Illinois State Fair

The Illinois State Fairgrounds Campground is the ultimate fair experience—wake up steps from the midway, livestock barns, and Grandstand concerts. This 300-site campground accommodates motorhomes, RVs, fifth-wheels, and tents with electric and water hookups at most sites (limited sewer hookups available).

Fairgrounds Campground details:

• Dates: April 1-October 31 (advance reservations required for fair dates)
• Fair camping fees: $50/night for RV sites (August 1-31); $25/night for tent sites (no hookups)
• Amenities: Electric (30-amp standard, limited 50-amp), water hookups, shower facilities, permanent restrooms, dump station
• Security: 24/7 monitoring; campground supervisors on-site during daytime
• Pet-friendly: Leashed pets permitted in campgrounds only (not on fairgrounds during fair)
• Check-in: Gate 10 on Sangamon Avenue, 3 PM check-in / 12 PM check-out

Critical reservation information:

• High demand—spots fill within hours; waitlist available after initial assignment
• Priority given to exhibitors; limited to one campsite per family
• Payment due by July 1st; no refunds after July 1st
• Sites vary in length—measure your RV accurately before applying

Fair camping perks:

• Walk to all fairgrounds attractions in minutes
• Access livestock barns, Conservation World, and expo buildings before crowds arrive
• Watch Twilight Parades from your campsite
• Convenient for multi-day fair visits and Grandstand concerts
• Historic Lincoln sites (home, tomb, museum) directly adjacent to fairgrounds

If fairgrounds camping fills (which it typically does), several excellent nearby options provide full hookups and family amenities within 15 minutes of the fair:

Springfield KOA — Located just south of Lake Springfield (about 10 minutes from fairgrounds), this family-friendly KOA offers full hookup sites accommodating rigs up to 80 feet, 30/50-amp service, gravel sites, complimentary WiFi and cable TV, swimming pool, mini-golf, Kamp K9 dog park, and ice cream socials. The KOA provides an excellent basecamp with resort amenities while keeping you close to fair action.

Double J Campground in Chatham (about 15 minutes south of Springfield) — This family-owned campground features full hookups, free WiFi and cable TV, pull-through sites with 30/50-amp service, water, sewer, fire rings, and picnic tables. The well-maintained facility near Lake Springfield offers a quieter alternative to fairgrounds camping with easy interstate access.

Sangchris Lake State Park — About 20 minutes southeast of Springfield, this beautiful state park offers two campgrounds (Deer Run with 80 electric sites, Hickory Point with 55 electric sites) on a 2,158-acre lake perfect for fishing, boating, and hiking. The park provides a scenic natural setting and outdoor activities to complement your fair visit, though it requires a slightly longer drive to the fairgrounds.

Illinois State Fairgrounds Campground (non-fair dates) — Outside fair season (September-July), the campground operates first-come, first-served with no reservations required. Rates are significantly lower ($25-35/night), making it an excellent budget option for visiting Springfield's Lincoln sites year-round.

The Illinois State Fairgrounds span multiple city blocks, and you'll cover significant ground walking between expo buildings, livestock barns, the midway, and Grandstand. Wear comfortable, broken-in shoes—you'll easily log several miles daily.

Mobility options:

• Walking is the primary transportation within fairgrounds
• Golf cart rentals available through Credentials Office (permit and insurance required)
• Accessible shuttles provided for visitors with disabilities
• Strollers recommended for families with young children

Fair policy: Segways, hoverboards, skateboards, bicycles, and non-mobility scooters are strictly prohibited on fairgrounds during fair operation.

August in central Illinois means hot, humid days and warm evenings. Daytime temperatures typically range from 80-90°F with high humidity, while nighttime lows drop to 65-75°F. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing for daytime fair activities, plus a light jacket or hoodie for air-conditioned expo buildings and cooler evening concerts.

Comfortable walking shoes are essential—you'll be on your feet for hours navigating the fairgrounds. Many visitors wear shorts, t-shirts, and sneakers or sandals with good support. If you're attending livestock shows or barns, closed-toe shoes are strongly recommended.

Sun protection is critical—wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses help during midday fair visits. Rain gear (poncho or light rain jacket) is wise, as August can bring afternoon thunderstorms.

Essential items include sunscreen (reapply frequently), insect repellent (mosquitoes are active in evenings), reusable water bottle (hydration stations available), and a small backpack or bag for carrying purchases and souvenirs.

Camping essentials: camp chairs, coolers, portable fans (August heat!), extension cords (for limited electrical hookups), flashlights for navigating campgrounds at night, and cash/cards for fair purchases.

Fair admission tickets and any Grandstand concert tickets should be purchased in advance when possible. Many vendors accept cards, but cash is useful for smaller transactions and some food stands.

Stay hydrated—August heat combined with fair activities requires constant water intake. Hydration stations and water fountains are located throughout fairgrounds. Take breaks in air-conditioned expo buildings during peak heat hours (noon-3 PM).

The fair has implemented sensory-friendly initiatives for visitors with autism, PTSD, and sensory-processing disorders. Quiet spaces and resources are available—check the fair website for details.

Pack any prescription medications, a basic first aid kit with band-aids and pain relievers, and hand sanitizer (you'll be petting livestock and touching surfaces).

RV travelers typically prepare breakfast and some meals at their campsites, taking advantage of RV kitchens or portable grills. The fairgrounds campground doesn't specifically prohibit cooking equipment, though open fires are not permitted. Stock up on groceries at Springfield supermarkets before setting up camp.

Nearby convenience stores offer quick snack runs, and several restaurants surround the fairgrounds for sit-down meals outside fair hours.

Springfield is known for its unique culinary traditions, most famously the Horseshoe sandwich—an open-faced creation with toast, meat, fries, and cheese sauce that's a local legend. Maid-Rite restaurants serve loose meat sandwiches, another regional specialty.

The downtown Springfield area (about 10 minutes south of fairgrounds) offers diverse dining from farm-to-table restaurants to ethnic cuisine, brewpubs, and classic diners. Chain restaurants line major highways for familiar options.

The Illinois State Fair is legendary for its food vendors, offering everything from traditional fair fare to unique regional specialties. Must-tries include:

• Corn dogs, funnel cakes, and fried everything (Oreos, butter, pickles)
• Fresh corn on the cob and Illinois pork chops
• Lemon shake-ups and fresh-squeezed lemonade
• Butter cow ice cream (celebrating the fair's famous butter cow sculpture)
• Regional specialties and international cuisine from dozens of vendors

Food competitions throughout the fair showcase Blue Ribbon winners in baking, preserves, and other categories—results published in the annual Illinois State Fair cookbook.