In a strategic move to drum up tourism and cater to the revved-up passions of racing fans, Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the early opening of Watkins Glen State Park's camping season. Coinciding with the NASCAR Cup Series' new spot on the calendar, the Watkins Glen International Raceway in the Finger Lakes region is slated for an eruption of activity from May 8 to May 10, 2026. In a statement obtained by the Governor's Office, Hochul emphasized, "Welcoming NASCAR back to New York’s famous Watkins Glen International Raceway means so much to the state and the region."
The “Go Bowling at The Glen” NASCAR race, traditionally held in August, has been shifted to Sunday, May 10, aligning with Mother's Day celebrations for the first time. This date change is a calculated effort to space out the road course races throughout the NASCAR season. The event will command the attention of the racing world for three days, showcasing all three national series on the 2.45-mile circuit, as reported by the Governor’s Office.
According to Kathy Moser, Acting Commissioner for the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Watkins Glen State Park is gearing up for a significant influx of visitors. In a statement shared by the state’s parks department, Moser states, "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." With tourism and outdoor recreation activities set to spike, the area prepares for a surge in campers and NASCAR enthusiasts.
The Governor's Office announcement detailed that two camping loops, meaning approximately 100 electric sites, will be available from May 8-10 to accommodate the influx. The rest of the park's camping facilities will open the following weekend. Reservations are set to open on October 27, at 9 a.m., and the expectation is for spots to be snapped up quickly. Dawn Burlew, President of Watkins Glen International, expressed gratitude for this proactive move, stating, "We appreciate that Watkins Glen State Park will be opening their 2026 season early to welcome fans coming for the NASCAR race weekend."
As excitement builds around the upcoming NASCAR clashes, the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce has also thrown its support behind the early camping season. Executive Director Nigar Hale told the state’s parks department, “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 Governor’s Office reported.
In tandem with the major races, the Watkins Glen State Park's early season is poised to start with a full-throttle flair. The upcoming NASCAR schedule at Watkins Glen International is as follows: the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Race on May 8, 2026, the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Mission 200 at The Glen on Saturday, May 9, 2026, and the grand finale NASCAR Cup Series Go Bowling at The Glen on May 10, 2026.
