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Indiana State Fairgrounds Campground

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CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Indiana State Fairgrounds Campground, near Indianapolis, offers a convenient place to stay, especially if you're in town for events. With sites that accommodate both tents and RVs, it’s a practical choice for those needing a quick stopover.

The campground features electric hookups and drinking water, making it easier to set up your home away from home. Visitors have mentioned that the area is well-lit, which can be a plus for safety, though some have found it a bit too bright for a good night's sleep. The shower facilities could use some updates, but they do the job for a quick rinse after a day of activities.

If you’re looking to explore, the campground is adjacent to a bike path, providing easy access for outdoor adventures. Just keep in mind that finding your way around the fairgrounds can be a bit tricky, especially after dark, so having a GPS handy is a good idea. While some campers have noted that the sites can feel a bit cramped, the location is ideal for those attending events at the fairgrounds or just passing through.

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Location

Indiana State Fairgrounds Campground is located in Indiana

Detail location of campground

Directions

From the North Via I-65 (Chicago, IL) Take Exit 119 to West 38th Street. Continue 4.5 miles and the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center will be on your left. Via I-69 (Fort Wayne, IN) I-69 becomes Binford Boulevard in Indianapolis. After 6 miles, Binford Boulevard becomes Fall Creek Parkway. From Fall Creek Parkway, turn Right on East 38th Street and the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center will be on your right.

Address

1202 E 38th St
Indianapolis, IN 46205

Coordinates

39.82757008 N
86.12998255 W

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Connectivity

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    Excellent Coverage
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    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage

Drive Time

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • WiFi
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets

For Vehicles

  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • 50 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

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Reviews

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2.5

out of 5

4 Reviews

Reviewed Jun. 25, 2024

Not what we were expecting!

We traveled to Indianapolis for the Olympic Swimming Time Trials. Stayed here 2 nights with our 2 grand-daughters. The area we stayed was directly adjacent to a bike path. It was separated by a fence and there was a gate right next to our site. The gate was locked however the gates were far enough apart that someone could get between them. Our first night, someone actually did this and walked right behind our site.

The shower house was in serious need of some improvements! Old, dark, leaky pipes. 

The area was OVERLY well lit, to the point we were hanging sleeping bags over the windows to try and make it somewhat dark inside the camper! 

Getting to the sites took some figuring out also. We entered at the main gate to the fairgrounds and there were no signs directing us to the sites. Had to use GPS with satellite view to figure our way there. 

For comparison, we've stayed at the Iowa State Fairgrounds and this is a night and day difference. Iowa Fairgrounds sites are $20 less per night, very nice shower facilities and plenty of room between sites. 

We would stay here again but we'd need to exhaust all other options first.

BTW, the price listed is wrong. We paid $50/night.

Site39
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Aug. 27, 2022

Not very well kept

Didn’t really enjoy this place. It smelt weird throughout, and just didn’t seem to be well kept at all.

Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Nov. 3, 2021

Poor signage, not convenient

This was a one night stop when traveling thru Indiana. We got to the fairgrounds after dark. We had to make 3 laps around the fairgrounds before we found the entrance then there was no clear signage to the camping area or the campsites. The spaces were very small and the power pole only had 1 -30AMP plug for 2 sites. We ended up plugging into a 20AMP outlet.

Site72
Month of VisitOctober
Reviewed Apr. 19, 2021

Good enough for an overnight

Nothing special about this campground. Is there when you need it for an event. The one plus is that it is easy to go in, pick a spot and set up. And that’s about it!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping facilities are available at the Indiana State Fairgrounds?

The Indiana State Fairgrounds Campground offers basic camping facilities with electric hookups. The power poles provide 30-amp service, though availability may be limited with only one outlet per pole. The camping spaces are notably small and close together. The campground features a straightforward setup process where you can select an available spot and set up without much hassle. The campground is primarily functional rather than recreational, designed to accommodate visitors attending events at the fairgrounds.

Where is the Indiana State Fair Campground located in Indianapolis?

The Indiana State Fairgrounds Campground is located within the fairgrounds complex in Indianapolis. Finding the entrance can be challenging, especially after dark, as there is limited signage directing visitors to the camping area. The campground is adjacent to a bike path separated by a fence with gated access. Visitors should plan to arrive during daylight hours if possible to make locating the entrance and camping area easier.

What do visitors say about camping at the Indiana State Fairgrounds?

Visitors describe the Indiana State Fairgrounds Campground as a basic, no-frills camping option that serves its purpose for event attendance rather than as a destination itself. Campers note the convenience of the easy setup process but mention challenges with finding the entrance due to poor signage. The campground receives mixed feedback regarding maintenance, with some mentioning cleanliness concerns. The compact sites and limited hookup availability are commonly mentioned limitations. Overall, it's viewed as a practical option when attending fairground events but not recommended for those seeking a recreational camping experience.