Race fans heading to the Finger Lakes next spring will have an early camping option at Watkins Glen State Park.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation announced it will open two camping loops at the park ahead of schedule to accommodate visitors for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series race weekend. About 100 electric sites will be available from May 8–10, coinciding with the “Go Bowling at the Glen” event at Watkins Glen International.
The race is set for Sunday, May 10, 2026 — Mother’s Day — marking a shift from its traditional August date. The calendar move is designed to spread out NASCAR’s road course races more evenly across the season. The weekend will feature all three national NASCAR series on the 2.45-mile track.
The rest of Watkins Glen State Park’s camping areas will open the following weekend as usual.
Reservations for the early camping weekend open Monday, October 27, at 9 a.m. and can be made online through the NYS Parks Reserve America website or by calling 1-800-456-CAMP.
Watkins Glen International President Dawn Burlew said, “Race fans flock to the greater Watkins Glen area, not only for the exciting on-track action, but also for the beauty and natural wonder of the region. We appreciate that Watkins Glen State Park will be opening their 2026 season early to welcome fans coming for the NASCAR race weekend, May 8-10. This will allow fans and race teams the opportunity to truly enjoy all that Watkins Glen has to offer during their visit.”
Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Nigar Hale said, “Our hats are off to the Watkins Glen State Park – as this is a fabulous example of the Chamber’s trust and confidence in the State Park’s response to NASCAR’s schedule change. We applaud their early preparation and attention to opening the Campground at this Springtime juncture, understanding the importance of making sure our NASCAR audience will have an opportunity to explore our natural wonder.”
The NASCAR race weekend again plays host to the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, and the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series.
Below are the dates of the 2026 NASCAR races at Watkins Glen International:
Friday, May 8 – NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Race
Saturday, May 9 – NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Mission 200 at The Glen
Sunday, May 10 – NASCAR Cup Series Go Bowling at The Glen
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