| I truly believe the best way to experience NASCAR | | | | Many of my friends ask me why I camp if it's more |
| is camping at the race track. There is something | | | | expensive. For me, there are two options: 1) spend |
| about the atmosphere created at the campground | | | | a substantial amount of money to see a race; or 2) |
| that makes the race experience much more | | | | spend a little more and turn a NASCAR race into an |
| exciting. It's often one very long tailgate party. | | | | action-packed vacation that is simply fun, fun, fun! I |
| You can't create the same "tailgate" atmosphere | | | | like to maximize my entertainment value for the |
| staying in a hotel located 45 to 90 minutes from the | | | | money invested and for this reason I always chose |
| track. | | | | the RV camping route. |
| However, most people I talk to are shocked to learn | | | | In other words, why not spend a few dollars more |
| that a NASCAR RV camping package is more | | | | and turn a NASCAR race into a week long NASCAR |
| expensive then staying at a hotel (excluding meals). | | | | vacation. Tailgating for an entire week with 1,000s |
| I will outline why this is the case. | | | | of other NASCAR fans is simply the best. It beats |
| Not all, but most RV dealers charge a premium for | | | | all other sporting events including football (College and |
| NASCAR races and other sporting events, and | | | | the NFL). |
| require a minimum rental period ranging from 4 to 7 | | | | Camping is guaranteed to turn what is "going to a |
| nights. A luxury motorhome can cost upwards of | | | | race", into a week long, action-packed NASCAR race |
| $700 per night and your standard Class C | | | | experience. If you're not at the track, you're playing |
| motorhome can cost about $400. RVs can be 3 to | | | | redneck games (e.g., hillbilly golf, corn-hole [what |
| 5 times more expensive than most hotel rooms. | | | | Canadians called bean bag toss], touring the |
| Now let's get into the "hidden" costs. There is the | | | | campground, going to tailgate parties and |
| cost of fuel, mileage, propane usage, generator | | | | experiencing some of the best culture in the world; |
| usage, pump outs, and the campsite. Campsites can | | | | and that is the "redneck" culture. |
| run anywhere from $200 to $400 depending on the | | | | One of the greatest barriers to RV camping is |
| facilities offered and hook-ups (e.g., water, sewage | | | | experience. There is a lot to learn and this is why I |
| and electricity). | | | | think a lot of fans stay at a hotel. As a novice RV |
| If you are flying to the race or a novice camper, | | | | camper I found an easier way. Pay a little extra and |
| there are other expenses that you may incur such as | | | | book through a tour company that offers a NASCAR |
| bedding sets, kitchen sets and personal care | | | | camping package. They will provide you with a |
| packages (e.g., towels, etc.). In most cases these | | | | worry-free and no hassle approach to experience all |
| are all additional charges which can range anywhere | | | | that NASCAR has to offer. You can also get "all |
| from $50 to $100 per person. | | | | inclusive" packages where meals are prepared for |
| The apparent cost differential is reduced when you | | | | you. They have on-site staff to ensure your |
| compare apples to apples. Most hotel packages are | | | | camping experience is pleasurable and importantly |
| based on a two night stay whereas RV packages | | | | maintain the RV for you. |
| are based on a 4 night minimum. Then add in the | | | | If you are thinking about a NASCAR vacation, |
| amount of money you'll spend on meals and beer or | | | | explore all your options. Trust me; camping is the |
| other alcoholic beverages at restaurants and at the | | | | better way to go. It's the ultimate NASCAR |
| track. This could be $60 per day, if not more. If | | | | experience and with Tour Companies offering a |
| you are camping, you can prepare meals at the | | | | NASCAR camping, it's the only way to go if you |
| campsite. This is where the savings add up. | | | | don't own an RV. You may think it may cost a little |
| When it is all said and done, the RV camping might | | | | more, but when you factor in the cost of meals, |
| cost a few dollars more, but when you compare the | | | | camping can end up being cheaper and it's so much |
| benefits of staying at the track versus a hotel | | | | better. You can also go a less expensive route by |
| THERE IS NO COMPARISON. Camping wins hands | | | | camping in a trailer or Class C motorhome, but the |
| down. | | | | Class A motorhomes is beautiful. |