The camping was excellent. The setup was perfect. Everyone had a good time. The food was amazing. The weather was beautiful. And now, it’s time for the aftermath. What did we miss? What else can we improve on? Is there anything else we can do to make it even better?
These are all important questions, and if you’re camping at Heartland Motor Speedway, then you need to be asking them. As we’ve established, it was a great event. But it’s not perfect. And we want to make sure that you have a great time again, and that you leave with all of the important questions answered.
So let’s dive into it. After all, you’re the best judge of your own camp experience. And with your feedback, we’ll be able to craft a perfect camping trip for you, any time that you want one.
What Type Of Camping Can I Expect?
Camping at heartland motorspeedway is all about spending the night in one of the grandstands. While there are a few camper salespeople who will take you on a scenic tour of the area, and show you the best spots to setup your tents, trailers, and pop-ups, the majority of campers stay in the grandstands. It’s the simplest, and most efficient way to camp, and one that lets you get the most out of your camping experience. You don’t need electricity in order to run the air conditioner, or have a light to read by. You don’t have to worry about cooking, because there are food vendors all around the track, serving various cuisines, from fish & chips, to BBQ, and even gourmet cupcakes! If you like to bring your pet, then there are plenty of pet-friendly campsites available too. Plus, you can park your RV inside the grandstands, and use the bathroom, shower, and laundry facilities. It’s the perfect combination, all things considered.
How Do I Camp At Heartland Motor Speedway?
The best way to camp at heartland motorspeedway is to arrive early, and set up your campsite. While there are no exact figures available, it is estimated that around 30,000 people attended the 2018 race, with roughly half of them camping. So whether you arrive at the track on Friday, or Saturday, there will always be plenty of space to camp. And the sooner you set up, the less likely there will be any problems, especially along the roadways, where traffic is heavy, and road crews are working hard to keep things safe and tidy for the busy weekend racegoers.
The other option is to check in to a motel, which is perfectly acceptable too. Especially if you’re looking for an alternative place to stay, since the ones at the track are quite expensive. Then, once you’re checked in, you can head to the grandstands, and set up your tents, trailers, and pop-ups, ready for the big race.
Are There Any Scenic Views To The Tents?
One of the major criticisms that we regularly get, is that the campers obscure the view to the tents. While there is some truth to this, it’s not quite as bad as you think. The majority of the campsites have been positioned quite far away from the stands, where the race is held. And for the most part, this is the type of site that you’ll want to camp at. Far away from the track, and close to the woods, with all of the relaxing perks that they offer. The forest has a way of soothing all of our frayed nerves, and it would be a shame to ruin such an incredible atmosphere, by planting a flag in the ground, and putting up a bunch of plastic sheets.
Are The Drinks Really Cheap?
Cheap, and abundant. Definitely. Even those who are on a budget, can enjoy a drink or two, before heading to their campsite for the night. Since this is an outdoor event, and food is such an integral part of the experience, having a drink or two, is quite affordable. Especially since there are so many places around the track, serving different types of drinks, and those on sale for extremely competitive prices.
If you’re going to be drinking alcohol, then it’s best to bring your own bottle. Running around the stadium, trying to find a vendor who is selling beverages, is a pain in the butt. Especially since you’ll be standing in line, for what seems like an eternity, in the heat, with hundreds of other people, all trying to make the same purchase. Forget about it. As long as you stay within the limits set by your religion, you’ll be able to find everything you need within the grandstands.
Is It Hot?
Yes. Very. Especially towards the end of the day, when the sun starts going down, and the temperatures start rising. Thankfully, this is when the air becomes significantly cooler, and more refreshing. This is why it’s best to setup your campsite, as soon as possible, to take advantage of this phenomenon. Once the sun starts going down, and the temperatures begin to rise, it’s time to break down your tents, and hit the warm air of a Southern summer night. Thankfully, this is when the mosquitoes, deerflies, and black bears start getting hungry too. So you won’t have to worry about being eaten by a wild animal, because you haven’t the foggiest clue what animal would want to eat you, after all. This is when you know that the beer is going to come in really handy. Or maybe that nice cocktail you were planning on having, while you gazed at the majestic sunset. Perhaps both. It’s up to you.
Is The Music Out There?
Yes. Very much so. Especially on race night, when they turn the amplifiers up, and you’d be surprised at how many people’s ears perk up, and how much more enjoyable the evening becomes, once the music starts. This is one of the things we miss most about camping, is the lack of decent music. Sure, you can jam to your heart’s content, with whoever is around, at the time, and for the most part, it’s pretty good. However, it’s nothing compared to actually going to a concert, and feeling the bass vibration under your feet, and the atmosphere around you. This is why it’s important to bring your own speaker, in order to enjoy the tunes. It’s also why we suggest avoiding those mega-amps that are set up, along the roads, and instead try finding a spot, where the music can carry. You won’t have to worry about anybody cutting off the power, or turning the amps down, because unlike in a house, where you can always switch off the music, at the volume you want, when needed, the music at highway speeds is always a bit jarring. And you’ll end up driving everyone crazy with your excessive humming. Save that stuff for when you’re in your own home, or in a mellow location, such as a state park. Or even better yet, bring a speaker, and a guitar, and make it a party.
What About The Aesthetics?
This one is quite subjective, and depends on how you look at it. On one hand, we have the aesthetic of the grandstands. Which is simple. Yet majestic, with their arching entryways, and rows and rows of white canvas seats, looking out over the track, and the forest behind it. It’s quite beautiful, in its own way. On the other hand, we have the RV parks. Which are quite a different story. In this case, the aesthetic is quite bland. Nothing grandiose, or even mildly imposing. It’s just a bunch of cars, and campers, all parked alongside one another. That’s it. No arches, or grassy areas. Not even a single picnic table. It doesn’t look bad. It just looks like a bunch of cars and campers were parked there, one after the other. It gets a little bit tiresome, when you’re looking out over a large area. Seeing all of the same cars and campers, over and over again, in the same configuration, with the same parking spots, gets a little bit tedious. It lacks that little bit of magic, that comes with variety. Something that sets it apart from the rest, and makes it interesting to look at. Especially when there are so many other RV parks, around the country, that offer a more unique experience. One filled with variety. It’s like comparing a McDonald’s to an Italian restaurant. One offer with pretty good food, the other is fantastic, and offers a completely different dining experience. It’s the same with these RV parks. Some offer a more unique experience, than others.