Planning your stay for race week? Here are some practical tips for finding accommodation in Concord and Charlotte, NC, near the Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Whether you're looking for hotels, motels, or vacation rentals, there are plenty of options to suit your needs:
- Hotels: Numerous hotels are located within a short drive of the speedway, offering various amenities and price ranges.
- Motels: For budget-friendly options, motels can provide a convenient place to rest after a day of racing.
- Vacation Rentals: Consider renting a house or apartment for a more spacious and comfortable stay, especially if you're traveling with a group.
When booking your accommodation, keep in mind:
- Proximity to the speedway can enhance your race-day experience.
- Book early, as accommodations fill up quickly during race week.
- Check for any special race-week packages or promotions that may be available.
For more information on events and activities during race week, visit our main page. Enjoy your time at the races!
Choosing the Right Base: Areas, Camping and Getting to the Track
Where you stay shapes your whole race week, so it helps to think beyond simple distance on a map. Charlotte Motor Speedway sits in Concord, just off Interstate 85 and close to the Concord Mills area, and traffic on race days can turn a short drive into a long crawl. A hotel a few miles further away but on a quieter approach road may get you to your seat faster than one right beside the interstate.
Areas worth considering
- Concord and the Concord Mills corridor: the closest cluster of chain hotels and restaurants, handy for early arrivals and late exits, but usually the first to sell out and the most expensive during big race weekends.
- Harrisburg, Kannapolis and nearby towns: smaller communities around the speedway that can offer more availability and a calmer evening after the crowds.
- Uptown Charlotte and the University area: more choice and a livelier night scene, with the trade-off of a longer trip to the track. This suits visitors who want to combine racing with concerts, dining or sightseeing.
- Further out along I-85 or I-77: towns such as Salisbury, Gastonia or Mooresville can be worth checking if closer options are full or prices climb.
Camping at or near the speedway
For many fans, camping is part of the tradition. The speedway area has long offered campgrounds for tents and RVs, and staying on site means you can walk to the gates and join the tailgating atmosphere. Camping spots, rules and hookups vary, so check the official speedway information well before your trip and book as soon as reservations open. If you are bringing a group, our party rentals page has ideas for setting up a comfortable base.
Practical booking tips
- Read cancellation policies carefully; race-week rates often come with minimum stays or stricter refund terms.
- Confirm parking, especially for trucks, trailers or RVs.
- Ask about early check-in or late check-out if you are driving in on race day or leaving straight after.
- With vacation rentals, book through reputable platforms and be wary of listings that ask for payment outside them.
Once your bed is sorted, use our plan your visit guide to map out parking, arrival times and what to bring, so the only thing left to worry about is the racing.