Where to Stay Near Atlanta Motor Speedway: Best Hotels, Local Tips & Easy Commutes

If you’re heading to Atlanta Motor Speedway (AMS) in Hampton, Georgia—whether for a NASCAR weekend, a concert, or a track day—your hotel choice can make or break the experience. Traffic, parking, late-night noise, and early mornings all play into where it makes sense to stay.

This guide focuses on practical, Atlanta-area options for hotels near Atlanta Motor Speedway, plus a few smart alternatives in nearby cities like McDonough, Stockbridge, and South Atlanta that locals often use to avoid the worst race-day congestion.

Quick Overview: Where Should You Stay?

Atlanta Motor Speedway is at:
1500 Tara Pl, Hampton, GA 30228

You won’t find big high-rise hotels right at the track. Instead, most visitors stay in:

• Hampton & Lovejoy – Closest to the speedway; more limited choices, very event-dependent.
• McDonough – Popular base just off I‑75; many hotels, food, and services.
• Stockbridge / Eagles Landing – A bit farther, but convenient for I‑75 and access to Atlanta.
• South Atlanta / Airport area – Best if you’re flying in and want more big-brand options.
• Campgrounds & RV parks at or near AMS – If you want to stay on-site for major race weekends.

Here’s a simple comparison to get your bearings:

Hotels Closest to Atlanta Motor Speedway (Hampton & Nearby)

There are fewer traditional hotels in Hampton than in the I‑75 corridor, but staying close can be a major advantage if you:

• Want to avoid long race-day drives
• Plan to enter and exit the track multiple times in a day
• Don’t mind more limited dining and nightlife options nearby

What to Expect Near the Track

Around the speedway itself, you’ll mostly find:

• Small motels and inns
• Short-term rentals (homes, townhomes, and rooms, especially on big race weekends)
• Trackside camping and RV spots managed by Atlanta Motor Speedway

Rooms near the track tend to:

• Fill up early for high-demand events
• Increase in price on race or concert weekends
• Offer basic amenities compared with larger hotels along I‑75

If you want to stay as close as possible to the speedway, booking months in advance is common, especially for major NASCAR events.

McDonough: The Most Popular Hotel Hub for AMS Visitors

For many Atlanta residents and out-of-town visitors, McDonough is the “sweet spot” for hotels near Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Why McDonough Works Well

McDonough sits just east of I‑75 with several exits (including around Exit 218 and Exit 221) lined with:

• Mid-range and budget hotels
• Chain restaurants and local spots
• Gas stations, grocery stores, and big-box retail

From most hotel clusters in McDonough, the drive to AMS is typically:

• 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic and which route you choose
• Longer on race mornings or post-event when roads toward Hampton get heavy

Who McDonough Is Best For

McDonough usually fits if you:

• Want more hotel choices and price ranges
• Are traveling with family and need access to food, shopping, or quick errands
• Plan to combine a race weekend with other activities on the southside of Atlanta

Look for hotels near:

• Jonesboro Rd / Highway 81 (near I‑75)
• Highway 20/81 corridors

These areas provide a practical, familiar “interchange” feel with plenty of services.

Stockbridge & Eagles Landing: Balance AMS Access with Metro Atlanta

Stockbridge, just north of McDonough along I‑75, gives you a little more distance from the track while keeping you close enough for an easy drive.

Advantages of Staying in Stockbridge

• Reasonable drive to AMS: Generally 25–35 minutes in normal traffic.
• Closer to central Atlanta: Easier to head north into the city for dining, nightlife, or attractions.
• Good selection of mid-range hotels near:
  • Eagles Landing Parkway
  • Hudson Bridge Road

This area is often chosen by:

• Locals on the north or west side of Atlanta who don’t want to stay too far south
• Visitors planning to split time between AMS and downtown/midtown Atlanta
• Travelers who value easy interstate access and a slightly quieter stay post-event

South Atlanta & Airport Hotels: Best for Fly-In Visitors

If you’re flying into Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, you may prefer to base yourself near the airport / College Park / South Atlanta and commute to the speedway as needed.

Why Choose the Airport Area

• Huge range of hotels: From budget to upscale, many with airport shuttles.
• Convenient if:
  • You have a late-night arrival or early-morning departure
  • You’re earning or using hotel rewards points
  • You want more dining and service options nearby

Driving time to Atlanta Motor Speedway from most airport-area hotels:

• Typically 35–50 minutes, depending on the route and traffic
• Often via I‑285 and Jonesboro Rd / Tara Blvd (US‑41 / US‑19) or other southside routes

This is a good fit if you:

• Are flying in solely for a race or event
• Don’t want to switch hotels during your trip
• Plan to see some of Atlanta’s in-town attractions (Downtown, Midtown, Eastside) before or after race day

On-Site Camping & RV Options at Atlanta Motor Speedway

For dedicated AMS fans, staying on the property can be the most convenient option.

Atlanta Motor Speedway typically offers:

• Reserved RV spaces
• Tent camping
• Infield and exterior campgrounds, depending on the event

Pros of Staying On-Site

• No commuting or parking hassles
• Easy to walk back to your campsite between races, concerts, or activities
• Immersive experience with fellow fans, especially on big NASCAR weekends

Things to Keep in Mind

• Camping areas can be rowdy and loud, especially for big events.
• Amenities vary: some sites may have full hookups, others are more basic.
• Many campgrounds and RV spaces sell out well in advance for marquee weekends.

For the most accurate, current information, contact Atlanta Motor Speedway directly:

• Atlanta Motor Speedway
  1500 Tara Pl
  Hampton, GA 30228
  Main phone (general information and ticketing are commonly available via the main switchboard listed on their official site.)

Choosing the Right Area: Key Factors to Consider

When deciding where to book your hotel near Atlanta Motor Speedway, think through:

1. How You’re Getting to Atlanta

• Driving in from elsewhere in Georgia or neighboring states
  • McDonough, Stockbridge, or Hampton may be most convenient.
• Flying into Hartsfield–Jackson (ATL)
  • Airport-area hotels or South Atlanta can minimize logistics.

2. How Many Days You’ll Be at the Track

• One main race day or a single event
  • Anywhere along I‑75 south of Atlanta is workable, as long as you plan for traffic.
• Full race weekend (practice, qualifying, main event)
  • Being closer (Hampton/Lovejoy, McDonough, or on-site camping) can reduce daily stress.

3. Your Tolerance for Traffic

On peak days, roads approaching AMS—especially Tara Blvd, Jonesboro Rd, and local connectors—can get crowded.

• If you hate traffic, consider:
  • Booking very close in Hampton or Lovejoy, or
  • Staying farther out but leaving earlier than you think you need to.
• If you’re used to Atlanta traffic, a 25–40 minute drive from Stockbridge or the airport may feel normal, as long as you factor in race-day delays.

Practical Local Tips for Hotel Planning

Here are some locally relevant pointers that help AMS visitors have smoother stays:

Book Early for Major Events

• NASCAR races, large concerts, and special events often push hotel demand high across:
  • Hampton
  • McDonough
  • Stockbridge
  • Sometimes even the airport area
• Booking months in advance is common if you want specific hotel brands, room types, or on-site camping.

Check Event Schedules Before You Choose Your Area

Atlanta Motor Speedway hosts:

• Major motorsports events
• Driving schools and track days
• Festivals and concerts

For smaller events, almost any southside hotel choice will work. For high-attendance weekends, closer hotels can save you an hour or more of total daily drive time.

Plan Your Driving Routes

From many hotel areas, you’ll likely use:

• I‑75 south or north, then
• Connecting routes like GA‑20/81, Tara Blvd (US‑19/41), or other local roads.

Local drivers often:

• Arrive earlier in the morning to avoid the worst backups
• Use navigation apps to adjust to day-of traffic patterns
• Keep an eye on post-race exits, which can bottleneck if everyone leaves at once

Consider Non-Race Activities Around Your Hotel

If you’re in town for several days, think about what you’ll do when you’re not at the track:

• McDonough / Stockbridge: Access to shopping centers, casual restaurants, and easy drives north toward Atlanta’s in-town neighborhoods.
• Airport / South Atlanta: Faster access to:
  • Downtown Atlanta (State Farm Arena, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, Georgia Aquarium, Centennial Olympic Park)
  • East Point, College Park, and other southside communities with local dining.

Choosing an area that fits your whole itinerary—not just your AMS plans—usually leads to a better overall experience.

How Locals Decide Where to Stay for AMS Weekends

People who live in the metro Atlanta area but don’t want to drive back across town late at night often:

• Pick McDonough or Stockbridge if they live on the north, east, or west side of the city.
• Opt for Hampton or on-site camping if they want to treat race weekend as a mini getaway.
• Choose airport-area hotels if they’re pairing the race with:
  • Picking up or dropping off out-of-town guests
  • Flights close to event dates

If you already live in Atlanta and are debating whether to book a hotel at all, consider:

• Your home location (driving from Alpharetta, Kennesaw, or similar suburbs after a late event can be tiring).
• Whether you’ll be driving home in heavy post-event traffic.
• If you’re attending multiple consecutive days, a hotel close to the speedway can make early mornings and late nights more manageable.

By focusing on Hampton and surrounding communities for proximity, McDonough and Stockbridge for convenience, and airport/South Atlanta hotels for fly-in comfort, you can match your stay to how you plan to experience Atlanta Motor Speedway. Carefully choosing your hotel area, then booking early for major events, will give you the best mix of access, price, and comfort for your time at the track.