Kittitas County Fair

The Kittitas County Fair offers a very limited amount of RV spaces. These RV spaces include options with hookups as well as dry campsites. RV spots with hookups are available on a daily, nightly, or weekly basis and require you to apply via email or phone in advance. Dry camping is first-come, first-serve.

If you’re concerned about the sparse availability at the event or you prefer a campground that’s away from the lights and sound of the fair, you’ll find plenty of options in and around Ellensburg. Want to be right in town? Try the Ellensburg KOA Journey. Other RV camping options include wilderness destinations outside of Ellensburg. If you’re willing to drive a little further west, you’ll find national and state parks with access to soaring mountains, ancient forests, and solitude.

The fair is situated on a sprawling outdoor venue that is best traversed on foot. If you’re lucky enough to grab an RV campsite at the fair, you will be close enough to walk to all of the rides, agriculture showings, and rodeo events. If you camp elsewhere in your RV, you can park or ride to the fair and walk around on foot. Keep in mind that the fairground covers a wide area, so you will be doing a lot of walking while enjoying your time here.

Weather in September in Ellensburg is usually mild and pleasant, during the day anyway. Pack casual clothing that’s appropriate for temperatures in the 60s and throw in some extra layers for cooler weather at night. You’ll be walking in and out of barns, riding rides, and sitting in the stands, so bring clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Have comfortable, closed-toe shoes as well. And don’t forget your raincoat—this is Washington, after all.

Pack your camping gear according to what level of campsite you desire. For sites with full hookups, have cookware and other items that use electricity. For dry camping, bring firewood, flashlights, portable or solar-powered chargers for electronic devices, and everything else you need for living off the grid. Local RV campgrounds are more likely to have RV supplies for sale than sites at the event.

Bring all essential medical supplies, including prescriptions and over-the-counter items. You’ll be spending a lot of time outside at the fair, so pack sunscreen to prevent a sunburn from ruining your day. In case you end up dry camping, pack plenty of drinking water. If you’re camping in a forested area, bring bug spray.

Campground cooking options will vary depending on whether you stay at an established RV campground, at the fair itself, or elsewhere. Expect more options, including outdoor fire pits and communal kitchens at established campgrounds, and more restrictions and rustic cooking accommodations at the fair or in nearby wilderness destinations. There are grocery stores in Ellensburg for all of your campground meal ingredient needs.

Like the Kittitas County Fair itself, restaurants in Ellensburg tend to be quaint and local. When you’re ready for a break from deep-fried carnival fare, head into town for a meal at a local cafe. From farm-to-table restaurants that pair local beer with seasonal entrees, to down-home diners that specialize in family recipes, restaurants in Ellensburg are known for being as charming as they are affordable.

If carnival food is your favorite part of any trip to the fair, you won’t be disappointed by the offerings found at this event. Arrive hungry and get ready to enjoy classic carnival concessions, including ice cream, funnel cake, pizza, tacos, and more. If it’s fried and served on a stick, it can likely be ordered from a vendor at the Kittitas County Fair. Bring cash, as not all vendors will be equipped to accept credit cards.