Camping and NASCAR racing go hand in hand. If you are a race fan planning a vacation around a weekend event, choosing to camp works well as a cost-saving option when compared with hotels or condo rentals. Built in 1964, Phoenix International Raceway is one of NASCAR's most popular venues thanks in part to Arizona's suitable year-round climate since NASCAR racing began there in 1988. Spend a weekend camping with other racing fans and tailgating the whole weekend along Vineyard Road.
Camping Facilities and Fees
Reserved weekend camping is available on-site with sites measuring an average of 20 feet by 40 feet. There is a limit of one tow vehicle per site, and the cost to camp over race weekends in 2010 was $150 in this reserved camping area. Unreserved camping is available next door at Estrella County Park, with sites measuring an average of 20 feet by 40 feet. In 2010, a weekend of unreserved camping cost $60 per motorized vehicle per week, and you should arrive with the parties you wish to camp next to since no reservations are allowed. Showers, restrooms and grocery store are located in the reserved camping area for both reserved and unreserved camping areas.
Amenities for Campers
Phoenix International Raceway makes sure you don't have to worry about having to rough it when camping on the track site with your RV. Amenities for RV campers are many and convenient, such as worship services held Sunday morning in the Arizona Raceways Ministries tent and a full-service, on-site Bashas' grocery store open throughout each full racing week. Bashas' also provides complimentary hot showers on-site for fans camping at the track, and trash pickup is provided daily throughout the camping areas. If you need water, propane refill or RV waste servicing while camping, these are available for an additional fee.
Camping Check-in/Checkout on Race Weekends
Both camping areas open at 8 a.m. the Monday before a race weekend and close the day after the last race weekend event is completed. This usually puts closing at noon on the Monday after a race weekend, but the areas will accommodate race delays and postponements. If you are traveling with drivers or wish to camp infield there is infield camping available for $95 in addition to the reserved camping fee, and campers are allowed in at 8 a.m. the Thursday of race week. Only self-contained vehicles are allowed to camp on the infield.
Motorhome Vista
Motorhome Vista is a camping area for your motor home that offers an exclusive full view of the Phoenix International Raceway. These 20-foot-by-40-foot sites offer 50-amp hookups, water and sewer service, and allow one motor home unit as well as one tow vehicle and the best race viewing at the track. This area opens Wednesday at 8 a.m. of race week and cost $3,000 plus admissions per site to reserve in 2010.
Nearby RV Camping
If you have a chance to attend an event at Phoenix International Raceway at the last minute and find the on-site camping areas full, check out one of the off-site private RV parks within five miles of the track. Parks such as Destiny RV Resort offer full hookups, weekly rates, Wi-Fi service and heated pool all within easy driving or taxi distance of the racetrack. Destiny RV Resort is known for being pet-friendly, and its grounds are covered with citrus trees, from which guests are invited to pick when abundant with fruit. As of 2010, daily camping rates for full service RV sites at Destiny RV Resort ranged from $23 to $29.
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