The Hotel Math Doesn't Work
If you've ever tried to book a hotel for Indy 500 weekend, you know. Rooms that go for $120 the rest of the year jump to $400+, three-night minimums, and most of the close ones sell out by January. Camping in a van or RV solves a lot of this.
The Infield (IMS Lots)
The classic move. The infield camping at IMS opens the Wednesday before the race. Once you're in, you're in — you can come and go all weekend. The Coke Lot (Lot 1B/1C) is the wild one; Lot 2 and the south lots are more family-friendly.
Heads up: infield camping is first-come/first-served and gets crazy busy by Friday. If you want a decent spot, get there Thursday morning at the latest.
Speedway/Town Camping
Several private lots in Speedway (the town, not the track) open up for race weekend. They're typically $100-200 for the weekend. They're closer to the track than the infield in some cases, and quieter.
State Park Option
If you want actual quiet, camp at a state park 30-45 minutes outside Indy and shuttle in. Eagle Creek isn't quite a campground but close to it. Salamonie or Mounds State Park are an hour out and rarely full even on race weekend.
What to Bring
- Sun protection. The grandstands have minimal shade. Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses.
- A radio. The track scanner thing is way more fun than just watching. You hear pit lane, driver communication, race strategy.
- Earplugs. If you've never been to a 500, you do not appreciate how loud it is.
- Cash. Some food vendors and shuttle drivers prefer it.
- Patience for the post-race exit. It takes 2+ hours. Plan to hang out, eat, drink, and let the traffic clear.
Renting From Us
Race weekend books up fast on our calendar — usually by February. If you're planning ahead, lock in your van or RV early. We can also do delivery to your campsite if you don't want to drive in yourself.
One More Tip
Practice qualifying weekend (the weekend before) is actually a great alternative if you want the IMS experience without the crowds. Tickets are cheap, the campgrounds are half-full, and you still get to see the cars run.
