Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that Watkins Glen State Park will open its camping season earlier than usual next spring to accommodate NASCAR fans. The change comes as the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series race at Watkins Glen International moves to Mother’s Day weekend, departing from its traditional August slot.
“Welcoming NASCAR back to New York’s famous Watkins Glen International Raceway means so much to the state and the region,” Governor Hochul said. “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.”
The event, titled “Go Bowling at the Glen,” is set for Sunday, May 10, 2026. This new date aims to spread out road course races more evenly across the NASCAR season. The full race weekend will include all three national series from May 8-10 on the 2.45-mile track.
Kathy Moser, Acting Commissioner of New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, stated, “NASCAR’s rolling road trip is making an early stop in New York State and Watkins Glen State Park is ready to help welcome the action. This will be the start of a big season of tourism and outdoor recreation for Watkins Glen State Park. Thanks to our team in the Finger Lakes Region for the planning and preparation of all that comes with a Watkins Glen racing weekend.”
From May 8-10, two camping loops with about 100 electric sites will be available at Watkins Glen State Park. The rest of the campground will open as usual the following weekend. Reservations can be made starting Monday, October 27 at 9 a.m., and sites are expected to fill quickly. Information about reservations can be found on Reserve America through the NYS Parks website or by calling toll free at 1-800-456-CAMP.
Watkins Glen International President Dawn Burlew commented, “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 added, “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 upcoming race weekend includes:
– 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
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation manages over 250 parks and welcomes more than 88 million visitors each year. More information about these areas can be found at parks.ny.gov.
