RedBud National
Head to Michigan for the Nationals at Redbud MX in Buchanan. As the centerpiece of the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship, this is fun stuff.
Event information
The RedBud National transforms Buchanan, Michigan, into the epicenter of American motocross on the July 5th weekend, featuring round 6 of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship. This legendary track offers six camping lots accommodating RVs up to 80 feet, with primitive dry camping starting Wednesday at 6 pm. Located just above the Michigan-Indiana state line, RedBud consistently draws the largest attendance of any U.S. motocross race, with over 60,000 spectators annually. The weekend features professional fireworks shows, vendor villages, and the infamous LaRocco's Leap—the biggest jump on the circuit. For RV travelers, the festival's extensive onsite camping and Michigan's abundant rental options make it the perfect destination to combine adrenaline-pumping motorsports with comfortable outdoor living.
What is the RedBud National Motocross?
RedBud National is round 6 of the annual Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, taking place at one of the world's most highly regarded motocross tracks.
Located in the beautiful rolling hills of southwestern Michigan, RedBud has bragging rights to claim the largest attendance of any U.S. motocross race, year after year. With just the right soil mix, plenty of room for passing, and the biggest jump on the circuit—the infamous LaRocco's Leap, named after local legend Mike LaRocco—RedBud is the top motocross destination in a region that loves its motorsports.
Over one full weekend, 250cc and 450cc motocross riders battle it out on the track while thousands of onlookers experience world-class racing action. The event features multiple practice sessions, qualifying rounds, and championship races that determine crucial points in the national standings.
For those planning to explore the event with an RV, discover Kalamazoo RV rentals just 50 miles east of the track, or consider South Bend RV rentals just 30 minutes from the venue for easy access to the action.
When and Where is the RedBud National Held?
The RedBud National takes place in July at RedBud MX, located at 13638 Red Bud Trail N, Buchanan, MI 49107.
Event Schedule:
- Wednesday: Camping opens at 6 pm with police escort from the staging area
- Thursday-Friday: Practice sessions and amateur racing
- Saturday: Main professional races with gates opening at 6:30 am
- Sunday: Amateur races and campground departure
Practice sessions start at 8 am Saturday, giving early arrivals the chance to explore different track sections and scout the best viewing spots. Saturday night features professional fireworks shows after the main events conclude.
Tickets
How Much Does the RedBud National Cost?
General admission tickets are always available at the event and do not sell out, priced at $80 if purchased at the track to help ticket lines move faster.
- Online Advance: General admission pricing varies
- Pit Passes: 9 am-noon access (book early as these sell out)
- VIP Tickets: Premium viewing experiences
- Weekend Camping: Available for purchase with tickets
All tickets include Saturday parking, the Pro National races, amateur night racing afterwards, and fireworks after dark. Veterans, children, and group discounts may be available—check the official RedBud website for current pricing and package deals.
Explore RedBud National RV Rentals
Transportation
Driving
Just off US-31 from Interstate 90 or 94, RedBud MX Track is easily accessible in Buchanan, southwestern Michigan.
- From Chicago: 90 miles northeast via I-94 East
- From Detroit: 150 miles southwest via I-94 West
- From Grand Rapids: 90 miles south via US-131 to I-94 West
CRITICAL 2025 ROAD UPDATE: Major road construction projects affect several routes to RedBud in 2025. Most importantly, don't turn off US 12 onto Red Bud Trail—the road is closed and does not exist in town. Check redbudmx.com for updated route information.
Parking areas
There's usually parking galore at RedBud because they use all available grass during the event. Staff members guide you to appropriate spots based on your rig size and camping pass.
RV-Specific Access:
- South Entrance ONLY for campers, VIP pass holders, and trackside parking
- North and West entrances for general daily parking only (no campers allowed)
- Staging area available at nearby Berrien County Youth Fairgrounds with police escort to track
Public Transportation
The best choice for RVers is to camp onsite during the RedBud National. However, if you are camping elsewhere, your best bet is a rideshare app or rental car service. There are no public buses that provide transportation in this area. Sometimes you can find carpools or a party bus type of ride in the area. You may also consider taking a taxi or a private bus service.
Where to stay
Onsite
RedBud MX Track has six different camping areas, with Lot A having five separate sections based on space, length of RV, and proximity to the track.
The largest sites can handle rigs up to 80 feet long, though none of the sites have utilities—but you can run your generator all night long if it's not too loud. All camping is dry camping only with no electric or water hookups.
Camping Lot Breakdown:
- Lots 0-4: Family-friendly areas where pets are welcome in air-conditioned campers only
- Lot B: Northeast corner known for its party atmosphere
- Trackside Lots: Premium locations closest to racing action (sell out quickly)
You're welcome to stay for the amateur races on Sunday, and small campfires inside rings are permitted unless conditions are too dry.
Nearby
For those seeking hookups and amenities, several excellent options exist within 30 minutes:
South Bend / Elkhart North KOA offers full hookups, Wi-Fi, and family amenities just 25 miles from the track. The campground features level sites with 50-amp electrical service, cable TV, and a fully appointed Kamping Kitchen.
Additional nearby options include Coloma / St. Joseph KOA and various Michigan state park campgrounds offering beautiful lakefront settings.
Getting around
The RedBud MX Track offers golf cart shuttles around the track area from Thursday until Sunday. And on Saturday, they run from the ADA parking areas to the pro track entrances. Most of the fun is packed into a pretty compact area, so you should not have to walk too far anyway. No ATVs, scooters, quads, bikes, or pit bikes are allowed.
What to pack
Clothing
Southern Michigan is hot and sticky in the summertime, so pack accordingly. Light clothes, a hat, and comfortable shoes are essentials. Most people wear shorts and tank tops or tee shirts the whole weekend, but it can get breezy this close to Lake Michigan, so bring a jacket or light sweater as well.
Gear
Go ahead and pack some food, snacks, soft drinks, and beer in your cooler because they are allowed at the RedBud MX Track. You’re also welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets to sit on since you will likely be watching the race from the grass. There are free bleachers, but you have to get there early and claim a spot. However, if you get up, your spot is gone.
Health & Safety
Pack your backpack full of sunblock, bug spray, and don’t forget your sunglasses and hat, as it may be hot and sticky in July. Although there are several areas with shade, most of the best viewing areas are not shaded. Bring along any medications you may need as well as a first-aid kit just in case.
Where to eat
Cooking
Fans camping at the Redbud National are allowed to cook meals indoors using a generator or outdoors on a gas grill, camp stove, or in a fire ring. Be sure you have what you need, so you don’t have to pack everything back up and drive to town for campsite food or supplies. The nearest convenience store is about 2.7 miles from the park, and there are grocery stores a bit further down.
Restaurants
Since you are in the neighborhood, stop by one of the awesome eateries in Berrien County on your way in or out of the track. You can find nice fancy restaurants as well as small cafés, or choose one of the many fast food joints for a burger and fries. You’ll also find a sub shop,a pizzeria, and a coffee house nearby within a 10-minute drive.
Vendors
Visitors have been known to come back year after year for certain foods that they can only get at the track. Some of these items in the past include corndogs, tri-tip sandwiches, and funnel cakes. The track just started selling alcohol in 2018, so you can get that there, too. Merchandise vendors are also on hand to show off their newest items.
Safety
Security
You’ll be getting your bags and coolers checked by security at a few different areas around the track. The RedBud MX Track takes safety seriously, so don’t bring anything in that you know is not allowed. Some of these things include fireworks, drones, weapons, and drugs. Although marijuana laws have changed in Michigan, it is not allowed at the track at all.
Weather
The first week of July is hot just about anywhere you go, and Buchanan, Michigan is not only hot but humid as well. Average temps in July range from the upper 80s to lower 90s for the highs and low 60s at night. Thunderstorms are likely so be prepared for that as well during your trip to the RedBud National.
Medical
The medical staff on hand at the RedBud MX Track is trained in emergency and basic first aid procedures. The track also has an ambulance service and paramedics available if needed. If you would rather make the trip yourself or need to pick up a prescription, the nearest hospital is just 10 minutes away on US-31.
