North Carolina State University Tailgating
Catch a North Carolina State University game with the Wolfpack at Carter-Finley Stadium before enjoying the scenery and beaches that North Carolina has to offer in your RV.
Event information
North Carolina State University tailgating at Carter-Finley Stadium offers exceptional RV experiences, with the nearby NC State Fairgrounds serving as the primary RV parking destination, located just half a mile southeast of the stadium. The Fairgrounds provides first-come, first-served RV sites for approximately $25 per 24-hour period, featuring full hookups with electricity, water, sewer, and WiFi access. Red Terror shuttle service connects the Fairgrounds to Carter-Finley Stadium on game weekends, eliminating parking headaches while keeping you close to the action. With no overnight parking allowed on campus, the Fairgrounds becomes the epicenter of Wolfpack tailgating culture, where fans gather hours before kickoff to fire up grills and showcase their red and white pride. The Raleigh-Durham area provides excellent RV rental options, putting you within 30 minutes of both the stadium and North Carolina's diverse outdoor attractions for extended adventures.
What Makes NC State Tailgating Special?
NC State tailgating at Carter-Finley Stadium embodies the passionate spirit of Wolfpack Nation, where traditions run deep and game day energy reaches fever pitch throughout the 57,583-seat venue. The atmosphere around Carter-Finley combines small-town warmth with big-time college football excitement, as generations of Wolfpack families gather to celebrate their beloved team.
The NC State Fairgrounds serves as the heart of RV tailgating culture, creating a vibrant community where red and white dominate the landscape. Here, seasoned Wolfpack veterans share grilling tips with first-time visitors, while the smell of barbecue mingles with the sounds of cornhole games and spirited chants echoing across the campground.
What sets NC State apart is the genuine camaraderie among fans—you'll find strangers quickly become friends over shared game predictions and tailgating traditions. The Pack's underdog spirit creates an infectious energy that transforms ordinary Saturday afternoons into memorable celebrations of school pride and North Carolina heritage.
Carter-Finley's location in Raleigh puts you at the center of the Research Triangle, offering easy access to urban amenities while maintaining that authentic college town atmosphere that makes ACC football special.
For the ultimate Wolfpack weekend, explore Raleigh RV rentals for the largest selection and easy access to the Fairgrounds, or discover Durham RV rentals for additional options just 30 minutes away.
Tickets
How Much Does NC State Tailgating Cost?
NC State game experiences involve several cost components, with pricing remaining affordable compared to major football programs across the country.
RV Parking: NC State Fairgrounds charges approximately $25 per 24-hour period for RV sites with full hookups, offering exceptional value for a prime tailgating location.
Game Tickets: Prices vary significantly based on opponent and season performance, typically ranging from $20 for non-conference games to $75+ for major ACC matchups and rivalry games against UNC or Clemson.
Additional Costs:
- Red Terror shuttle service (when available)
- Food and beverages for tailgating festivities
- Stadium concessions and Wolfpack merchandise
- Fuel and supplies for your RV adventure
Money-Saving Tips:
- Arrive at Fairgrounds early for best site selection (first-come, first-served)
- Purchase tickets in advance through NC State athletics for better pricing
- Bring your own food and drinks for tailgating (nothing allowed in the stadium)
- Consider staying multiple nights to maximize value and reduce travel stress
How Do I Rent an RV Near Raleigh for the NC State Games?
The Research Triangle area offers outstanding RV rental options that put you within easy reach of Carter-Finley Stadium while providing access to North Carolina's renowned hospitality and diverse attractions.
Raleigh provides the most comprehensive selection and serves as your gateway to NC State tailgating culture. Located approximately 15 minutes from the Fairgrounds, Raleigh offers everything from nimble Class B campervans perfect for couples to spacious Class A motorhomes ideal for large Wolfpack tailgating crews.
Durham offers additional rental options in the heart of the Research Triangle, putting you about 30 minutes from Carter-Finley while providing easy access to Duke University, Research Triangle Park, and the region's thriving food scene.
Both cities provide excellent access to RDU International Airport, making them convenient for out-of-state fans looking to combine air travel with local RV rentals for the ultimate game day experience.
Explore North Carolina State University Tailgating RV Rentals
Transportation
Driving
Getting to Raleigh is easy enough because it is a city that is signposted from miles away. Coming from the north may require taking I-85 down to I-40 while coming from the south might bring you on I-95 or the 401 towards the city. Be aware that the traffic here can jam up in a hurry and give yourself plenty of time especially if you are taking an RV trip.
Parking areas
The stadium lots require a parking pass that might come with or be offered alongside your game day ticket. For those without passes, there are a number of businesses in the area that will open up their parking lots for fans wanting to be near the stadium for a fee of around $10 to $20. Public pay lots in the area are also an option. Tailgating is permitted in some areas for smaller vehicles. RVs are directed across the street to the North Carolina State Fairgrounds for single-game parking.
Public Transportation
If you are attempting to reach the stadium by bus, then two city buses travel by Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh. These are the 100 bus and the DRX. The Red Terror bus goes from campus to Carter-Finley on game day. The pay lot options that are outside of the parking pass zone are generally walkable to the stadium, but there are golf cart shuttles for guests that may need help with a walk of around half a mile.
Where to stay
Onsite
NC State Fairgrounds serves as the primary and most popular RV destination for Wolfpack games, offering an unbeatable combination of convenience, amenities, and an authentic tailgating atmosphere just half a mile southeast of Carter-Finley Stadium.
NC State Fairgrounds Features:
- Full hookups with electricity, water, and sewer connections
- Complimentary WiFi throughout the grounds
- First-come, first-served basis ($25 per 24-hour period)
- 24-hour security and on-site facilities
- Red Terror shuttle service to stadium (select game weekends)
- Walking and biking distance to Carter-Finley Stadium
- Central hub for Wolfpack tailgating community
Important Fairgrounds Guidelines:
- No reservations accepted for individual campers
- Space availability can be limited during homecoming and rivalry games
- Generators permitted, but consider neighbors
- Grillingis allowed with proper safety precautions
- Pack pride encouraged—red and white decorations welcome
Nearby
Jordan Dam RV Park provides a scenic alternative approximately 30 minutes southwest near Jordan Lake, offering full hookups and a peaceful setting for those seeking a quieter pre-game experience.
Triangle RV Park in Durham offers year-round sites with hookups, putting you about 30 minutes from the stadium while providing access to Durham's vibrant downtown scene.
Note: On-campus overnight parking is not permitted for RVs, making the Fairgrounds and area RV parks your best options for the complete NC State game day experience.
Getting around
Since it is only about half a mile, the best way to get to the stadium from the fairground is to walk or take the shuttle or bus that is available on some game weekends. Another fun way would be to take your bikes with you in the RV and cycle over the stadium, exploring parts of the city either on the way there or the way back. Getting around the stadium is just as simple, and the facility has outstanding access for people with disabilities.
What to pack
Clothing
Looking the part at an NC State game is just as important as being in the stadium. Make sure that you are wearing the school colors of red and white, avoiding blue and white of the North Carolina Tar Heels. In the summer and fall, you may get away with t-shirts and tank tops, but by the end of the season, a comfy hoodie with the school logo emblazoned on it will likely be in order.
Gear
Tailgating is a big deal at NC State games, so make sure to have all the items necessary to make the most of the morning before the game. This means bringing lawn chairs, yard games, and whatever else you can find with the Wolfpack logo front and center. If the game you are going to is early in the season, then a tent to cover you from the sun as you enjoy the day is never a bad idea.
Health & Safety
If you are in Raleigh when the sun is beating down, then sunscreen should be applied liberally. Also, make sure to take some aloe for the spots that are missed. Drinking water will also be important at your campsite and the game. A first-aid kit, in addition to any required medications, should also be a staple part of your RV setup. Make sure all pills are within their expiration date and store safely in your campervan or Airstream.
Where to eat
Cooking
For Wolfpack fans looking to make this a trip to remember, the NC State Athletics Department offers turnkey tailgating setups with everything you need without having to bring anything to the game. RVers can also choose to tailgate themselves, so pack your charcoal or gas grill and load up with your game day favorites. Don't forget to make your best sides, and always make an extra portion to share with your tailgating neighbors.
Restaurants
There are some outstanding restaurants in Raleigh, and they make it well worth staying around the city for an extra day or two. You may find everything from diners to high-class cuisine, and there is a vibrant and eclectic food truck scene to discover. Be sure to ask your new-found friends at the tailgate where they would go to eat in town if they only had one chance to visit.
Vendors
Wolfpack Stadium has numerous concession stands within the stadium for those ready to eat a little more food during the game. These accept cash and card, while there are different lines for those looking for food and those who want alcohol. For those with a sweet tooth after all the burgers and brats outside, options include desserts like ice cream, cotton candy, and funnel cakes.
Safety
Security
North Carolina State is a school that adheres to the commonly adopted clear back policy. In recent years, this has meant that all your items must fit inside a clear bag that is no larger and 12" x 6" x 12." Small purses and clutches are the only exceptions to this rule, and they will be searched in the security line before you enter the stadium. Medical necessities are allowed after an inspection. There is a police command center set up inside the stadium should any emergency occur.
Weather
Always be sure to check your favorite weather app before setting out on an RV trip. Also, check the forecast on game day so that you know how to dress comfortably. While unusual, early-season North Carolina State games can be affected by the tail end of hurricane season. If there are storms in the Atlantic that may approach Raleigh, kickoff time may be moved at late notice, or the game might be rescheduled completely.
Medical
First-aid stations in the stadium provided by the staff of Rex Healthcare. There is one station on the west concourse and one on the east, so fans should always be close enough to the first-aid facilities in the event of an emergency. Staff will be able to direct you to the nearest station, or Raleigh has world-class hospital facilities should more care be needed.
