Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that Watkins Glen State Park will open its camping season earlier than usual next spring to accommodate visitors attending the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series race. The event, traditionally held in August, is scheduled for Mother’s Day weekend, May 8-10, 2026.
“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 “Go Bowling at the Glen” race will take place on Sunday, May 10. All three national NASCAR series will compete over the weekend on the 2.45-mile circuit. This change aims to spread out road course events more evenly throughout the racing season.
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.”
Watkins Glen State Park will open two camping loops—about 100 electric sites—from May 8-10. The rest of the campground will open as scheduled later in May. Reservations can be made starting Monday, October 27 at 9 a.m., either through Reserve America on the NYS Parks website or by calling toll free at 1-800-456-CAMP.
Dawn Burlew, President of Watkins Glen International, 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.”
Nigar Hale, Executive Director of Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce, 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 more than 250 parks and welcomes over 88 million visitors each year. More information about these recreation areas can be found at parks.ny.gov.
