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Iowa State Fair Campgrounds

5 Reviews

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CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Iowa State Fair Campgrounds, near Des Moines, Iowa, is a lively spot that caters to both fairgoers and those looking for a unique camping experience. With hundreds of sites available, you’re bound to find a spot that suits your needs, whether you’re pitching a tent or rolling in with an RV.

The campground is known for its clean facilities, including well-kept showers and toilets, which visitors appreciate after a long day of activities. One camper noted, “The main shower house is the only one we've ever used and have no complaints.” While campfires aren’t allowed, you can still enjoy the outdoors with your pets by your side, making it a friendly environment for all.

If you’re here during the fair, you’ll be right in the action, surrounded by the excitement and energy of the event. For those seeking a quieter experience, it’s best to plan your visit outside of fair weeks. Reviewers have highlighted the beautiful surroundings and the vibrant atmosphere, with one saying, “Incredible time! Great entertainment and clean place.”

Whether you’re here for the fair or just to soak up the local vibe, Iowa State Fair Campgrounds offers a unique blend of fun and convenience. Just remember to bring your own drinking water, as that’s not provided on-site.

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Location

Iowa 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

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Connectivity

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T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
Verizon5G
Excellent Coverage
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage

Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BY

Greenhouse Camping

15 min away

Ashton Wildwood Park

23 min away

Drive Time

Presented by

4 min from Des Moines
30 min from Ames
1 hr 44 min from Cedar Rapids
1 hr 50 min from Waterloo

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
Verizon5G
Excellent Coverage
AT&T5G
Excellent 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
Showers
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets

For Vehicles

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

Contact

General Info

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Matt M.

Traveler

Reviewed Jun. 25, 2024

Nice campground!

We've stayed here a number of times now in the past 2 years (not during fair weeks.) Campgrounds are located on the east side of the actual fairgrounds. There are hundreds of sites here. Some are flat, some are no where near flat, but there are so many, you can find one that will work for you! Almost all of the sites are full grass sites. The main shower house is the only one we've ever used and have no complaints. They are clean and bright and well kept.

The sites are $32/night.

Month of VisitJune

Joey B.

Scout

Reviewed Apr. 16, 2023

Iowa St. Fair Camping

Wonderfull Surroundings ,People and Experiences.

SiteSide Hill Tenting

Month of VisitJuly

Maggie W.

Scout

Reviewed May. 12, 2022

Nice park

Huge campground, nearly empty when we were here in May 2022. Bath house is older but very adequate. A really beautiful spot.

Siteon the hill by the bathhouse

Month of VisitMay

Whitney S.

Guide

Reviewed Apr. 30, 2022

Great if you are there for the people

This is really convenient for folks who are going to the fair we plan to spend all week at the fair but if you're going for quiet this is not the place to be

Month of VisitAugust

Ber M.

Guide

Reviewed Oct. 13, 2018

Iowa State Campgrounds

Incredible time! Great entertainment and clean place. It’s hard not to have a good time and amazing food.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Iowa State Fair Campground located and how do I find it on the map?

The Iowa State Fair Campgrounds are located on the east side of the actual fairgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa. The campground is part of the larger Iowa State Fair complex, making it extremely convenient for fair attendees. While specific directions aren't provided in the available information, the campground is generally easy to locate as part of the main fairgrounds property. For precise directions, it's recommended to check the official Iowa State Fair website or contact the fairgrounds directly before your trip.

What camping facilities and amenities are available at the Iowa State Fair Campgrounds?

The Iowa State Fair Campgrounds features hundreds of camping sites with varying terrain - some flat and some uneven, allowing campers to find spots suitable for their needs. The facility includes a bath house that, while older, is adequate for camper needs. During non-fair periods, the campground is spacious and often uncrowded. Basic camping amenities are available, though specific details about electrical hookups, water, or dump stations aren't specified in the available information. For the most current amenity information, contacting the campground directly is recommended.

What do previous visitors say about the Iowa State Fairgrounds camping experience?

Visitors to the Iowa State Fair Campgrounds generally report positive experiences, with many noting it's an ideal location for fair attendees. The campground receives praise for being clean and offering a good environment with wonderful surroundings. Some campers highlight the entertainment value and mention having an incredible time with access to amazing food during fair events. While the campground is described as convenient and beautiful, particularly when not crowded in off-season months, visitors seeking quiet should note this may not be the ideal location, especially during fair time when the atmosphere becomes lively and bustling.

Are there photos available of the Iowa State Fair Campgrounds?

Yes, photos of the Iowa State Fair Campgrounds are available online. While specific photo resources aren't detailed in the current information, visitors can likely find images on the official Iowa State Fair website. Additionally, camping platforms and review sites often feature user-submitted photos showing the campground layout, individual sites, and facilities. For the most current visual representation of the campgrounds, checking the official Iowa State Fair website or contacting them directly would provide access to official photography of the camping areas and amenities.

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