Forum: HoseHeads Sprint Car General Forum (go)
Moderators: dirtonly  /  dmantx  /  hosehead

Making the trek to the Nationals for the first time in 2018.  I know Knoxville is obviously booked up.  I know this has been addressed many times but are there places to camp (tent) and public restrooms and showers in Knoxville?  Any other motels within 30 miles that may be open?  I'm not from the area at all so any advice is much appreciated.  Any tips anyone can offer?

Thanks in advance

To make things a little easier on what is available, if you go the Knoxville Raceway's website, under "visiting Info" they have contact info for nearby campgrounds and hotels that you can check for availability. Limited on the hotels they have listed but many in Pella, Des Moines or Newton should have openings. I would check to see what is available in Knoxville first just in case and work your way out.

As far as I've seen there are really only two motels in Knoxville anyway, but you could find something in nearby towns possibly.   Next year we are staying in Indianola, which is 25 minutes or so from the track.   It's also fairly close to Des Moines if there are things there you might be interested in during the day.   Newton is also about that same distance to Knoxville.     If you don't mind driving a little farther the Lakeside Hotel and Casino in Osceola is fairly nice.    The Prairie Meadows Casino and Hotel in Altoona is super nice but generally expensive.   

Elk Rock State Park. Camped there for 25 years during the Nationals. Tent or camper.....electric or non, and there are shower and toilet facilities that are very well kept. This is a State Park off hwy #14 about 10 minutes north of Knoxville. #14 takes you right to the race track. Google Elk Rock State Park and you'll find all sorts of info. Don't be concerned about the equestrian areas, they are separated from normal camp sites. If you have a boat bring it. Lake Red Rock is great for boating. Also, it has never seemed over crowded to us in regards to camping. I believe reservations can be made 3 months in advance. We always made our daily trip to the track and still managed to get back to the campground and relax before race time. If you are tenting, be sure and mention that a shaded site would be preferred. Also, Hy Vee grocery store is right across from the track, so we did our grocery buying when we arrived rather than haul everything we needed.

^This.... the camping and showers are greatvas said and I'd almost make the 560 mile trip just to eat/shop at hy-vee. 

As a second option a number of residents will allow camping on their property and a shower can be had at the community center. 

I stay in Des Moines, its about 35 minutes away & has plenty of affordable motels. Check hotels.com. For showers, you can go to Knoxville rec center, where you can also swim, work out, etc. 

I would call the Iowa state park system.  I stayed at Lake RedRock which is about 20 miles from the city.  Plenty of great camping at an affordable rate.  I did the the same in Ohio for the brad doty classis and Kings royal.  Cheap. beautiful clean campsites, check it out...

Ascot was the greatest of all time..

West Capital wasn't half bad either..

Life is good...

Went last year for the first with a buddy of mine and we were able to book a room at a Days Inn, in April, in a town call Newton IA. It is directly North of the track (Roughly 30miles) from Knoxville. It was located just off of Interstate 80 & Route 14 which takes you directly to the track, and past Red Rock which does have camping.

There were other hotels to select from off of that exit, Econo Lodge, and an America's Best Value Inn. Room was clean & didn't have any real issues & was affordable. Had a couple of resturants in the area as well if you didnt want to eat track/fair food as well.

There were also other hotels about 5miles or so east of that exit near Iowa Speedway.

Thanks everyone!  Much appreciated!

I no longer have his number, but we stayed right behind Dingus across the street in that little lot. last time I went it was for 360 nationals only and it was $50 a night. No showers on site, we used the camper, but the rec center is always available too. It is a good spot if you like to have fun, literally 30 steps from the track, and 15 from dingus. I realize that's not for everyone, but it is a good place. We always sat at the camper and drank beer until we heard hotlaps be done, and were able to make it to our seats before the anthem was played. Then if you want to spend the night at dingus, or turn 3, you don't have a half hour ride or half hour walk back.

Tons of hotels near the Des Moines airport, about a 40 minute drive from Knoxville.

To all of the above I would add:

The weather can be a challenge, rainy 60's to humid 100's. They run all shows, that means, they'll run two programs on Saturday if necessary. It also means they have run on Sunday before (rare).

If you stay near airport the trip home is easy at night. West Des Moines is also nice but farther out. Des Moines has all the stuff you'de expect from a city: parks, art center, capital etc. You can leave Knoxville via highway 5 on the west side and it's easier than 14 north to Des Moines. 

Iowa State Fair will be starting Thursday so I'd avoid the east side of Des Moines around the fairgrounds. A big fair, fun if you like that sort of thing and/or have kids. Take the trams, they're free. We ubered from our hotel last year, cheaper than parking at fairgrounds.

I've parked all around Knoxville on private property $5-10 depending on how close. Free street parking within 6-12 blocks from the track if you want to hike a bit, fills up before hot laps. We go south near the car wash, easy to get out of at night. Some of the private lots around the railroad tracks and closer to the track are hard to get out of at night.

All in all it's a hoot!

joesgarage