Iowa State Fair Campgrounds sits on the east side of the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, operating as a massive camping facility with hundreds of sites from mid-April through mid-October. The campground serves both fair attendees and regular campers throughout the season, though the atmosphere varies dramatically depending on timing.
Sites here are predominantly grass-covered and vary significantly in levelness across the expansive grounds. Matt M. notes that while "some are flat, some are no where near flat," the sheer number of available spots means campers can typically find something workable for their setup. All sites include full hookups with electric, water, and sewer connections at $32 per night. The main shower house receives consistent praise from visitors for cleanliness and adequate facilities.
Crowd levels fluctuate wildly based on fair schedules and events. During non-fair periods, the campground can feel nearly empty, as one May visitor discovered. However, Whitney S. warns that "if you're going for quiet this is not the place to be" during busy periods. The campground allows pets and offers ADA accessibility, with reservations available for planning ahead.
For campers seeking a base while exploring central Iowa, the location provides convenient access to camping near Pleasant Hill and other regional destinations. The facility works best for RV campers who prioritize full hookups and don't mind potential crowds during peak times.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
RV ParkIowa State Fair Campgrounds is located in Iowa
Directions
NORTHERN IOWA From I-35, take I-235 to Exit 10A then head east on E University Avenue approximately four miles to the Fairgrounds. SOUTHERN IOWA From I-35, take IA 5/US 65 to Exit 79 then head west on E University Avenue approximately four miles to the Fairgrounds. EASTERN IOWA From I-80 take Exit 141 (Hwy. 65 Bypass), travel south on Hwy. 65 to Exit 79 and head west on Hwy. 163 (E University Avenue) approximately three miles to the Fairgrounds. It is suggested that visitors enter the Fair parking lot at E 36th as a left-hand turn may not be allowed into the grounds at E 33rd at certain times. WESTERN IOWA From I-235, take Exit 10A then head east on E University Avenue approximately four miles to the Fairgrounds.
Coordinates
41.59438065 N
93.5438 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/22/26- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/22/26
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/22/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/22/26
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 4 min from Des Moines, IA
- 30 min from Ames, IA
- 1 hr 44 min from Cedar Rapids, IA
- 1 hr 50 min from Waterloo, IA
