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The Best Places to Book Your Stay Near Bristol Motor Speedway, Tennessee

Constructed in 1960, the racing track is known for its steep banking and all-concrete surface
Constructed in 1960, the racing track is known for its steep banking and all-concrete surface | © RidingMetaphor / Alamy Stock Photo

Feel the rumble of the engines and the cheers of the crowd as drivers battle it out on the World’s Fastest Half-Mile. Planning your trip? These are the best places to stay near Bristol Motor Speedway, Tennessee.

Bristol Motor Speedway boasts the world’s largest outdoor four-sided video screen and 485 speakers to accelerate the excitement. Daytime action features NASCAR, monster truck, and dirt races with special flyover appearances by Hercules C-31 planes. Bristol held the first racetrack night race in 1978, which was quickly copied by tracks around the USA. Vendors, bands, and bright lights make these races a favourite with fans. The track and Thunder Valley Drag Strip are surrounded by 500 acres (202ha) with multiple campgrounds.

Sleep Inn & Suites Kingsport TriCities Airport

Budget Hotel

Relaxed room with TV and sofas at the Sleep Inn & Suites Kingsport TriCities Airport

An excellent budget choice, Sleep Inn Airport offers a free shuttle that runs to and from the TriCities Airport and also has plenty of outdoor parking. Bristol Speedway is only a 20-minute drive from the hotel. Power up with the free continental breakfast after a peaceful night in a clean, spacious room, complete with refrigerators and microwaves. Families will have room to stretch out in a two-bedroom suite with a sofa bed and a separate living room.

Days Inn by Wyndham Bristol Parkway

Chain Hotel

Pool view and bright yellow rooms at Days Inn by Wyndham Bristol Parkway
Courtesy of Days Inn by Wyndham Bristol Parkway / Expedia

One of the closest hotels to Bristol Speedway, just over six miles (9.7km) away, the Days Inn is a favourite with long-stay guests. This retro-1950s two-story motel surrounds an outdoor pool that is original to the days when Elvis stayed here. Smoking is permitted in some rooms and feel free to bring Fido – he won’t hurt the hardwood floors. A free continental breakfast is also provided.

Courtyard by Marriott Bristol

Chain Hotel

Two double beds and armchairs in the Courtyard by Marriott Bristol
Courtesy of Courtyard by Marriott Bristol / Expedia

Head over to Courtyard Bristol in the Blue Ridge Highlands for a spacious room 13 miles (20.9km) from Bristol Speedway. Whether you’re catching a concert in the infield or watching the flashing lights at a night race, you’ll appreciate the late check-out. One-bedroom suites have balconies and sofa beds, plus a tub and shower combo in the sparkling bathrooms. The hotel has a convenience store, and there are plenty of chain and independent restaurants within walking distance.

The Bristol Hotel

Boutique Hotel

Light and airy room at The Bristol Hotel, with a view over the town and amenities like TV and desk
Courtesy of The Bristol Hotel / Expedia

If you’d like to take a break from racing action, explore the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, a Smithsonian outpost right next door to the historic 1925 Bristol Hotel. This 65-room boutique hotel sings with contemporary décor, fine linens, plush robes and spacious suites. The rooftop bar has a view of the blue Appalachian mountains and hosts live bands during the week. Bristol Speedway, eight miles (12.8km) away, often holds music concerts with performers like Kenny Chesney, Steven Tyler and Charlie Daniels in addition to breathtaking races.

The Sessions Hotel

Hotel

Cosy room with large leather headboard and stylish armchair and geometric rug at The Sessions Hotel
Courtesy of The Sessions Hotel / Expedia

You’ll be surrounded by music at The Sessions Hotel, from the turntable and vinyl in your guestroom to the indoor and outdoor concert stages. Three turn-of-the-century brick buildings have been combined and renovated into a property with industrial chic elements. High ceilings, large windows and modern furniture are accented with microphones turned into light fixtures and retro clock radios to start your day. Bristol Speedway is about four songs or 13 mi (20.9km) away.

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Bristol

Chain Hotel

The spacious swimming pool at Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Bristol

This hotel always drives in top gear and gets high praise for its track record of great customer service. Rooms are pleasantly decorated in shades of blue and gold, bath amenities are by Paul Mitchell, and guests can choose between walk-in showers or bath and shower combinations. The buffet breakfast is plentiful and the Pinnacle Mall across the street has dozens of shops and restaurants to explore. After a day at Bristol Speedway, seven miles (11.3km) away, take a lap around the heated indoor pool.

Pole Position Campground

Camping

You’ll be in a great position to get to Bristol Speedway, a six-minute drive or a half-hour walk from this campground. It has 381 large sites with full hookups, a shower house for campers, and an onsite concession stand. Campfires are allowed and pets are welcome. There are three separate sites in the campground to choose from if you’d like to mingle or opt for more solitude.

Bristol Hilltop Camping

Camping

A budget campground with a heart, this family-run facility has been welcoming returning campers back for years. Located a mile (1.6km) from the main entrance to Bristol Speedway, they offer free coffee on race mornings to make the walk a little easier. There are showers on site, water and firewood are available for an extra fee.

Earhart Campground

Camping

A place to meet fans and make lifelong friends, the family-owned Earhart Campground covers over 100 acres (40.5ha) directly across from Bristol Speedway. There is plenty of room for campers, motorhomes and tents with a variety of services available, depending on your selected site. Fires are not allowed, but tailgating, that great American barbecue pastime, is encouraged. With over 100 vendors, entertainment and food options, there’s plenty to see and eat. Toyota, Lexus and Scion drivers can park for free.

Shadrack Campground

Camping

Fancy staying in a no-frills, clean and quiet, family-run campground that’s a 20-minute walk from Bristol Speedway? This campground has clean showers and laundry facilities, some lots are treed and there’s a large convenience store on site. If you’re looking for a break from the races, check out the drive in movie theatre across the street. Experienced campers recommend the sites on higher ground.

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