It's a great way to enjoy the fun and festivities of Iowa's biggest celebration! Every August thousands of Fairgoers from all over the Midwest park their trailers and pitch their tents during the Fair. Whether it's a vacation or a family reunion, stop by for a night - or two weeks - and experience America's classic State Fair.

Reservations are only taken for campers staying the whole 15-day camping period. Any remaining spaces will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. Reservations are not taken for less than full-time camping.

The Iowa State Fair continues to make improvements to the Campgrounds. Since 1994, $2.6 million in upgrades have been completed. In 2007 the Fair added 120 additional sites with electrical access to allow more Fairgoers to utilize and enjoy the Campgrounds.

NOTE: All pre-registered campers must bring their campers in by August 7 at 10 p.m. or their spot will be sold. The Campgrounds will open on August 3 at 1 p.m. for non-reserved campers. Accommodations for tents can always be made if campers are not picky on placement. Tent campers follow the same procedures as other campers.

Costs for camping at the 2008 Iowa State Fair:

Reserved (for the duration of the Fair)

• Without electricity: $300
• With electricity and water: $345
• With electricity, water and sewer: $375

Non-Reserved (day-to-day basis)

• Without electricity: $25
• With electricity: $28
• Sewer charge (per day, if available): $5

Non-Reserved campers are allowed on grounds starting Sunday, July 27 at 6:00 a.m. There is a $10 per day parking fee until Sunday, August 3 when the campground opens.

To reserve a camping spot for the 2008 Fair, please write a letter to the Iowa State Fair Campgrounds between January 1 and May 1. This letter should request a full-time camping spot for the 2008 Iowa State Fair and be mailed to:

Iowa State Fair Campgrounds
PO Box 57130
Des Moines, IA 50317-0003

Please do not telephone. Approximately May 15 you will be mailed a form asking for information about the length and type of camper you have. This form should be returned as soon as possible. Spaces are assigned according to the postmark of the returned letter.

BECAUSE OF THE CAMPGROUNDS' POPULARITY, SUBMISSION OF A REQUEST FOR A CAMPING SPACE DOES NOT GUARANTEE RECEIVING ONE.