Camping Opens Early For NASCAR Fans At Watkins Glen In May

While we are entrenched in the autumn season, and winter is closing in on us, I, as usual, am fast-forwarding to set my sights on spring and my favorite season, summer.

While that is a long way off, events are in motion throughout the Twin Tiers of New York and Pennsylvania for the warm months of 2026.

As you may or may not know, NASCAR announced some changes to the 2026 racing season, and that includes the Go Bowling At The Glen race at Watkins Glen International. The traditional August race has been moved to the weekend of May 8th through the 10th for the earliest in track history (Mother's Day weekend).

Normally, it is held in August. I asked on social media recently what fans thought of that schedule change, and while many were disappointed, a good number of responses thought it was a positive move. You can check out the responses to the article I wrote in September.

Three national races will be held over the race weekend, including the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Race on Friday, May 8th, the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Mission 200 at The Glen on Saturday, May 9th, and the NASCAR Cup Series Go Bowling at The Glen on Sunday, May 10th.

Good news for those who love to camp during the Watkins Glen NASCAR races - due to the date change, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation will be opening camping season early at Watkins Glen State Park in 2026 for race fans.

Welcoming NASCAR back to New York’s famous Watkins Glen International Raceway means so much to the state and the region. In preparation, we are opening Watkins Glen State Park to campers for the Mother’s Day weekend festivities. We are excited to have thousands of visitors revving their engines to the area for three national races at the famed road course. - NYS Governor Kathy Hochul

According to the announcement, Watkins Glen State Park will open two of its camping loops May 8th through the 10th. Opening for the rest of the park will be the following weekend.

Reservations open October 27, 2025, with a limited number of camping sites expected to be filled quickly. For more information, visit the New York State Parks website or call 1-800-456-CAMP.

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