Motorcyclists Avoid Booked Hotels, Camp Out At Fairgrounds

At the start of the Bikes, Blues and BBQ, booked hotel rooms have some seeking other places to spend the four-day motorcycle rally.

Hundreds of event participants have parked their recreation vehicles at the Washington County Fairgrounds in anticipation of the rally.

Jon and Connie Cavness live in Bentonville. Their RV is one of 300 that has a reserved spot at the fairgrounds with water and electricity. They said even though they live close to Fayetteville, they like camping with other bikers.

“Since it’s close to home, it’s really special to us,” Jon Cavness said. “I love to see this because I love riding my bike and I love the camping, the camaraderie, the everything—I just love it.”

Others who reserved fairground spots came from out-of-state and like the feel of the campgrounds as opposed to a hotel or motel.

Darin Allen drove 600 miles from Baton Rouge, La., and said he enjoys the long ride.

“It’s cheaper and it’s funner to camp out with everybody else around you, meet new friends and have a fun time,” Allen said.

All spots with water and electricity have been reserved at the Washington County Fairgrounds, but some spaces without the amenities are still available, according to the Fayetteville Visitor’s Bureau.

The bureau estimates all hotels and motels are booked within a 20 to 30-mile radius of Bikes, Blues and BBQ in Fayetteville.