I’m debating the pros and cons involved in various accommodation possibilities in Bristol, TN during next year’s fall NASCAR race week and was wondering if anyone had any experience or input they’d be willing to share.

If we (four adults, no kids) want to stay within walking distance of the track, we have the option of renting someone's home or condo for the weekend, which we have done before. It is very nice but very expensive.

We could also rent a recreational vehicle and campsite within walking distance of the track, with full hookups or water-only (I think we’ll go for full), as well as shuttle service to the track. This is at least $1000 cheaper than the “cheapest” house within walking distance, but we would have to bring our own kitchen supplies, linens, etc. I’m leaning toward this except that I wonder about the setting. A lot of campgrounds are “family” oriented, which in my experience means lots of screaming kids and barking dogs. And not that we want to cause a ruckus but we’re thirty and probably make our share of noise, so maybe the “family” setting isn’t best for us.

And then there’s Farmer Bob’s Campground, complete with inflatable swimming pools and a MySpace page. Water-only hook-ups and we would have to arrange for our own camper. I remember walking past this site the last time we were in Bristol and it was exactly like walking past a fraternity room in college. So, while this might be more our speed it might just be too much “atmosphere” on the other end of the spectrum.

We could stay at a hotel, of course, but there aren’t any within walking distance and then we would have to deal with driving to and paying for parking at or near the track, or hoping for a shuttle bus. This would be far cheaper, probably half the price of renting a house, but maybe more inconvenient overall.

I know this is a specialized trip, but if anyone has any input or any pros and cons I might not have thought of, I welcome them. It’s all up in the air right now and I’m trying to decide how much convenience and luxury we need and how much we’re willing to pay for it…

Thanks!
-El