Brainerd International Raceway
Brainerd International Raceway is a multi-discipline motorsports facility in Brainerd, Minnesota, with a road course, a quarter-mile drag strip and more than 200 acres of rustic camping. Most of the ground is grass and hard-pack dirt, and only parts of the campgrounds are paved. Camping runs from free first-come general camping at Lakes Jam to full-service RV sites.
Before you go
Worth knowing before you go
- Only parts of the campgrounds are paved; the rest of the venue is grass and hard-pack dirt.
- At Lakes Jam, you must be camping to view watercross and mud trucks.
- At Lakes Jam, anyone staying in the campgrounds needs a camping wristband, which also gets you into the Concert Bowl from camp.
- At Lakes Jam, video and professional cameras are not allowed in the Concert Bowl.
- Noise and vehicle traffic rules are strictly enforced for campers.
Festivals here
Venue basics: 200+ acres of rustic camping · 164 full-service RV sites · Seven shower trailers.
Is it for you
Choose it if
- You want a big campground with full-service RV sites and shower trailers.
- You want to watch watercross or mud trucks, which you can do only if you camp.
Think twice if
- You need paved, level ground throughout: most of the venue is grass and hard-pack dirt.
- You want to bring your own food and drinks into the Concert Bowl.
Getting there and parking
For drag races, fans park in the infield behind the main grandstand. For road racing, fans park next to most interior roadways, and can cross the bridge into the infield and move freely between corners and other vantage points.
Festival-specific · Lakes JamParking is bought online with your tickets and passes, and there is a single-day parking area.
Accessibility
Festival-specific · Lakes JamMotorized wheelchairs and mobility chairs are welcome in the campgrounds, event sites and concert venues. Accessible parking is first come, first served in the parking lots with an accessible parking placard, permit or plate, and accessible viewing areas at designated stages are reached by asking at the information booth. Service animals are permitted throughout the venue.
Portions of the campgrounds are paved, and the rest of the venue is grass and hard-pack dirt. Wheelchair users may find some portions of the concert bowl difficult to navigate.
Confirm your specific needs with the venue before you travel (lakesjam.com).
Camping
There are more than 200 acres for rustic camping and 164 full-service RV sites in the PleasureLand RV VIP Campground. Seven shower trailers with hot water are spread through the campgrounds. Security is available 24 hours a day during race weekends, and noise and vehicle traffic rules are strictly enforced for campers.
Festival-specific · Lakes JamGeneral camping is free and first come, first served. Everyone staying in the campgrounds needs a camping wristband, which is also needed to get into the Concert Bowl from camp. To view watercross and mud trucks you must be camping.
Food, water and what you can bring
Festival-specific · Lakes JamNo outside food or beverages are allowed in the Concert Bowl, with one exception: water in a clear container. Video and professional cameras are not allowed either, and everyone is subject to pat downs and bag inspection.
Festival-specific · Lakes JamOver twelve vendors in the Concert Bowl serve food and a large variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
Quick answers
Can I camp at Brainerd International Raceway?
Yes. There are more than 200 acres for rustic camping and 164 full-service RV sites in the PleasureLand RV VIP Campground, with seven shower trailers and 24 hour security during race weekends.
Is camping free at Lakes Jam?
General camping is free and first come, first served. Full-service and reserved sites are separate, and you need a camping wristband to stay in the campgrounds.
Is Brainerd International Raceway wheelchair accessible?
Partly. Motorized wheelchairs and mobility chairs are welcome and there are accessible parking spaces and viewing areas, but the venue is mostly grass and hard-pack dirt and some parts of the concert bowl can be hard to navigate.
Can I bring my own food and drinks to Lakes Jam?
No. No outside food or beverages are allowed in the Concert Bowl, except water in a clear container.
Can I bring a camera to Lakes Jam?
Not a video or professional camera. Those are not allowed in the Concert Bowl, and anyone breaking the rule can be removed from the grounds.
Where do I park for races at Brainerd International Raceway?
For drag races, park in the infield behind the main grandstand. For road racing, park next to most interior roadways and cross the bridge into the infield.
Are there showers at the campgrounds?
Yes. There are seven shower trailers spread through the campgrounds, with hot water.
How old is Brainerd International Raceway?
It began as Donnybrooke Speedway in 1968 and was renamed Brainerd International Raceway in 1973.
A little history
The track began as Donnybrooke Speedway in 1968, when George Montgomery carved a three-mile road course through the trees south of North Long Lake. Jerry Hansen bought it in 1973 and renamed it Brainerd International Raceway, and in the early 1980s it became a key stop on the national motorcycle racing circuit.