Minnesota State Fair Campgrounds

Are you a Minnesotan looking to fully immerse yourself in the excitement of the Great Minnesota Get-Together without the daily commute? The Minnesota State Fair Campgrounds in Falcon Heights, MN, offer a truly unique and convenient camping experience that puts you right on the doorstep of one of our state's most beloved annual traditions. This isn't your typical rustic wilderness campground; instead, it provides a practical and lively base designed specifically for fairgoers, offering essential amenities and unparalleled access to "322 acres of fair fun."

The Minnesota State Fair Campground provides a distinctive opportunity to stay "up close" to the heart of the fair. Unlike traditional campgrounds that focus on natural landscapes and secluded sites, this campground prioritizes accessibility and convenience for fair attendees. You won't find campfire rings or extensive recreation areas here, as the real entertainment lies just outside the gate. This unique approach caters specifically to those who want to maximize their time at the fair, from enjoying the rides and attractions to indulging in the famous fair food, without the hassle of daily parking and traffic.

For us Minnesotans, the State Fair is a cultural institution, a highlight of late summer. Being able to camp on the fairgrounds transforms the experience from a daily visit to an extended immersion. Imagine waking up, stepping out of your camper, and being just a few steps away from the Grandstand, the Mighty Midway, or the endless array of food vendors. This kind of proximity is invaluable for fair enthusiasts who want to catch early morning events, stay late for concerts, or simply pop back to their site for a quick break throughout the day. It’s a level of convenience that truly enhances the fair experience for locals.

It's important for prospective campers to understand that due to the extremely high demand and the unique nature of this campground, space is very limited. Reservations are essential and are assigned with precision to comply with health department regulations, ensuring a 7-foot separation between units. This means detailed communication about your camper's width is crucial. While it may require careful planning, securing a spot means gaining exclusive access to a prime location during one of Minnesota's busiest and most exciting events.

The campground provides fundamental services tailored for its purpose: guaranteed 20 amp electric service at all sites, shared dump stations, temporary water hookups, and essential facilities like restrooms, showers, and coin-operated laundry. While open campfires are not permitted, grilling is, allowing for some outdoor cooking. The rules are designed to ensure safety and comfort within a densely populated fair environment, contributing to an organized and enjoyable stay for all guests.

Beyond the fair itself, the surrounding Falcon Heights and St. Paul areas offer additional attractions. While the primary draw of these campgrounds is the fair, being located in such a central metropolitan area means access to museums, restaurants, and other city amenities just a short drive away. However, for the duration of the fair, the fairgrounds themselves become the main attraction, offering "endless entertainment" right at your fingertips.

The Minnesota State Fair Campgrounds are located at 1490 Cosgrove St, Falcon Heights, MN 55108, USA. This prime address places them directly within the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, offering unparalleled proximity to the annual Great Minnesota Get-Together. For Minnesota residents, this means an incredibly convenient and immersive experience, eliminating the need for daily commuting to and from the fair.

The campgrounds are situated on the northeast corner of the fairgrounds, along Snelling Avenue, making them easily identifiable and accessible upon arrival. While the immediate focus is on fair access, the location in Falcon Heights means easy access to major thoroughfares in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, including Snelling Avenue, I-35W, and I-94. This allows for convenient travel from various parts of Minnesota. However, during the fair, be prepared for increased traffic and follow specific fair-time traffic patterns and directions to the fairgrounds. The campground entrance is specifically managed to ensure organized entry for campers.

Services Offered:

• Campsites: Dedicated camping sites primarily for RVs and trailers.
• Electric Service: All sites have a guaranteed 20 amp electric service. Campers must use 12/3 electrical cords.
• Shared Dump Stations: Three shared dump stations available for waste disposal.
• Temporary Water Hookups: Shared water access points are available (private hookup to water is not allowed).
• Restrooms: On-site restroom facilities.
• Showers: On-site shower facilities.
• Coin-Operated Laundry: Available for camper convenience.
• Campsite Assignment: Sites are assigned by campground personnel to comply with health regulations and maintain 7-foot separation between units.
• On-site Staff: Campground personnel are available to direct camper parking and provide assistance.
• Ice Castle 2025 (as per review): While not a standard campground service, one review highlights an "Ice Castle in 2025," suggesting the campground or fairgrounds may host unique, large-scale events that could be a significant attraction for campers.

Features / Highlights:

• Unbeatable Proximity to Minnesota State Fair: Located directly on the fairgrounds, offering immediate access to all fair attractions, entertainment, and food.
• Unique Fair Experience: Provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to stay steps away from the "Great Minnesota Get-Together."
• Convenience for Fairgoers: Eliminates daily commuting, parking hassles, and allows for easy breaks back at the camper throughout the day.
• Basic but Essential Amenities: Focuses on core needs like electricity, shared water, and dump stations, suitable for fair-focused stays.
• Organized & Regulated Layout: Sites are assigned and managed to ensure safety and compliance with health regulations, maintaining separation between units.
• Accessibility to Fair Fun: "Endless entertainment awaits" just outside the campground gate.
• Grilling Permitted: While open campfires are not allowed, personal grilling is permitted at campsites.
• Fair Admission Gate Nearby: A direct admission gate from the campground onto the fairgrounds makes entry seamless.
• Potential for Unique Events: The mention of an "Ice Castle in 2025" hints at the fairgrounds hosting large, notable events that campers can conveniently access.

Contact Information:

Address: 1490 Cosgrove St, Falcon Heights, MN 55108, USA

Phone: (651) 642-2379

The Minnesota State Fair Campgrounds are uniquely suited for Minnesota locals, especially those who consider the Great Minnesota Get-Together a highlight of their year. Its unparalleled location directly on the fairgrounds is the ultimate convenience, transforming the often-stressful fair visit into an extended, immersive experience. For Minnesotans, this means no daily battles for parking, no long commutes, and the freedom to enjoy all the fair offers from early morning to late at night, simply by walking a few steps from their campsite.

While the campground focuses on practical amenities rather than rustic charm (no campfires or extensive recreation areas), it perfectly aligns with the fair-centric purpose. The availability of guaranteed 20 amp electric service, shared water, dump stations, restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities provides all the essentials for a comfortable stay. This functionality allows local fair enthusiasts to focus entirely on enjoying the events, entertainment, and renowned food of the fair without worrying about basic needs.

The highly organized nature of the campground, with site assignments and strict rules regarding separation between units, ensures a safe and managed environment, even within the bustling fair context. This attention to detail contributes to a smoother experience for campers, allowing them to relax and enjoy the unique atmosphere. For any Minnesotan who dreams of waking up to the sounds and smells of the State Fair, and truly living the "Great Minnesota Get-Together" experience, the Minnesota State Fair Campgrounds offer an unbeatable and highly recommended solution right in the heart of the action.

Minnesota State Fair Campgrounds

1490 Cosgrove St, Falcon Heights, MN 55108, USA