Anyone with practical experience of camping at race meets?

[mrbizzy]

I've really been getting into going to race meets this season (BSB in particular). I fancy going further a field later in the year - perhaps to Donnington and the like - and camping onsite over the weekend.

Have any of you guys/girls who have done this got any practical advice, tips and pitfalls to avoid for a newby like me?

For example, do you pay for a pitch in advance or (literally) just pitch up?

[OF.uk]

Camped at Brands a couple of times. I think I paid when I got there. Be prepared to have to lug your gear a fair distance from where your car/bike will be parked. Also, don't expect to get a great deal of sleep. Usually lots of nutters screwing their bikes and playing mega loud music until 4/5am. Last time at Brands there were fireworks going off right, left and centre which is not a great idea on a camp site and there were quite a few burglaries from tents. Not really what you expect from other bikers, but then again it may have been a team of people that came in because they knew there would be so many empty tents :?
If you forget anything there was a Sainsbury's marquee on site selling everything you might need.

Camping makes for a bloody good weekend all in all though :D

[wheelnut]

I went to Snetterton last year, I was only going for Saturday practice. Anyway I decided to have a ride out during the break and bought a tent from Halfords. Came back and put the tent up next to the paddock.

I also camped at Oulton Park, same thing just turn up, but they charged me extra, even though I had a free pit pass and invitation from sponsor.

Normally you will be in the same area as other camp people :P Dont expect a lot of sleep as parties go on all night :D