Atlanta Motor Speedway opens campgrounds to Hurricane Milton evacuees

October 8th, 2024

Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, Georgia. (LaShawn Hudson/WABE)

The Atlanta Motor Speedway (AMS) in Hampton, Georgia, has opened up its campgrounds to provide shelter for those affected by Hurricane Milton, which is approaching Florida as a Category 4 storm this week.

AMS is working with the Henry County Emergency Management Agency to provide free dry camping and showerhouse access for evacuees.

“While our thoughts and prayers continue to be with those affected by Hurricane Helene, we’re committed to helping when storms affect communities in the southeast whenever we can,” said AMS Executive Vice President and GM Brandon Hutchison in a press release.

“We have hundreds of acres of campgrounds and opening up our facility is an easy choice to make. If you’re in Milton’s path and looking for a place to stay, we’re here for you,” Hutchison added.

In addition to the free dry campaign, a limited number of camping spaces with access to water, power and sewer hookups will also be available for $35 per night.

This isn’t the first time AMS has assisted in hurricane relief efforts. More than 100 people took refuge at the speedway’s campgrounds in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma in 2017, and AMS hosted dozens of others following Hurricanes Florence, Michael and Dorian in 2018 and 2019, and following Hurricane Idalia in 2023.

AMS is asking Milton evacuees arriving from GA Highway 20 and Lower Woolsey Road to enter the speedway at Entrance H, while those arriving via U.S. Highway 19/41 should enter through Entrance E.

Hurricane Milton will make landfall on Florida’s west coast late Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service. Parts of Southeast Georgia including Jesup, St. Simons and Folkston are under a tropical storm watch, and storm surges of up to 6 feet are forecast for Coastal Georgia.