Budds Creek National
Head to Mechanicsville, Maryland mid-August for the Budds Creek National Motocross Race where you can see hundreds of riders compete for the gold.
Event information
Point your RV toward Mechanicsville, Maryland for the Budds Creek National Motocross Race in mid-August, where you can enjoy dirt bike racing at its dirtiest. If listening to the sound of motorbike engines racing and crowds cheering, this event is perfect for you.
Whether you are coming to race or to cheer on the other racers, Maryland in mid-August is a great place to be outside enjoying the sunshine and fresh air. Watch the bikes sling dirt as they zip around hairy turns and over some fierce jumps in a neck and neck race to the finish. With jump names like Big Gulp, Fly Triple, and RedBull Launch, you know the track is a fun sport for participants as well as spectators.
The deep and tacky soil on the track gets pitched off the tires of the bikes as they brake into turns and ramp over the hills to catch some air during the race. This is a weekend event starting on Thursday morning and running until Sunday evening with amateur racing bookending the main races on Friday and Saturday.
Whether you want to enjoy it for a day or to spend the whole weekend, you can find the perfect spot for your RV at the track or in the immediate area. There will also be fun activities, food, and drinks available for purchase on Vendor Row. Peruse an interactive Sponsor Village where you can see plenty of exciting new motocross bikes and products.
Tickets
In previous years, tickets for Budds Creek National have varied in price and options. For a one-day general admission ticket, prices have been about $40 for adults and $20 for kids under 12. Specialty tickets such as Holeshot Club and Super Tickets typically cost about $100 to $200.
If you'd like to RV camp, the choices usually include Fan Camping tickets for two nights for about $50 or three nights for $60. If you want to be closer to the action, get the Preferred Camping tickets, which tend to run about $150. While camping is sometimes free at Budds Creek Motocross Park for other activities, a fee should be expected during the Nationals events.
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Transportation
Driving
Just over an hour’s drive from the nation’s capital, Washington D.C., you can find Budds Creek National in Mechanicsville, Maryland. Heading in from the south, you may take I-64, and from the west, you’ll likely take or cross I-95. US-301 may connect with your route from the east or the north. Since the roads are almost all highways and the park is built for trailers and other large vehicles, getting to the event should be a breeze, no matter what you are driving or pulling.
Parking areas
Event parking has been around $10 in the past; however, the lots fill up fast, so get there early or be prepared to walk quite a bit. In recent years, spectators have found parking for a small fee nearby offered by local residents. It is best to get a camping ticket and enjoy your time at Budds Creek Motocross Park, so you don’t have to worry about parking.
Public Transportation
St. Mary’s County is home to several public ride services such as the St. Mary’s Transit System (STS), which has stations and stops all over the county. Other modes of transportation you can utilize include taxi service, rideshare apps, and rental car services. If you are staying at a nearby campground, check to see if they offer shuttle service as well. Keep in mind that some transportation options may bring you near but not quite all the way to Budds Creek Motocross Park.
Where to stay
Onsite
Campsites at Budds Creek Motocross Park are primitive, so there are no utility hookups. Bring your cook stove and plenty of water for drinking and cooking. You are allowed to run a generator but not during quiet hours. Preferred Camping is closer to the action than Fan Camping. Spots are allotted based on a first-come, first-served basis, though camping tickets are best purchased in advance.
Nearby
You can find a few campgrounds in the area that accommodate RVs and trailers. The closest is in Cedarville State Forest, which is just under 25 miles to the north. The forest has a small campground with 26 sites that have picnic tables and campfire rings with grills. Several sites have electric hookups, and all are pet-friendly. There is also a bathhouse with hot water in the middle of the campground. Several other campgrounds in the area have RV sites as well, but it’s best to call in advance.
Getting around
The park does not allow bicycles, scooters, golf carts, pit bikes, or any other wheeled transportation on the grounds. However, the park is not that huge, so you should have no trouble walking where you want to go. Some spectators encourage bringing a wheeled cooler or wagon to carry ice, drinks, and snacks if you have to walk far.
What to pack
Clothing
Maryland summers tend to be hot and muggy, so pack some shorts and tanks to stay cool. A long-sleeved light shirt may also be good to keep the sun off your skin, and comfortable shoes are a must. Sunglasses will keep the rays out of your eyes so you can see and will make you look fantastic, too. A hat or scarf to keep your neck and head covered is also recommended.
Gear
Rules allow umbrellas, which is good in case it rains but also helps to keep the sun at bay. Past guests also recommend bringing binoculars, a lawn chair, and a radio. The race is broadcast live on 91.7 FM so you can keep up with the action. Cameras and cell phones are welcome for photos and videos to share with friends who didn’t make it to the race. Outside food and drinks are allowed, including alcoholic beverages, so you can save money by bringing a cooler full of goodies. Be sure to leave glass at home.
Health & Safety
Budds Creek Motocross Park has had water stations in the past, and this helps keep you from getting dehydrated. Don’t forget to pack a water bottle that you can refill at water stations if available. Sunscreen is another must-have, even if you have a hat and long sleeves. The sun can be brutal during August. Bug spray will keep the chiggers, mosquitoes, and other critters at bay, and chapstick will keep your lips from burning.
Where to eat
Cooking
Pack a camp stove, propane, and extra water for cooking as well as pots, pans, and anything else you may need to cook with during your dry camping ventures. Although the park will have food vendors, you may end up cooking some meals back at the campsite, so make sure you a few favorites for your hungry motocross crew. If you need anything, though, the town has a grocery store and several convenience stores nearby.
Restaurants
Mechanicsville may be a small town, but it has some big flavor. Within a few miles of the park, you can find over a dozen eateries, including BBQ, bar and grills, Chinese restaurants, seafood, a café, pizza, and much more. If you want fast food, this town has several within a one-mile area.
Vendors
Hopefully, you saved room for some snacks and a brew to enjoy after or between races. The park has vendors with different varieties of foods and drinks to make everyone’s taste buds happy. There is more than just food here, though. Vendors such as Geico, GoPro, KTM, Thor, MotoSport, Lucas Oil, and Suzuki are just some of the many that have attended in the past, showing off their most popular and newest items.
Safety
Security
Security staff will be stationed around the park, including the camping area. However, you should keep your property put away and locked while you are away from your RV. Motocross races can be hazardous, so when you come to the event, you accept all risk of injury or damage to personal property. Keep your loved ones and yourself a safe distance from the racetrack and other areas where you could get hurt instead of watching with delight.
Weather
The middle of August is hot pretty much anywhere in the United States, but in Mechanicsville, Maryland, you can expect temperatures to vary from highs in the upper 70s to 90s and lows in the 60s and 70s. Rain is always a possibility but not likely at this time of year. Bring plenty of water, look for shade, and dress comfortably. If you get too hot, head to a cooling center or back to your rig to cool off with a refreshing drink.
Medical
A first-aid center will be available on the grounds. Should you need immediate medical help, it is best to call 911. The closest hospital is 16 miles away on Penns Hill Road off US-301. Bring a first-aid kit and keep plenty of water and ice to stay cool during the hottest part of the day.
