Camping at the field

[Matt58]

Good afternoon everyone! I'm looking for some info regarding camping at this year's races. I did some research and found the following:

St. Michael Church lot (through their website)
RARA approved site near the west end of the field (through their sebsite)
Optimist Lot (through both the Church and RARA website)

It seems pretty straightforward to me, but I'm getting conflicting information. I called RARA and they stated there was still room in the Optimist lot but we would need to buy season tickets and season Pit passes. That would make sense if we were staying at the west lot, but doesn't make sense if staying at the Optimist Lot.

I called Lorraine (per the church's website) and she is gonna email me some more info.

Any info you could share would be great!

Thanks everyone!!!

[flyingjibus]

Re: Camping at the field

When you get on site go to this lot and see if they are doing camping , if so negotiate with them for what you need.

If not, stay at the church dry lot. Dont mess with the optimist lot, not worth it.

No need to stress about reservations either if you are not gonna be in a giant RV.

Been camping on site for 35 years.

[Matt58]

Re: Camping at the field

When you get on site go to this lot and see if they are doing camping , if so negotiate with them for what you need.

If not, stay at the church dry lot. Dont mess with the optimist lot, not worth it.

No need to stress about reservations either if you are not gonna be in a giant RV.

Been camping on site for 35 years.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]25600[/ATTACH]

That's great, thank you! Is there any contact info for them? I'm coming from Boise, ID and would like to have something locked up before we make the trek.

[Bigger Al]

Re: Camping at the field

St. Michael's is great for tent camping, and they never fill up. I've been staying there since 1984 and have always gotten a spot or two the day of arrival.

[Matt58]

Re: Camping at the field

Our trailer is a 36' toy hauler, if that helps.

[supercub]

Re: Camping at the field

Have you thought about being a volunteer at the Races. They have their own RV parking area inside the fence line. You get free parking, and free passes. Plus you get to contribute to the Air Races. I believe you only have to volunteer for 3 different shifts, although most of us volunteer way more then that. Most of the time is spent as basically gate guards. Many positions on the flight line advising people not to pass the barriers, etc. Contact RARA if interested for more info.

[Guest]

Re: Camping at the field

Have you thought about being a volunteer at the Races. They have their own RV parking area inside the fence line. You get free parking, and free passes. Plus you get to contribute to the Air Races. I believe you only have to volunteer for 3 different shifts, although most of us volunteer way more then that. Most of the time is spent as basically gate guards. Many positions on the flight line advising people not to pass the barriers, etc. Contact RARA if interested for more info.

Took the words right outta my mouth. Volunteering is a great way to give back a little and enjoy a benefit or two.

On a side note:

I had a discussion recently with a board member who stated the board has had conversations (as they do every year) with other event boards around Reno (Rodeo, HAN, etc.). A few things noted by the Rodeo folks were: Attendance was up considerably; volunteers were down considerably; quality vendors were a bit difficult to secure, and expenses were higher than budgeted. Kind of a good news/bad news scenario.

RARA may benefit from being later in the year as things settle down more over the course of the next 2 months. But, the point here is...if you can, volunteer! Contact them via email at:https://airrace.org/volunteer/

Or call them at 775-972-6663

54 days and counting folks...

[Matt58]

Re: Camping at the field

Can one volunteer for one or two days? My group gets into town around 1400 on Friday and we all head out Monday morning.

[Guest]

Re: Camping at the field

Can one volunteer for one or two days? My group gets into town around 1400 on Friday and we all head out Monday morning.

That I couldn't tell you. Certainly worth a call to the office I'd think. If you call let us know what your find out.

[Lockheed Bob]

Re: Camping at the field

The Church has showers & some meals & easy walk to the Gate. Rv spots have water & some electricity in the past.

[flyingjibus]

Re: Camping at the field

That's great, thank you! Is there any contact info for them? I'm coming from Boise, ID and would like to have something locked up before we make the trek.

not really. Its a family operation, the family kids run the lot. Every year they threaten that the lot is going to be sold and each time I show up they are still there selling spots. Its never full, not many people know about it. You will be able to get a spot at the church if they are not there. I understand that concern, but you dont need it. Like I said I have been staying on site for 35 years. There were many years when we showed up only to find the spot we had been staying for the past 5 years being gone and just shifting to a new spot with little to no hassle.

[wadeh]

Re: Camping at the field

Didn't the church sell the lot across the street where they were doing dry camping?

[Pete]

Re: Camping at the field

When you get on site go to this lot and see if they are doing camping , if so negotiate with them for what you need.

If not, stay at the church dry lot. Dont mess with the optimist lot, not worth it.

No need to stress about reservations either if you are not gonna be in a giant RV.

Been camping on site for 35 years.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]25600[/ATTACH]

I camped here in 2019. Great spot. I had an email address, just got a reply this morning. They have sold the lot, not doing camping there anymore.

Cheers,
Pete

[Leo]

Re: Camping at the field

I camped in the Optomist's lot from 79-2002 and it was great. Used to be able to make reservations with them and had the same spot for years. Do not know what it is like now, I barely even drive bye that way.
In a pinch there is always Bordertown, 3 exits north on 395. It's a nice spot with hookups, grass, trees, a good resturaunt, casino, liquor store. The racers venture out over Cold Springs Valley quite a bit and the faster classes form up over there.

[Desertdawg]

Re: Camping at the field

I camped here in 2019. Great spot. I had an email address, just got a reply this morning. They have sold the lot, not doing camping there anymore.

Cheers,
Pete

Over the last 2 years they have been busy building, parking will be interesting this year.

Military road is all developed now, housing tract all the way to Echo ave, big Makita USA facilities on east side of Military and Mt Limbo streets.

The big corner lot on west side Mt Limbo and Echo Ave has a huge Prologis warehouse next to the Navy Center.

The lot across from the church Mt Lida and Echo ave they are building Stead RV and Storage.

Inside Stead Air Field, the ramp area from the control tower to BLM Fire facility is getting new paving.