd. If you are set on the NASCAR event, I suspect camping onsite eliminates a few logistical issues while providing many educational moments for your son. Camping there is much better facility-wise than it used to be, for sure.

Like Matt, I am heading to the Glen this afternoon for the Niagara event. I'm lucky to live within 2 hrs.

[dennis in se pa]

Yes, the NASCAR crowd is "different" from the one you will find at the vintage race weekend. BUT they are no longer allowed to even have a freakin radio on after 10PM. Certainly not the same wild place it was back in the 70's - those were the days. So glad I got to experience that.

[Skytrooper]

When my kids were young we would stay at the KOA. The pool makes it nice after a hot day at the track.

[mattdavis11]

Never been to the Glen, but have twice camped out for Nascar racing at the Texas
Motor Speedway. Both times were in the infield. The first we had a motor home, but no water so we showered with the all the other campers at the track facilities. Not really camping I guess. The second time we slept in the back of a truck, which was more or less a party all night, pass out and start a new day with a beer. That was fun. I recall waking up Sunday morning to someone yelling at his buddy to help him carry the cooler. I recognized the voice, sat up and told the guy I'd help him lighten it. It was a friend of mine, but neither of us had any idea that we'd be partying together at the track that day.

Good times.

I can't imagine camping outside the track. Set up camp, go inside the track and hope your stuff is still there after the race? Not my idea of fun.

[VaSteve]

Originally Posted by mattdavis11

I can't imagine camping outside the track. Set up camp, go inside the track and hope your stuff is still there after the race? Not my idea of fun.

How's that any different than camping in the infield? Or did you watch from your campsite?

I'll be with a 9 year old so not terribly worried about leaving to party. The KOA is a couple miles away, IIRC and last time I was at the glen parking was free....need to check that again.

[mattdavis11]

Both times we had an infield wall spot.

[Skytrooper]

There is a back road that is about 2 miles long that will put you on the road just below gate 2, if you stay at the KOA. I have never paid for parking at WGI, I guess it is part of the ticket price. The Glen also has family camping areas in the infield. They are supposed to be a little tighter on the rules in those areas.

[p911dad]

A few years ago, my brother and I camped at one of the 6 hours with his RV on the Pit Road with some of our boys. Maybe the best spot of all. Woke up to racing engines starting! Another year we stayed in the Bog for the NASCAR, woke up to a sea of Budweiser cans glinting in the early morning sun, and the recycling guys filling bags of 5c deposits. Ah, memories!