Map showing campground location near Pleasant Hill, Iowa

Camper submitted image from Iowa State Fairgrounds

Iowa State Fairgrounds

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Attending the Iowa State Fair means days on your feet, and the campground inside the fairgrounds puts you as close to the action as possible without booking a hotel room. Sites here are built for RVs and camper trailers, with full hookups including electric, water, and sewer available for rigs up to 50 feet. Tent campers should note that at least one reviewer encountered serious confusion about tent camping policies, so confirming current rules before booking is worth the extra step.

The campground fills up during the fair's 11-day run, which typically begins the second Thursday in August, and crowding is a recurring theme in reviews. Two large shower houses and flush toilets serve the site. Conditions can vary: mud and litter have been noted during high-attendance periods, though reviewers also mention that fellow campers tend to be sociable. "It's better and far more affordable than any hotel," one returning visitor noted, capturing why RV regulars keep coming back.

The tradeoff is that this is a fairgrounds parking area, not a nature campground. There are no trails, fishing access, or wildlife viewing nearby. The draw is proximity to the event itself and the cost savings compared to lodging in Des Moines. Reservations are available in advance, pets are allowed, and a dump station is on-site. Campers who want a more traditional outdoor setup might consider Adventureland Campground a few miles to the northeast, or browse campsites near Pleasant Hill for additional options in the area.

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Map & DirectionsIowa State Fairgrounds is located in Iowa near Pleasant Hill

Public Campground

Coordinates

41.59900075 N
93.55100018 W

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Connectivity

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Verified by 14 users
Last on 8/15/26
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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

Trash
Phone Service
Reservable
Showers
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Pets

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Sewer Hookups
Water Hookups
Pull-Through Sites
50 Amp Hookups
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

4 min from Des Moines, IA
29 min from Ames, IA
1 hr 44 min from Cedar Rapids, IA
1 hr 50 min from Waterloo, IA

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Reviews7 Camper Reviews - Iowa State Fairgrounds

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

3.5

out of 5

7 Reviews

Many visitors appreciated the convenient fairgrounds location and full RV amenities at budget-friendly rates. Some feedback indicated cleanliness issues during busy events, though locals' friendliness helped improve the experience.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Ashley D.

Scout

Reviewed May. 31, 2026

Horrible & expensive

They show tent camping reservations allowed online and they even let you book a tent to Camp online for paying $32 but then when they come around and talk to you they don't say anything about not having a tent allowed and they don't give you the codes to the restroom and then they just close the office and go to bed and then at 11:00 at night the sheriff comes and tells you to grab all your stuff because there's no camping allowed and put you out on the street with nowhere to go and no more money cuz you wasted all your money on that stupid site that you didn't even get to stay at and then you realize that after you carried all your stuff over to the bar and had to sleep outside on the streets with your service dog when you have disabilities and you told them you have seizures that you had a seizure and now you have to go to the hospital and you lost your tent because somebody stole it so now you have nowhere to live because you're homeless and somebody stole your only house which was your tent because the sheriff kicked you out at 10:00 or 11:00 at night that was really great thanks that was the best experience in my whole life not really and thanks for putting my stress level so high that I went to seizures when people have disabilities you guys should be more accommodating and be more open and honest and be more willing to talk to people

SiteAB

Month of VisitMay

Bill H.

Traveler

Reviewed Apr. 2, 2026

large but well maintained

rv site. very cold that night, but nice camping

Month of VisitApril

Aaron W.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 13, 2018

Good for activities

As with all fairgrounds it isn’t designed for camping. But staying at or really near the event is much cheaper than a hotel. Overall good.

carson O.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 8, 2018

mediocre camping

the fairgrounds were full of litter and there was a lot of mud. the locals helped make things better by simply being nice.

Tetia C.

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 26, 2016

So much fun!

I always loved going here when I lived in Iowa! The State Fair was a blast! Being able to actually stay there made it that much better!!

Matt S.

Legend

Reviewed Aug. 14, 2016

The Iowa State Fair - The BEST in the World!

The Iowa State Fair is the best fair in the world with more than a million visitors every year! There is something for everyone in the family. The campground is really built for RV and Camper Trailers, personally I would not pitch a tent there. It has two large shower houses and flush toilets. It is contained inside the Iowa State Fairgrounds. This is an amazing event that showcases the best of Iowa agriculture and is fun for the family. This is not your typical campground. The Fair generally begins the second Thursday in August and runs 11 days. Enjoy the fun!

(17) View All

Jill R.

Ranger

Reviewed Jul. 18, 2016

Full hookups! And close to any events!

It's no surprise that the fair grounds always have some sort of event going on throughout the year, my family and I stay in this campground a few times a year to hit up multiple days for certain events. The site is pretty standard, but it has full RV hook ups, and always seems to be full of happy and friendly people. Plus it's location is so close to the fair grounds, it's better and far more affordable than any hotel

Frequently Asked Questions

How close are the Iowa State Fair Campgrounds to the fairgrounds attractions?

The Iowa State Fair Campgrounds are located directly on the fairgrounds property, providing immediate access to all fair attractions. This prime location allows campers to easily walk to events happening throughout the fairgrounds without needing transportation. The convenience of staying on-site makes it particularly valuable during the annual State Fair and other major events, allowing visitors to fully experience multiple days of activities without commuting.

What amenities are available at the Iowa State Fair Campgrounds?

The Iowa State Fair Campgrounds offers full RV hookups for electricity, water, and sewer connections. The facility includes two large shower houses with flush toilets for campers' convenience. The campground is primarily designed for RVs and camper trailers rather than tent camping. While the grounds provide the essential amenities needed for a comfortable stay during events, the focus is more on functionality and location than on luxury camping facilities.

Is there a map available of the Iowa State Fair Campgrounds layout?

Maps of the Iowa State Fair Campgrounds layout are typically available through the official Iowa State Fair website and at the campground office upon check-in. For the most current and detailed layout information, contact the fairgrounds directly or visit their official website. The campground is organized to accommodate primarily RVs and trailers, with designated areas for various sizes of camping vehicles.

What do visitor reviews say about camping at the Iowa State Fair Campgrounds?

Campers generally appreciate the convenience of staying directly at the fairgrounds, especially during the annual State Fair and other events. Many find it significantly more affordable than booking hotels in the area. The campground receives positive feedback for its functional amenities like full RV hookups and shower facilities. Some mention that the grounds can get muddy and littered during busy periods. Overall, visitors recognize that while it's not designed as a scenic camping destination, it serves its purpose well for event attendance, with many families returning multiple times throughout the year.

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