I didnt know about camping before my first track day. 2.5 hours drive before is rough. Some places do charge a little for camping. Roebling was like $10 (one night, two people) I think. Barber was $50(two nights, two people). Dont know if either of those were per night or person.
I have a CBR300R. #65 CMP was fun. Dont have any other experience to compare it to though. I was wanting to go to Road Atlanta but Saturday is already full and I work Sundays.