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Darlington Raceway Cook Out Southern 500
The track that’s too tough to tame hosts the first race in the 2026 NASCAR Chase when the Cup Series roars into town for the Darlington Raceway Cook Out Southern 500. RVing to the race is a great way to hang out with other race fans and take in the sights and sounds of the last crown jewel event on the Cup Series schedule. Whether you’re looking to tailgate or you’re bringing the family for high-speed fun, an RV rental is the perfect choice for this event. Be sure to find your RV rental in Darlington, SC, while there are still RV campsites available.
ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT
If you purchase an upgraded ticket, you can take part in the pre-race track walk and sign the start-finish line. There’s also a pre-race concert on Sunday, though the performers have yet to be announced.
ON-SITE AMENITIES
Visitors are allowed to bring in one 15x15x15-inch cooler with food and beverages on race day, plus there are concessions on-site. There is a Lost & Found, ATMs, a First Aid station, and souvenirs to check out while at the race, too.
LOCATION
Darlington Raceway is located at 1301 Harry Byrd Hwy., Darlington, SC 29532, just off Highway 34 and US-401.
FAQs About RVing to the Darlington Raceway Cook Out Southern 500
Are there quiet hours for the campgrounds around the track?
Yes, there are. The track enforces “quiet time” at the campgrounds between midnight and 6:00 a.m. This allows RVers to rest up for the next day’s activities.
Is the Darlington Raceway Cook Out Southern 500 a family-friendly event?
Yes, it is. All NASCAR races are designed to be family-friendly. This included how the campsites around the tracks are governed.
Can I bring my pet to the campground at the Darlington Raceway Cook Out Southern 500?
No. Pets are prohibited at the campgrounds. Service animals are welcome.
When can I arrive at the campsite that I reserve for the Darlington Raceway Cook Out Southern 500?
The campgrounds open on Tuesday before the race. Checkout is on Monday, following the race at noon.
RVING AT THE EVENT
The Darlington Raceway Cook Out Southern 500 is always held on Labor Day weekend, making it one of the most popular races on the Cup Series schedule. With so many campgrounds in and around the track, race fans come from all over the country to take in the action.
Where to Camp Near the Darlington Raceway Cook Out Southern 500
There are plenty of places to RV camp near the Darlington Raceway Cook Out Southern 500. You can reserve your RV camping spot to have a space to set up. Be sure to check the types of hookups available at each campground before making your reservations. Your options include: Outside Camping (No Hookups): • Pearson RV: Located just off Highway 151, this dry camp site is a minute’s walk from the track. • Petty RV: Found just off Tunnel Road, the Petty RV campground has private, reserved spots for everything from fifth wheels to Class C campers. Outside Camping (Power and Water Hookups): • Sunset RV: This campground is just minutes away from the grandstands along the front stretch. Infield Camping (Power and Water Hookups): • East End RV: Located between turns 1 and 2, this spot provides excellent views of the track that’s “too tough to tame.” • Infield Camping: This campground is situated between the Cup Series and O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Garages, making it a great spot to take a look behind the scenes.
RV Rental Tips for the Darlington Raceway Cook Out Southern 500
Labor Day weekend in South Carolina is typically hot and humid, so you’ll want to consider the weather. There’s also always a chance of pop-up showers, which you may also need to plan for. Booking your camping site early is a great way to make sure that you spend the weekend somewhere that’s easy to navigate and close to your seats. Some of the campsites are better suited for larger RVs, like the Class B, while others can only fit fifth wheels and pop-up trailers.
RV Rentals Near Darlington, South Carolina
Nearby RV Rentals
WHERE TO STAY
If the campgrounds at Darlington Raceway happen to fill up for Labor Day weekend, you can always stay at another campground or a hotel elsewhere in the area. • SwampFox Campground is right off I-95, and it’s near tons of shopping outlets and eateries. On-site at the campground, there are outdoor games, laundry facilities, and RV washing. • Just minutes away from the raceway, Florence RV Park is open year-round and has pull-through campsites. It also has full hookups, a pool, cell reception, and free Wi-Fi for guests. • The Raceway Inn Darlington is right next to the racetrack, and it has a pool and free Wi-Fi. It also welcomes pets and has an on-site golf course to enjoy.
HOW TO GET THERE
From Charlotte, NC: Take US-74 E to Morgan Mill Road. Turn left onto Morgan Mill Road. Turn left onto W. Roosevelt Blvd. Turn right onto US-601 S, and enter South Carolina. Continue onto SC-151 S/S Van Lingle Mungo Blvd. Continue until you see signs for the raceway. From Raleigh, NC: Take US-401 to US-52 N in Florence County. Take exit 164 from I-95 S. Merge onto I-40 E/US-64 E. Keep right at the fork, and continue to I-40 E, then follow signs for Benson Wilmington. Take exit 328A to merge onto I-95 S toward Benson/Fayetteville. Follow the signs to South Carolina. Take exit 164 for US-52 W toward Darlington and follow the signs to the track.
PARKING
There is free parking at the raceway for all visitors. Maps of the grounds and parking lots are available online. If you’re willing to walk a bit, many local homeowners offer paid parking in their yards.
TICKETS & PRICING
Reserved Seating, Weekend Packages, and Camping Packages are available to purchase when you need a ticket for the Saturday and Sunday events.
WRAP UP
Checking out the events on Labor Day weekend at Darlington Raceway is a great way to see the best of NASCAR. You can watch the race while you stay in your comfortable RV and enjoy a cookout of your own either before or afterward. For more updates about the Darlington Raceway Cook Out Southern 500, check out the racetrack's Facebook page.
4-Day Itinerary for the Darlington Raceway Cook Out Southern 500
The Darlington Raceway Cook Out Southern 500 is a one-day event, but NASCAR has multiple races and other events in the days leading up to it. • Day 1: On Friday, arrive at the track and get your RV set up. Meet your neighbors and get ready for a weekend of high-speed action at the track. • Day 2: The action gets underway on Saturday. That morning, you can catch the NASCAR Cup Series and O’Reilly Auto Parts Series qualifying. Later in the afternoon, the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series takes the track. • Day 3: On Sunday, get ready for the last crown jewel event on the Cup Schedule as the NASCAR Cup Series Chase gets underway at 5:30 p.m. Before the race, go check out the NASCAR Fan Zone and get inside early enough to catch the pre-race concert. • Day 4: Clean up your campsite, load your stuff, and get checked out before noon.
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