there are several camp areas and they are free or pay. we camp in the free 'north park' camp ground. as such, we are about as far from the track as you can get and still be on track property. you can see the maps here and find more info about dega camping here. the official track guest guide has everything you need to know.

we have no firsthand knowledge of any non-north park campground. the following is intended for north park rookies:

1) do not forget your race tickets!  do not forget your race tickets!

2) if i had just one piece of advice to give, it's bring a very comfortable pair of shoes. they may get screwed up over the weekend with mud and wet, but your feet will be better off in the best shoes you have for walking, as you will do a lot of it. the track is far away and when you get there, your seat may be another far away. you make that round trip at least twice. at night, you and your buddies will prowl the camp ground on rough rocky roads, looking at all the debauchery there is to see. a second pair is a good idea in case the first get soaked. bring extra socks. don't argue. flip-flops may be well and fine in your camp spot, but are worthless walking around the whole campground.

3) bring more than you think you need of food, beer, snacks, water, and other drinks, as that's what you spend most of your time doing, especially if it's hot. ample liquor stock is also a valuable asset to your camping portfolio. girls appreciate shots. don't forget your favorite hangover and overindulgence remedies. typically, campground 'bagged ice' costs about $10 a bag. if it's hot, you can see the once was ice, dripping off the back of the ice wagon. haggle with the iceman if your bag seems light. check if your neighbors are going out of the campground during the day, as ice is so much less there. if you go out, see if your neighbors need ice. we are family.

4) you must have a race ticket for each occupant of a vehicle to enter the campground. get there early. according to the official track guest guide, "all overnight parks outside the track, except for the family park, will open at 6:00 am on tuesday of race week". this includes 'north park'. if you roll into the campground late friday, good luck finding a decent spot. it's pretty much going to be slim pickings, especially if you have a large motor home/camper. we strongly recommend you roll in by thursday. try to avoid camping in the lowland area, just as you enter the campground. if it rains much at all, you'll be camping in a mud bog. seek higher ground or you'll be taking a chance. historically, the closer to the dirt track (eastern section of the campground), the less party atmosphere you may find. we assume families camp there.

5) if you plan on having a fire, the more wood you can bring, the better. local area firewood prices tend to be high and historically, it can be somewhat 'green' too, so know the wood you buy. extra wood can turn out to be 'currency'. it can be bartered for beer, food, and breastical favors, just like beads. you could even sell some, but don't be obvious about it, as it is against the campground rules.

6) bring a frisbee, football, horseshoes, cornhole, playing cards, bicycle, books, magazines,  and/or other daytime distractions. the sun can be brutal, bring a shady refuge.

7) rain gear. it's dega, it rains. sometimes a lot. sun screen. it's dega, it burns. sometimes a lot.
hats and sunglasses are a must. good coolers. camera. extra batteries. 'gold bond' powder. baby wipes. lip balm. binoculars. phone charger. eye drops, as the camp smoke from 100's of fires can be a bitch. a small bright flashlight, those mini l.e.d. models carry easy and highlight them show offy females while on walkabout.

8) squeeze foam type ear plugs. not necessarily for the track, but if you want to sleep. it can be noisy all night. all damn night! blowing horns, big trucks, yelling, that next door too loud stereo, and especially the multitude of generators running the whole night. there could be one just a few feet from your tent or camper. very handy for that day nap to sleep off last night.

9) coolers are allowed in the stands. be sure to read the official track cooler page for info and get the right cooler. glass bottles are not advised in the campground for obvious reason and are forbidden in the track. bring canned or plastic bottled beverages only.

10) if you are not bringing toilet facilities, consider renting a 'port-a-potty'. there are plenty of trucks driving them around the campground. last year they cost $105 for the weekend and are worth every cent. it's not too much if you have a group chipping in. be sure to bring a lock for it or you might find some strange bubba inside, filling it up with last night's jalapeño bean chili. the public shitters tend to get crowded and can be vile by the end of the weekend. bring extra ass wipes. remember: it's not cool to screw with shitter occupants. also: a gentleman offers the random female the use of his pisser.

11) you can only erect non-conductive flag poles in the campground, 15' maximum. no metal poles. find all the rules and info here: official track guest guide and track questions/answers.

12) if you want great deals on beads, we recommend emardigrasbeads.com. the girls tend to complain about "cheap ass beads", so get something worthy. avoid the 33" size and get 42" or better. they also carry specialty beads. on the left side menu, check out the 'funny beads'. the top menu is loaded with fun stuff.

13) police are hired in from several jurisdictions to keep the peace. historically, they are helpful, friendly, and easy to get along with. they do not mind you having a good time, but they do not take kindly to fighting or drunken bullshit. they have to ride herd on some real clowns, so give them a break. keep an eye on your rowdy friends, as they will get carted off if they act the fool. we see fools getting carted off every year.

14) if you feel you must, pass out in a 'safe zone'. do not end up a "volunteer model" for your friends' "passed out drunk" art display. you will never live it down. if you are one of the friends with pictures of a "passed out drunk" art display, send them! they should never live it down!

15) leaving: once the race is over, people tend to try and leave quickly. forget it. you may exit the campground fairly easily, but you will get bogged down in the traffic flow heading out in all directions. relax. make a nice final meal, maybe grab a nap, take your time packing up, and head out at least three to four hours after the final race is completed.

16) do not forget your race tickets!

if you have any other helpful hints, suggestions, or comments, do tell.

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