This article includes:
Schedule of events at Daytona International Speedway
Things To Do Near Daytona Beach
Camping At Daytona Speedway
Best Camping Near Daytona
Hotel accommodations
(Updated 1/22/2013)
Racing is an authentic Florida tradition proudly worn in Daytona, where motor cars first coursed the hard-packed sand of its beaches during the 1930s.
You can still drive on the beaches, but the racing has moved inland to the vast Daytona Beach International Speeway.
The racing season kicks off in late January with The Rolex 24 of Daytona, where GT, GX and Daytona Prototypes compete in an all-night marathon on the road track.
NASCAR’s Speedweeks, capped by the legendary Daytona 500, follow a few weeks later, and then the bikers come to town for a 10-day party keying off the much-celebrated Bike Week agenda of supercross, flat track and road racing.
The spillover throughout the state is conspicuous as tourists sporting racing gear and biker leather rattle the norm from dive bars on the Gulf Coast to the Overseas Highway through the Keys.
And then they all converge on Daytona.
Accommodations are in short supply, but we try hard to guide you RV and tent camping areas, identify outdoors things to do within a short distance of the track, and this year we added a search box for hotels.
Gentle ladies and men, start your engines!
Rolex 24
Sat, Jan. 27–Sun. Jan. 28 — Rolex 24 (Daytona Prototype, GX and GT class racing)
Speedweeks Events Schedule:
Sat., Feb. 16 — Doubleheader: Sprint Unlimited at Daytona, Lucas Oil 200 kick off ARCA racing season.
Sun., Feb. 17 — Daytona 500 pole qualifying
Mon., Feb. 18 — UNOH Battle at the Beach (Debut of Daytona’s new .4-mile short track)
Tues., Feb. 19 — UNOH Battle at the Beach
Thurs., Feb. 21 — Budweiser Duel (Round 2, Daytona 500 qualifying)
Fri., Feb. 22 — NextEra Energy Resources 250: NASCAR Truck Series
Sat., Feb. 23 — Drive4COPD 300: NASCAR Nationwide Series Race
Sun., Feb. 24 – 55th annual Daytona 500: NASCAR’s premier event
Bike Week — March 8-17:
Sat., March 9 – Daytona Supercross
March 10-11 – Daytona Amateur Supercross
March 14-16 — Motorcycle AMA Pro Road Racing Series: AMA Pro Superbike; AMA Pro SuperSport; AMA Pro Harley-Davidson Series.
March 14-15 — Daytona AMA Pro Flat Track (two nights of racing)
Sat., March 16 — Daytona 200: Motorcycle AMA Pro Road Racing Series season opener.
For more information on events Daytona International Speedway, visit their official web site: www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com.
Camping For Speedweeks and Bike Week
One of the major challenges you may face during your visit to Daytona Beach in late February and early March is finding a campground to pitch a tent or park your RV. Hotel and motel accommodations are also scarce.
The key to success is booking your reservations as early as possible.
For a price, ample sites are available at the Speedway in the infield or outside the track behind the berms. Most sites include infield admission.
A few enterprising ranchers west of Daytona have been known open their fields to campers.
Special Camping at the Speedway For Speedweeks ONLY
For a small fortune, RV, travel trailers, motor coaches and even tents can camp inside the racetrack, where you can watch events from your campsite, or just outside the berm for less money.
(Infield camping is NOT available for Bike Week)
Infield RV Sites – GEICO Grounds Red RV Camping – Reserved 20’x40’ grass RV sites with electric, water and cable hookups. Sites are centrally located in the infield. Package includes two adult infield admission tickets and one car pass for a tow vehicle or guests arriving separately from the RV. Ability to drive in and out of the infield. Price is $2,670 for an RV slot from Thursday, 2/14 through Monday, 2/25. Additional infield admissions: $320 each.
Infield RV Sites – GEICO Grounds Horseshoe RV Camping – Reserved 20’x40’ grass RV site for self-contained RVs, travel trailers, etc. No hookups. Sites are located near Turn 1, offering views of cars racing off the front stretch and diving into the high banks. Package includes two adult infield admissions and one car pass for a tow vehicle or guests arriving separately. Ability to drive in and out of the infield. Price is $999 per week for an RV slot from Tuesday, 2/19 through Monday, 2/25. Two-Day packages available for $599. Additional infield admissions: $250 weekly and $165 for the two-day package.
Premium Infield RV Sites — Gecko Shores at Lake Lloyd Premium RV Camping – These are the premium infield sites. Reserved 20’ x 55’ waterfront sites with paved 20’ x4 0’ pad in a controlled access area in the center of the infield. Full hookups with electric, water and cable. Package includes two adult infield admission and one car pass with the ability to drive into and out of the infield. Price is $2,890 from Thursday, 2/14 to Monday 2/25. Additional infield admissions: $320 each.
Infield RV Sites — GEICO Grounds Yellow Premium RV Camping – These sites are located inside Turns 1 and 2 and offer views of racing on the high banks. All sites have full hookups, including electric, water and cable and include two adult infield admissions and a car pass to enter and leave the infield. Price is $2,670 from Thursday, 2/14, through Monday, 2/25. ($1,440 from Tuesday, 2/19, to Monday 2/25). Additional infield admission is $320 and $250, respectively.
Infield RV Sites — GEICO Grounds Green RV Camping – Located inside Turn 4, offering views of the high banks and entrance to the 18-degree tri-oval. 20’x40’ grass sites for self-contained RV’s, travel trailers, motor coaches. No hookups. Includes two infield admission tickets and one car pass for a tow vehicle or guests arriving separately with outside access. Price is $1440 from Tues, 2/14, through Monday, 2/25. Additional infield admissions: $250 each.
Infield Tent Camping — GEICO Caveman Campground for Tent Camping – Located at Turns 3 and 4 with views of 31-degree banking. Reserved 20’x35’ grass sites for tents, cars, trucks and pop-ups only. Includes two adult infield admissions. (No car access passes). Price is $770 from Tues., 2/14 through Monday, 2/25. Two-day tent camping package is $399. Additional infield admissions: $250.
GEICO Park West (Outside track, No race view) – Located outside the track behind the berm with no race views. Designed for campers who have purchased their grandstand seats separately. No infield access. No tents. No hookups. Reserved 20’x40’ campsite with one car pass for a tow vehicld or guests arriving separately. Price is $585 and does not include admission.
Special Camping for Bike Week ONLY
Volusia County Fairgrounds, Deland – ABATE of Florida reserves the fairgrounds for Bike Week campers, and this may be your most inexpensive option. The Fairgrounds are 18 miles from the Speedway, a straight shot down I-4 at the State Road 44 exit. Primitive sites (no hookups) are $15 per person per night, $90 for all 10 days. A one-time fee of $20 is charged for pop-ups and RVs. Hot showers available. At the RV Annex, full hookups (water, sewer and electric) are available for $50 per night for two people ($15 for each additional person). No pets or weapons are allowed. Call 386-943-9610. Web site: www.abateflorida.com
Rambler’s Choices for “Best Camping” Near Daytona Beach
Our campground recommendations cost far less, and for that reason they get snapped up early. But they are worth checking, and you can always plan for next year! Be the first in line for 2014 when reservations open 11 months in advance of the dates you want.
Blue Spring State Park, Orange City — On the eastern edge of a vast basin of preserved lands, wildlife refuges and state parks that protect the watershed of the oddly north-flowing St. John’s River, making this park an ideal launching pad for paddling your kayak into the wild or just chilling out in the spring. 51 campsites (tent or RV), $24 night; Cabins, $95; Rest rooms with showers; Grill, table, water and electric at each site; Dump station; Swimming, snorkeling, tubing in the spring; Nature trails; Kayak/canoe concession on St. John’s River; Boat launch outside park; Pets OK in campground; No alcohol, no weapons. Check the available of campsites and make your reservations online at ReserveAmerica.com, or call 800-326-3521. 28 miles from the Speedway, off I-4. FloridaRambler article: Blue Spring State Park
Tomoka State Park, Ormond Beach — A watery paradise with excellent paddling, boating and fishing. This beautiful state park is on the scenic Ormond Loop Trail. One of the premier stops on the Florida Birding Trail with more than 160 species sighted either resident or passing through during the spring and fall migrations. More than 100 shady campsites near the Tomoka River with electric and water hookups, picnic table and a grill. Dump station on site. Maximum RV length is 34 feet. Sites are $24 per night and include electric, water. Pets OK in the campground. Reservations online at ReserveAmerica.com or call 800-326-3521. 14 miles to the speedway. FloridaRambler article: Tomoka River State Park
Camping at Gamble Rogers State Recreation Area
Gamble Rogers State Park, Flagler Beach – Camping on the beach, behind the dunes. A great little oceanfront campground, if you can get in. There are 34 sites, some with an ocean view. Al sites have water, electric, picnic table and a fire ring. A dump station is on site. Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance through ReserveAmerica.com, or call 800-326-3521. 22 miles from the Speedway, north of Daytona on State Road A1A. FloridaRambler article: Gamble Rogers State Park (and more)
Favor-Dykes State Park, St. Augustine – This tranquil park borders Pellicer Creek into the open marshes that frame the Intracoastal Waterway south of St. Augustine. This park is one of the most popular in the state for bird-watching. The campground has 30 sites in a shady hardwood hammock, each buffered from neighboring sites by natural vegetation. Each site has water, electric, fire circle with grill and a picnic table. Pets allowed. Alcohol prohibited except within your campsite. Book online through ReserveAmerica.com, or call 800-326-3521. 42 miles north of the Speedway on I-95. FloridaRambler article: Favor-Dykes State Park (and more)
Wekiwa Springs State Park, Apopka — Wekiwa Springs is one of Florida’s largest and most popular state parks, a 7,800-acre wonderland of 19 distinct plant communities and the source of one of the state’s two designated National Wild and Scenic Rivers, the Wekiva. 60 sites (tent or RV), $24 night; Rest rooms with showers; Fire ring with grill, table, water and electric at each site; Dump station; Swimming in spring, hiking, bicycling, canoe/kayak launch; Pets OK but not in swimming area; No alcohol or firearms. Advance reservations are not being accepted at Wekiwa Springs through July 2014 due to campground renovations. However, walk-in sites may be available on a first come, first served basis. Call the ranger office at (407) 884-2009. About 47 miles south of the Speedway, just off I-4. FloridaRambler article: Wekiwa Springs State Park (and more)
More North Florida camping info from Florida Rambler:
RV Camping Along I-95 in North Florida’s state parks
Private RV Campgrounds near Daytona Beach
RVers should also check availability and rates for these quality campgrounds near Daytona International Speedway:
Daytona Beach KOA (5 miles)
Daytona Speedway KOA (5 miles)
Sunshine Holiday Daytona RV Resort (11 miles)
Bulow RV Resort (20 miles)
Things to Do Near Daytona Beach
Ride the Loop – The Ormond Scenic Loop is a 30-mile road trip through live-oak canyons, waterfront postcard scene, abundant wildlife, two state parks and a state historic site. Along the way, there’s camping, hiking, biking and paddling opportunities.
Related Florida Rambler article:
Road Trip: Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail
Gateway to the Scenic Loop: Tomoka River State Park
- The Loop — One of Florida’s most scenic roads
Flagler Beach – This quaint little beachside community is a refreshing change from the high-rise condos and hotels that populate much of Florida’s coast. And it’s coastal waters are at the vortex of Florida winter whale watching.
Related Florida Rambler articles:
Escape to this real Florida beach town
Whale watching in Florida: Winter thrill on the northeast coast
Daytona Beach – Driving your car on the hard-packed beaches of Daytona, and New Smyrna Beach is a Florida tradition. Pioneers did it with horses and buggies, but the legacy for race fans is the history that was made here from the 1930s until 1959 — stock car racing was born on these beaches. Yes, early racers actually sped along this hard-pack sand until Daytona Speedway was built in 1959. You can drive on these beaches, too — just not as fast. 
Related Florida Rambler article:
Ultimate Road Trip: Driving on the beach
The Homely Manatee – The West Indian sea cow migrates in winter to the steady temperatures of the springs that feed the nearby St. John’s River where you can observe their lazy meanderings. One of the best viewing areas is at Blue Spring State Park, just a few miles from Daytona off Interstate 4. Seafaring legend has it that these lumbering creatures were the myths of mermaids. Mermaids?
Related Florida Ramber articles:
Where to see Manatees in Florida
Video: Exploring the St. John’s
- Surf fishing is popular on Apollo Beach at Canaveral National Seashore
Canaveral National Seashore – Apollo Beach at Canaveral National Seashore is one of the last stretches of pristine beach on Florida’s Atlantic Coast, and it’s all yours. Access to the beach is limited by parking, so it is quiet and peaceful with bountiful wildlife. You can almost always find your place in the sand. If not, go fishing in the Indian River and Mosquito Lagoons or hike a nature trail through coastal scrub.
Related Florida Rambler articles:
Apollo Beach: Canaveral National Seashore
Video: Kayaking the Indian River Lagoon
Surf Fishing: Family fun for your beach day
Castle Windy Trail at Canaveral National Seashore
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge – Merritt Island offers a multitude of activities, from bird watching and hiking to kayaking and great fishing, less than an hour’s drive south of Daytona Beach. The casual, fun and scenic route, and the one bikers frequently cruise during Bike Week, is down U.S. 1 to Oak Hill, where you pick up the north entrance road to the refuge. Once inside the refuge, you can cruise for miles through the wilderness. Definitely worth a side trip, and bring your kayaks for a paddle in Mosquito Lagoon! And on your way back, be sure to stop at Goodrich’s Seafood, off the beaten track in Oak Hill.
Related Florida Rambler articles:
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
Places To Eat, More Things To Do:
Florida Fish Shacks: Classic, casual seafood restaurants
7 cool campgrounds within an hour of Disney World
JB’s Fish Camp: Running with the crabs
St. Augustine: Fort makes history fascinating
Near St. Augustine: Magical Princess Place
Washington Oaks: Gardens plus unusual beach
Great escapes: Florida’s cool, refreshing springs
Spruce Creek paddle: Diamond in the rough
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
Hotel Accommodations:
There are hundreds of motels, both on the beach and near the beach, in Daytona Beach and surrounding communities. We particularly like the Riverview Hotel & Spa in New Smyrna Beach for it’s classic Florida ambiance, waterfront location on the Intracoastal Waterway and proximity to one of Florida’s best beaches.
But your choices are endless. For you convenience, we’ve included this search box to check rates, availability and discounts from Hotels.com.
Book a room:
