Iowa State Fair Campgrounds

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Welcome to the Iowa State Fair Campgrounds, a truly unique and expansive camping destination centrally located in Des Moines, Iowa. More than just a place to stay, these campgrounds offer a distinctive experience, whether you’re visiting for the iconic Iowa State Fair or seeking a convenient base for exploring the capital city and its surroundings during the off-season. With a vast number of sites and a prime location, the Iowa State Fair Campgrounds serve as a bustling hub during major events and a practical stopover for travelers at other times of the year. Our goal with this comprehensive overview is to provide you with a factual and informative look at what to expect when choosing this well-known Iowa camping spot.

The Iowa State Fairgrounds, an impressive 400-acre district listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a cornerstone of Iowa's cultural and agricultural heritage. The accompanying campgrounds span 160 acres of gently rolling woodlands, offering a surprisingly natural setting despite their urban proximity. This blend of "country comfort and city sophistication" is a defining characteristic, making it an appealing option for campers who want the convenience of being near amenities and events without sacrificing the outdoor experience.

The campgrounds are renowned for their significant capacity, boasting approximately 2,300 sites, with many offering water and electrical hookups, and a substantial number (734 sites) even providing full sewer connections. This extensive infrastructure caters primarily to RVs and trailers, making it a highly accommodating choice for those traveling with larger setups. While tent camping is permitted, particularly during events, the overall design and amenities are clearly geared towards recreational vehicles, suggesting it might not be the ideal choice for a traditional, secluded tent-only experience.

The primary allure of the Iowa State Fair Campgrounds is undoubtedly its direct association with the Iowa State Fair itself. During the 11 days of the Fair in August, these campgrounds transform into a vibrant community, allowing fairgoers to immerse themselves fully in the festivities just a "short stroll away" from the action. This convenience is unparalleled for those attending the Fair, offering an alternative to hotels and a unique way to experience one of the Midwest's largest and most anticipated annual events. Many families have made camping at the Fairgrounds a multi-generational tradition, highlighting its deep cultural significance for Iowans.

However, it's important for prospective campers to manage expectations, particularly concerning the fair-time experience. Given the immense popularity of the Fair, the campgrounds can be extremely busy and crowded. While 24-hour security is in place, the sheer volume of visitors and vehicles means that a tranquil, private camping experience is unlikely during the Fair. Furthermore, reviews suggest potential challenges during peak times, such as locked bathroom facilities after certain hours and issues with cleanliness, particularly during and immediately after high-traffic periods. These anecdotal accounts underscore the need for preparedness and flexibility when camping during the Fair.

Beyond the Fair, the campgrounds are also open during non-fair times, typically mid-April through mid-July and September to mid-October. During these periods, the atmosphere is generally much quieter, offering a more traditional camping experience with the benefit of full hookups and easy access to Des Moines attractions without the Fair crowds. This makes it a versatile option for various types of trips, from a peaceful weekend getaway to a convenient stopover while traveling through Iowa.

The facilities are comprehensive, including three large bathhouses with showers, toilets, and sinks, designed to accommodate thousands of campers. A unique "safe shelter" was also completed in 2003, serving as a multi-purpose building with offices and additional bathhouse facilities, and providing crucial protection during severe weather events, which can be a concern in Iowa. Multiple dump stations are available for RVs and trailers, ensuring convenient waste disposal.

The Iowa State Fair Campgrounds are strategically located at 3468 Dean Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317, USA. This central location in Iowa's capital city provides exceptional accessibility. The campgrounds are "centrally located just off I-80 and I-35," making them incredibly easy to reach from any direction within Iowa or neighboring states. This direct interstate access is a significant convenience for travelers, whether they are visiting Des Moines specifically or simply passing through the state.

The address places the campgrounds adjacent to the main Iowa State Fairgrounds, meaning campers are within walking distance of events, attractions, and various facilities during fair time. During the off-season, this location still offers quick access to the numerous shopping, dining, and entertainment options available in Des Moines. Public transportation options, like DART's Park & Ride, are also available during the Fair, further enhancing accessibility and reducing concerns about parking. This blend of immediate access to major transportation arteries and proximity to urban amenities makes the Iowa State Fair Campgrounds an incredibly practical and convenient base for any visit to Central Iowa.

• Over 2,300 campsites available.
• Majority of sites with water and electrical hookups (1,800+ sites).
• Approximately 734 sites with full sewer hookups.
• Three large bathhouses with showers, toilets, and sinks.
• Multiple dump stations (five total).
• 24-hour security.
• Designated safe shelter for severe weather.
• Open during non-Fair seasons (mid-April to mid-July, September to mid-October) for general camping.
• Open by reservation only during the Iowa State Fair in August.
• Proximity to Iowa State Fair events and attractions.

• Massive Capacity: One of the largest campgrounds in Iowa, accommodating thousands of campers.
• Extensive Hookups: Offers a high number of sites with water, electric, and sewer connections, ideal for RVs.
• Prime Location: Directly adjacent to the Iowa State Fairgrounds, providing unparalleled access to fair events.
• Urban Proximity: Just minutes from Des Moines city shopping, dining, and entertainment.
• Easy Interstate Access: Conveniently located off I-80 and I-35.
• Family Tradition: A long-standing tradition for many families attending the Iowa State Fair.
• Severe Weather Shelter: A dedicated, unique safe shelter available for campers.
• Versatile Use: Suitable for both lively event-based camping and quieter off-season stays.

Address: 3468 Dean Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317, USA

Phone: (515) 262-3111 ext. 284

Mobile Phone: +1 515-262-3111 ext. 284

For residents of Iowa, the Iowa State Fair Campgrounds represent a uniquely suitable and highly practical option, particularly for those looking to engage with the state's most iconic annual event or seeking a convenient, amenity-rich base in the heart of the capital city.

Firstly, its unparalleled proximity to the Iowa State Fair is a monumental draw for locals. For many Iowans, the Fair is a cherished family tradition, and the ability to camp literally steps away from the Grandstand concerts, livestock barns, and famous food vendors offers an immersive experience that no hotel can replicate. It transforms a day trip into a multi-day festival, allowing families to fully embrace the spirit and spectacle of "America's classic State Fair." This convenience, despite potential crowds, is a key reason for its consistent popularity among long-time Fair attendees.

Secondly, the extensive infrastructure, featuring thousands of sites with electric, water, and sewer hookups, caters directly to the preferences of many Iowa campers, a large segment of whom utilize RVs and travel trailers. This level of amenity provision ensures a comfortable and hassle-free stay, allowing locals to enjoy the comforts of home while being part of a vibrant community atmosphere (during fair time) or a peaceful retreat (during the off-season). The scale of the campgrounds also means there are usually options available, albeit by reservation for the Fair.

Furthermore, the strategic location just off major interstates (I-80 and I-35) in Des Moines makes it incredibly accessible from virtually anywhere in Iowa. This means less travel time and more leisure time for locals, whether they're coming from the western farms or the eastern cities. This ease of access also means that all the attractions, dining, and shopping of Des Moines are just a short drive away, offering a perfect blend of outdoor living and urban convenience.

While some past experiences noted challenges regarding staff interactions and bathroom access during peak times, these are often considered part of the unique fair-time experience, and the overall value and convenience often outweigh these concerns for loyal fairgoers. The availability of a dedicated storm shelter also demonstrates a commitment to camper safety, a crucial consideration in Iowa's variable weather.

In conclusion, the Iowa State Fair Campgrounds are more than just a place to park an RV; they are an integral part of the Iowa State Fair experience and a highly functional campground for off-season visits. For Iowa locals seeking convenience, comprehensive amenities, and a direct link to one of their state's most beloved traditions, these campgrounds offer an unmatched opportunity to camp right at the heart of the action, making it a truly suitable and memorable choice for their next Iowa adventure.

Iowa State Fair Campgrounds

3468 Dean Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317, USA