Known as America's favorite short track, the Richmond International Raceway attracts nearly 100,000 people to the most popular races, including two NASCAR doubleheaders every year. There is plenty of camping on and near the track. Be prepared to camp in your RV without hookups and be self-contained for the weekend. Camping at racing events has developed a following over the past decade, and is a great way to submerse yourself in this culture and meet many people who enjoy like-minded activities.
The Blue Ox
The Meadowbridge Park, located at Parking Lot J, off Meadowbridge Road, is a unreserved camping area managed by Blue Ox. Motor homes, RVs and other oversized vehicles can park overnight here on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no hookups or showers available at MeadowBridge Park. There are portable restrooms on-site.
Private RV Lots
CAB Properties owns three RV lots within a half mile of Gates 30, 40, 70 and 80. There are no RV hookups; however, water is available on-site and sewer service is available upon request for an additional fee. The Carolina and Walnut parking areas are grass lots and the Carolina A lot is an asphalt lot with easy parking. Reservations can be made on the CAB Properties website.
RV Parks Further Away
The RV parks further away from the Richmond International Raceway offer campers amenities a step above the RV lots nearer the track. Kosmo Village is 10 miles north of the track with full-hookup campsites, including pull-through sites. There are no public restrooms available at Kosmo Village, nor can you set up a tent. The Rockahock RV Park is 30 minutes from the track, sitting on the Chickahominy River in Lanexa. The Rockahock has full hookup sites with pull-through parking available, a swimming pool and a fishing pier.
Culture and Museums
If you want to get away from the crowds at the track or spend an extra day in Richmond, check out the Museum of Edgar Allen Poe. It has memorabilia, writings, first editions and other belongings of Poe on display in the 19th century home where he lived and worked. Closer to the racetrack is the Virginia Aviation Museum, where 37 historic aircraft are on display. There are kid-friendly areas within the museum, including a flight simulator, and a 65-seat theater that shows a variety of features on the science of flying and aviation.
Healthy Eats
If you have had enough of the food from the track and are looking for something a little healthier, drive into Richmond and try Strawberry Street for a healthy seasonal bite, like their stuffed Hanover tomato or a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich with tomato on wheat bread. For a more elegant dining experience, check out the Boathouse at Rockett's Landing. Here, you can dress casually while dining in view of the James River. Try the pan-seared rockfish and the wild mushroom and asparagus risotto.
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