Why Hire an RV or Campervan for the Indy 500?
Hotel prices spike and traffic around the Speedway is heavy on race weekend. An RV or campervan lets you park once, set up camp, and stay within walking distance of the track for the entire weekend.
- Camp in official IMS lots with walking access to the grandstands and infield
- A comfortable, air-cooled sleeping space away from the noise when you need rest
- Onboard kitchen and fridge for meals and cold drinks all weekend
- Tailgate at your campsite without leaving the Speedway grounds
- Skip race day traffic by walking to your seats from camp
- Join a long-standing Indy 500 camping tradition alongside fellow fans
Where to Camp at the Indy 500 With an RV
Indianapolis Motor Speedway runs several official camping lots for RVs and pull-behind campers, each with its own character and distance from the track. Passes are sold separately from your RV rental through the official IMS camping page and typically sell out well in advance.
Official IMS camping lots
- Lot 1A and Lot 1C, close to the main gate, with wristband check-in for camping guests
- Lot 2 (the West Zone), a large exterior lot with 4-day and multi-day pass options
- Lot 3 Infield, 3G and 3P, closer to the track itself
- Lot 4 and Lot 4A, with larger 20 by 50 foot RV spaces in 4A
- Lot 6, widely known as the Coke Lot, known for a lively, party-oriented atmosphere
- Lot 7 (North 40), a quieter, more family-friendly area further from the main gate
RV and pull-behind spaces are typically 20 by 40 feet (Lot 4A runs slightly larger at 20 by 50 feet). Most lots are dry camping only, but select lots have historically offered optional 30-amp or 50-amp powered sites for an additional fee, so check the current IMS camping and ticketing page for the lot map and power options confirmed for your race year, since availability shifts year to year. IMS also provides portable restrooms and paid RV waste pump-out and non-potable water fill services at several lots.
Multi-day camping passes let you check in a few days before race day; for example, previous years have allowed 4-day pass holders to begin check-in on the Thursday before race weekend, with departure required by noon the following Monday. Confirm your specific lot’s check-in window before you travel, since it varies by pass type and lot.
Important: confirm generator and power rules for your specific lot before you arrive. Portable and RV generators are permitted in IMS camping lots, but IMS explicitly warns about carbon monoxide risk from generators, grills, campfires and other combustion sources in the camping areas, so bring a working CO detector regardless of your setup.
Recommended RV and Campervan Features for the Indy 500
Late May in Indiana is warm and humid. Choose an RV or campervan equipped for multi-day dry camping in an open parking lot with limited shade.
- Roof fan or cross-ventilation system
- A generator, or a deep-cycle battery and solar panel setup, if your lot doesn’t include powered sites
- Fridge or large insulated cooler
- Shaded awning or pop-up canopy
- Onboard toilet and grey water holding tank
- Durable, easy-clean interior
Tailgate essentials: outdoor camp chairs and a folding table, a portable gas grill or camp stove, a flag or banner to mark your campsite, and a portable speaker for the pre-race atmosphere.
RV Pickup Locations for the Indy 500
Most visitors pick up their RV or campervan in Indianapolis or drive in from a nearby city as part of a wider road trip.
| Pickup City | Drive to Speedway | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis (Noblesville) | ~20 to 25 min | Cruise America’s confirmed Indianapolis-area depot |
| Chicago, IL | ~3 hrs | Popular road trip option; see our Chicago RV rental guide |
| Cincinnati, OH | ~2 hrs | |
| Louisville, KY | ~2 hrs | |
| Columbus, OH | ~3 hrs | |
| St. Louis, MO | ~4 hrs |
Cruise America runs a confirmed rental center in Noblesville, roughly 20 to 25 minutes from the Speedway. We haven’t confirmed a dedicated Indianapolis depot for El Monte RV or Indie Campers USA at time of writing; if either operator serves the area when you’re booking, compare it alongside Cruise America through our bookings page. Road Bear RV does not currently list Indianapolis among its depot cities.
Pick up your RV a day before the weekend starts to stock up on supplies, load your gear and arrive at the Speedway relaxed.
What to Pack in Your RV for the Indy 500
You’ll be dry camping for several days in warm weather. Pack for self-sufficiency, comfort and the full tailgate experience.
- Portable gas grill or camp stove for cooking at your site
- Large cooler stocked with ice, or use your onboard fridge
- Camp chairs, folding table and a shade canopy
- Ear protection for the track, since it’s genuinely loud at close range
- Reusable water containers and plenty of bottled water
- Trash bags, wet wipes and paper towels
- AM/FM radio or a race scanner to follow the action from camp
- Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses for long days in the sun
- Portable phone charger and power bank
- Flag or banner to mark your campsite in a crowded lot
- A working carbon monoxide detector, given how many generators, grills and camp stoves run in close quarters across the lots
For general guidance on camping etiquette around big race weekends, see freedom camping versus festival campgrounds, and for help sizing your rental to your group, see choosing the right motorhome size for a festival crowd. Late May in Indiana can also turn hot fast; our guide to keeping a campervan cool in summer is worth a read before you pack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a camping pass to park an RV at the Indy 500?
Yes. Official IMS camping passes are required for all vehicle camping at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, sold through the IMS ticket office and specific to each lot. They sell out well in advance, so purchase yours as early as possible, separately from your RV rental.
Are power hookups available at IMS camping lots?
Most IMS camping lots are dry camping only. Select lots have historically offered optional 30-amp or 50-amp powered sites for an additional fee. Check the current lot map on the official IMS camping page for what’s available in your race year, since powered lot options can change.
Can I bring a generator to Indy 500 camping lots?
Yes. Portable and RV generators are permitted in IMS camping lots, unlike some festival campgrounds that ban them outright. IMS does warn campers about carbon monoxide risk from generators and other combustion sources, so bring a working CO detector and follow proper ventilation practices.
When can I arrive and how long can I stay?
Many fans arrive several days before race day for Carb Day, qualifying and Festival Parade activities. Each lot has its own entry and exit window; recent years have allowed 4-day pass holders to check in the Thursday before race weekend and required departure by noon the following Monday. Check the specific dates and times for your lot before you travel.
What size RV or campervan fits in the IMS camping lots?
Most IMS lots accommodate campervans up to large Class A motorhomes, with standard spaces around 20 by 40 feet and slightly larger 20 by 50 foot spaces in Lot 4A. Check the current IMS lot map for exact measurements before booking, since larger vehicles have fewer lot options.
Is it worth renting an RV for the Indy 500 instead of staying in a hotel?
For most fans, yes. Hotels near the Speedway sell out and prices spike significantly for race weekend. An RV lets you camp on-site, walk to the grandstands, tailgate at your campsite and avoid race day traffic entirely.
When should I book an RV rental for the Indy 500?
As early as possible. Memorial Day weekend is one of the busiest periods for RV rentals across the Midwest. Booking three to six months ahead gives you the best selection and pricing, and you should secure your IMS camping lot pass at the same time, since the two are booked separately.
Where is the best place to pick up an RV rental for the Indy 500?
Indianapolis is the closest and most convenient pickup city; Cruise America’s Noblesville depot is about 20 to 25 minutes from the Speedway. Chicago, Cincinnati and Louisville are popular alternatives for fans combining the race with a wider road trip.
What's the difference between Lot 6 and the other IMS camping lots
Lot 6, known as the Coke Lot, has a well-known, lively party atmosphere and is largely first-come. Lot 7 (North 40) is quieter and more family-friendly. Lots closer to the main gate and infield, such as 1A, 1C and 3 Infield, trade some of that atmosphere for shorter walks to the grandstands.
Do I need 4WD or a special vehicle for IMS camping lots?
No. IMS camping lots are paved or maintained gravel surfaces suited to standard two-wheel-drive RVs and campervans; a 4WD or off-road setup isn’t necessary for the Speedway grounds themselves.
Ready to rent your RV?
Browse campervans, Class B, C and A motorhomes from trusted rental companies and compare prices across the USA. Explore our other motorsport RV guides, including Sebring Raceway, for more trackside trip planning.