You’ve seen it from the highway. That massive stretch of gravel and asphalt tucked right next to the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Honestly, if you aren't a race fan, you might just see a sea of white roofs and wonder why anyone would want to vacation in a parking lot. But for the people who actually pull their rigs into the Camping World Racing Resort, it’s basically the center of the universe for a few days. It is loud. It is dusty. And it is arguably the most efficient way to experience North Carolina’s racing culture without losing your mind in traffic.
Most people get this place wrong. They think it's just a place to park.
It isn't.
The Reality of Staying at Camping World Racing Resort
Located in Concord, North Carolina, right on the grounds of the "Beast of the Southeast," this isn't your typical state park experience with pine needles and quiet brooks. You are trading the sound of crickets for the scream of engines. The resort sits adjacent to the backstretch of the 1.5-mile quad-oval, and the proximity is the whole point. It’s managed directly by the speedway, which means the logistics are surprisingly tight for a place that hosts thousands of people at once.
The layout is huge. We’re talking over 400 sites.
Most of these are full hook-up spots, which—if you’ve ever tried to dry-camp at a festival—you know is a massive luxury. You get 30/50-amp power, water, and sewer. That last part is key. Nobody wants to be the person hunting for a honey wagon at 7:00 AM while the pre-race ceremonies are starting. The sites are mostly gravel, leveled well enough that you won't be sleeping at a 10-degree angle, and they’re long enough to fit a 45-foot Class A plus a tow vehicle.
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Why Location Trumps "Luxury" Every Time
If you look at Yelp or TripAdvisor, you’ll see people complaining about the lack of shade. Okay, fair. It’s a field. But those people are missing the forest for the trees. You stay at the Camping World Racing Resort for one reason: you can walk to the grandstands.
Think about the nightmare of a post-race exit at Charlotte. It can take three hours just to get out of the grass lots. If you’re staying at the resort, you just walk back to your camper, crack a cold drink, and watch the gridlock from your lawn chair. It’s a power move. Plus, you’re literally steps away from the zMAX Dragway and the Dirt Track. Depending on the weekend, you might have NHRA Four-Wide Nationals on one side and the World of Outlaws on the other.
It’s sensory overload in the best way possible.
Not Just for the Cup Series
While the Coca-Cola 600 in May and the Bank of America ROVAL 400 in October are the big draws, the resort stays busy year-round. You’ve got the Pennzoil AutoFair, which turns the entire infield and surrounding lots into a massive car show and flea market. Then there’s the Speedway Christmas light show. During the holidays, the campground is actually a pretty chill spot to base yourself for a Charlotte trip, assuming you don't mind the lack of privacy between sites.
The "resort" part of the name might be a bit of a stretch if you’re expecting a 5-star spa. There is a large pavilion, some picnic tables, and a bathhouse that stays remarkably clean considering the sheer volume of humanity passing through. They have Wi-Fi, but let’s be real: when 50,000 people show up for a race, the local towers get crushed. Don't plan on streaming Netflix in 4K on race day.
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The Logistics Nobody Tells You
Booking a spot here during a race weekend is like trying to get front-row tickets to a Taylor Swift concert. You have to plan months, sometimes a year, in advance.
- The Premium Premium: Sites near the track fence are the first to go. They’re noisier, sure, but the view is unbeatable.
- The "Inner" Circle: If you can’t get into the main Racing Resort, there are overflow areas, but they lack the full hook-ups. Check your reservation twice.
- The Noise Factor: This isn't just about race cars. It’s about generators and late-night parties. Most fans are respectful, but it’s a high-energy environment. If you’re a light sleeper, bring the heavy-duty earplugs.
The staff here are seasoned pros. They deal with thousands of RVs every season, and they have the check-in process down to a science. Usually, they'll have "ambassadors" on golf carts buzzing around to help you find your slot. It feels less like a corporate campground and more like a very organized neighborhood.
Beyond the Pavement: What’s Nearby?
One of the best perks of the Camping World Racing Resort is that you aren't stuck in the middle of nowhere. Concord Mills mall is just down the street. If you forgot a spare part for the RV or just need a break from track food, you have every chain restaurant and big-box store imaginable within a five-minute drive.
More importantly, you’re in the heart of NASCAR country. You can take a 20-minute drive to Mooresville (Race City USA) and tour shops like Team Penske or JR Motorsports. The NASCAR Hall of Fame is a straight shot down I-85 into Uptown Charlotte. You aren't just camping at a track; you’re staying in the lobby of the entire industry.
The Elephant in the Room: The Price
Is it expensive? Compared to a KOA in the mountains, yeah. During a major race weekend, you’re going to pay a premium. But you have to calculate the "hassle tax." When you factor in the cost of parking passes for multiple days, the gas spent idling in traffic, and the sheer mental exhaustion of navigating race-day crowds, the price of a site at the resort starts to look like a bargain.
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For a non-race weekend, the rates drop significantly. It actually becomes one of the more affordable ways to stay near Charlotte with a full-sized rig.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
If you’re actually going to pull the trigger on a trip to the Camping World Racing Resort, don't just wing it.
- Check the Event Schedule: Don't just look at the Cup race. Check the Dirt Track schedule. If there’s a late-night sprint car race, you’re going to hear it until 11:00 PM.
- Bring a Rug: The gravel is clean but it tracks everywhere. A large outdoor mat will save your RV's interior.
- Bikes or Scooters: The property is massive. Walking from the resort to the fan zone is doable, but having a bicycle makes it a five-minute breeze instead of a twenty-minute hike in the humidity.
- Water Pressure: It can be variable. Always use a pressure regulator on your city water inlet to protect your plumbing.
- The "Secret" Exit: Ask the staff about the best way to get back to the highway on Monday morning. They usually have a specific flow that avoids the worst of the remaining traffic.
This place is built for a specific kind of person. It's for the traveler who wants to be in the thick of it. It’s for the family that wants to grill burgers while the sounds of practice laps echo off the grandstands. It isn't a nature retreat; it’s a high-octane community. If you go in with that mindset, it’s one of the best camping experiences in the country.
Next Steps for Your Trip
Start by checking the Charlotte Motor Speedway official website for their specific camping calendar. Availability fluctuates daily as people cancel or move dates. If you’re aiming for a major race like the 600, call the ticket office directly rather than just relying on the online portal; sometimes they have "hold-back" sites or can put you on a verified waitlist. Once you have your site, map out your route to avoid the Bruton Smith Blvd congestion—taking the George W. Liles Pkwy exit is often a much smoother way to enter the resort area than the main mall exit. Finally, make sure your propane tanks are topped off before you arrive; while there are mobile services, they charge a premium once the gates are packed.