Alaska State Fair

The Alaska State Fair features a minimalist RV parking lot. Travelers can enjoy the fair and retreat to the campsite for a quiet evening. Generators and loud music are prohibited on site. Open fires and outdoor cooking are also not allowed, so this is an excellent time to enjoy your RV kitchen. The campground allows pets, but remember to check the regulations to see if they will be right for your furry friend.

If you crave some outdoor exploration and camping, you may want to consider going north or south along the Glenn Highway. Coming from Anchorage, campers can look for RV options near the Matanuska River or Matanuska Lakes. This will provide a great opportunity to park your RV, set up camp, explore the natural beauty and even do some fishing.

Explorers may also enjoy the Matanuska Lakes State Recreation Area along the way. Further to the north, RV camping may also be available closer to the City of Palmer. Remember to plan ahead when traveling and camping anywhere in Alaska since many areas are remote and may have some distance between resources.

Joining the crowds at the fair to peruse the exhibitions, devour some yummy treats, and meet some animals can be as exhausting as it is enjoyable. To maximize your time with the little ones, guests can look for stroller and wheelchair rentals, which are scattered in several places around the fairgrounds.

The Alaska State Fair is typically held during the last days of August. Since you can expect both sunny and warm days, as well as chilly nights and some rain, it would be wise to pack a variety of clothing items. Aside from bringing t-shirts, skirts or pants, and sturdy shoes, it would be wise to pack a windbreaker, a hoodie, a pair of boots, and your standard rain gear.

Begin your packing list with any equipment that may help you maintain your RV if hookups are not available where you plan to camp. If you plan to hit a campsites near the Matanuska River or Matanuska Lakes, bring your grilling items, pillows, blankets, a flashlight, a bug spray, and an umbrella, just in case. Remember that every campground might have different guidelines. Be sure to review what items will not be allowed into the fairgrounds or at the fair campground.

Bring adequate sunscreen and a pair of sunglasses. Staying hydrated in mountainous air is also important. Remember to bring any medicines before departing as anything specific may be less available. Bug spray, a first aid kit, and allergy medicine are also a good idea, especially if you are looking to set up camp and explore the natural beauties of Palmer and Alaska.

Fill your RV kitchen space with your campsite favorites and dig in when your crew gets hungry. The fair campground does not allow outdoor cooking or generator use, so remember to check all the tank levels in your RV before arriving. If you want to test your cooking skills and treat yourself to some good old barbeque, you may want to do this on your trek to the fairground campsite. In case you forget something on your way to the fair, check for grocery options a few miles to the north of the fairgrounds.

It is no secret that cooking can be quite a hassle for some people. If you'd like a break from cooking, take your crew to a restaurant in the City of Palmer. Restaurant choices begin about a ten-minute drive north of the fairgrounds. The area offers both traditional food and fast food. Hungry travelers can look for Mexican, Thai, Sushi, or choose from a few establishments offering traditional cuisine.

State fairs are known for providing great entertainment and diverse shopping opportunities. The same can be said for the Alaska State Fair. Visitors can expect hundreds of vendors to display their wares, selling everything from drinks and food to electronic gadgets and hot tubs. To ensure a good shopping experience, remember to bring cash or a credit card. Some vendors may only accept one or the other form of payment.