Big Fairs, Easy Stays: The RVers Guide to the Top State Fairs of 2026
State fairs began in the US in the early 1800s as a way for different regions to promote their local agriculture. They’ve evolved beyond livestock showings to include food trucks, games, rides, and live music. By the late 1890s and into the 1900s, a fair’s “midway” – filled with entertainment for all ages – became the focal point of the event.
Since 1841, when more than 10,000 people gathered in Syracuse, NY, for the first state fair, these gatherings have become a tradition for many US families. People come from nearby metro areas and suburbs, often focusing less on agriculture and more on games, food, and rides.
Several popular state fairs conclude on Labor Day weekend, the unofficial end to summer. But many others extend into the fall. This also happens to be a great time to glamp in the air-conditioned comfort of an RV on or near the fairgrounds.
With hundreds of thousands of people attending the biggest state fairs, driving an RV is a great way to:
- Avoid elevated hotel prices near fairgrounds
- Avoid the stress of leaving the parking lot at peak times amidst the crowds (if you’re not camping on-site, just wait out the traffic in your air-conditioned RV)
- Travel with a large family or a big friend group without taking multiple cars
- Attend fairs farther away from your home while saving money
We’ve rounded up some of the best state fairs still to come in 2026, along with nearby campgrounds with RV amenities so you can plan your trip. Many RV parks situated on the campgrounds are already booked, but you can find nationally known or locally owned parks within an hour of most fairgrounds.
Minnesota State Fair
1265 Snelling Ave. N., St. Paul, MN 55108
Dates: August 27–September 7, 2026
With more than 100,000 daily attendees, the Minnesota State Fair is widely hailed as one of the largest and best. It was voted the Best State Fair by USA Today and the top “State Fair Worth Traveling For” by Travel & Leisure. These are great reasons to pack your family into an RV and hit the road for this annual event in one of the Twin Cities.
Find some of the best agricultural products, butter sculptures in the Dairy Building, and enjoy the Amateur Talent Contest, which features some of the most popular performances of the 13 days. There are thrill rides for adults and teens, and a “Kidway” with more than two dozen rides, including many choices for children starting at 32 inches tall.
Where to Stay
The official website indicates that on-site campground reservations are full, with a waiting list available. But you can stay in the centrally located Minneapolis Northwest KOA Journey RV Park, less than an hour from the fairgrounds and also close to the Mall of America (which is the largest shopping mall in the US), Great Wolf Lodge Water Park, and Cabela’s sporting goods. You’ll also find local restaurants and shopping in the town of Maple Grove. The campsite hosts RVs up to 75 feet with 50-amp hookups available. Enjoy mini-golf, a game room, and a playground, too.
The Great New York State Fair
581 State Fair Blvd., Syracuse, NY 13209
Dates: August 26–September 7, 2026
Inaugurated in 1841, the Great New York State Fair traveled from city to city before it finally settled in Syracuse, NY, in 1889. An easy drive from downstate New York, as well as Albany, Buffalo, and other northeast cities; the fair brings New Yorkers together to celebrate regional cuisine, favorite fair treats, rides, and entertainment.
At $8 per adult admission, with children under 12 and seniors over 65 free, the Great New York State Fair is one of the most affordable in the country. Keep an eye out for deals, too. On Tuesday, September 1, select vendors offer favorite foods for $3 to $5.
If you haven’t had enough excitement at the fair, consider stopping in Destiny USA, one of the nation’s largest shopping malls. It boasts attractions like WonderWorks, RPM Raceway go-karts and games, and a ropes course for kids and adults.
Where to Stay
Full hookup spots at Camping World RV Park are sold out, with a waiting list available. Empire RV Park on the campgrounds is also booked solid, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t bring your RV to the New York State Fair.
You can park your RV overnight or for multiple days on one of the dry campsites in the Green Dry Daily Camping Lot. Or consider the five-star rated Happy Pastures Campground, just over 25 miles away in the Finger Lakes region. The RV campsites have water and electric hook-ups plus a dumping station.
Oklahoma State Fair
3001 General Pershing Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73107
Dates: September 17–27, 2026
The Oklahoma State Fair – also known as OK! State Fair – features entertainment you won’t find at most state fairs, including a special Disney On Ice show at the OG&E Coliseum and Ultimate Bullfighters (UBF) and Wildcatters vs. The World competitions. Keep in mind, these attractions have added costs. All-day carnival armbands, also not included in the price of admission, give fairgoers access to the historic carousel, thrill rides, and fun for kids.
The campgrounds are a short weekend trip from Dallas–Fort Worth. Although Texas has its own state fairs worthy of national recognition, the OK! State Fair has enough unique entertainment that it’s worth the journey for a short road-trip vacation. It draws 1 million visitors annually across the 12 days, with visitors from Oklahoma City as well as Tulsa, Wichita, and beyond.
If you’re traveling from south of Oklahoma City, consider a picnic lunch stop in Turner Falls Park in Davis, OK, to get out of the RV and stretch your legs. The 77-foot waterfall, swimming area and a waterslide set this park apart. If you want to add a day to your trip, you can even stay overnight.
Where to Stay
As of this writing, the OKC Fair Park still has spots available in its three permanent RV parks, with additional temporary lots available as needed. The permanent lots feature full-service hook-ups and 30/50-amp service available for an additional charge.
State Fair of Texas
3809 Grand Ave., Dallas, TX 75210
Dates: September 25–October 18, 2026
The State Fair of Texas was launched in 1886 to promote agriculture in the region. But it’s grown in the past 140 years to add music, attractions, and charity events. Since 1913, the Texas Auto Show has run concurrently in the same location. The Texas State Fair runs 24 days, longer than many others.
Several fundraising events, including a livestock auction, clay shoot classic, and golf classic support scholarship programs for Texas youth. Clint Black, Kansas, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers are just a sampling of the bands performing on the main stage. Whether you’re there for live music, tasty regional food selections, or the latest automotive tech, you’ll find it.
Where to Stay
After all the excitement of one of the largest and longest state fairs, unwind at The Vineyards Campground & Cabins on Grapevine Lake in North Texas. Just a little over a half-hour from the Big Tex fairgrounds, you’ll feel like you’re in a different world. Relax on a private beach, go fishing or kayaking, or stroll the nature trail. Historic Downtown Grapevine is also worth exploring if you want to extend your trip. The pull-through RV sites have full hook-ups for your convenience.
Arizona State Fair
1826 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix, AZ 85007
Dates: October 1–November 1, 2026, open Thursdays through Sundays
The Arizona State Fair promises to introduce visitors to “A State of Wonder.” With live entertainment ranging from comedy hypnotist Tyzen and futuristic juggling with Circus Luminescence, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy. Relax and spend time with tropical birds or cheer on your favorite chickens at the Poultry show.
Of course, there are rides and games for the whole family, including the famous La Grande XL Wheel. The Arizona State Fair website promises more specifics on rides and foods as the date approaches. But fairgoers can count on classics like turkey legs and corn dogs, plus new and regional favorites.
Where to Stay
Desert’s Edge RV Park was rated one of the top 10 parks in the country by USA Today and is roughly 25 minutes from the fairgrounds. It has full service with 30- and 50-amp hook-ups, plus a heated pool and hot tub to soothe your feet after a long day at the state fair.
Fairs Worth Mentioning
Did you know that every state except Pennsylvania and Rhode Island has a state fair?
But Pennsylvania and Rhode Island residents don’t miss out on this annual tradition, with plenty of large, regional fairs in the area. For instance, Pennsylvania has multiple county fairs, including Wayne and Bloomsburg counties, with rides, livestock contests, food, and nearby RV campgrounds.
The Big E, taking place September 18 through October 4, 2026, is a regional fair with Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont represented. With fairgrounds located in East Springfield, it is close to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, Six Flags New England, and museums. Pioneer Valley Campground is conveniently located and includes RV sites with full hook-ups, including 20-, 30-, and 50-amp service, a pool, playground, and activities.
Georgia, essentially, has two state fairs. The Georgia State Fair takes place just outside of Atlanta, but it’s a smaller event. The Georgia National Fair was started in Perry, Georgia, in 1990. The Georgia National Fair promotes agriculture in the state and is sponsored and created by the state, making it a “state fair” in spirit if not by name.
Fair Harbor RV Park is a great place for RVers to set up camp in Perry during the fair, which takes place October 8 – 18, 2026.
Just off I-75, the campground offers a 10 percent discount for multi-night stays, has a fishing lake, nature trails, and pull-through sites with full-service 30- and 50-amp service.
Start Building Family State Fair Memories in An RV
August, September, and October bring plenty of state fairs for the whole family to enjoy, especially as temperatures cool down. Find your perfect family RV on RV Trader, book your campsite before they sell out, and get ready to create family traditions.
Dawn Allcot
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