North Carolina State Fair

The onsite camping area of the fairgrounds is closed during the North Carolina State Fair to allow exhibitors and competitors to be able to stay close to livestock and booths. There is camping in the area as well as nearby, in towns like Four Oaks and Clayton.

Raleigh and surrounding areas are ideal for RVers. With facilities that are a campers dream, you can claim your spot in a campground with sprawling sites. Blue skies, green fields, and trees for shade are the main attraction, overshadowing the fact that the amenities are fabulous. Clean and bright accommodations offer full hookups and sites that are easy to maneuver and set up as your home away from home.

Tram services outside the fair stop at a few gates only, but this service does make getting around easier. An inner tram is available, too; however, neither option is wheelchair or scooter accessible. Tickets cannot be bought in advance. Once inside the gates, there are wheelchairs and electric scooters for rent on a first-come, first-served basis. You can either rent a stroller or wagon or bring your own.

Making the North Carolina State Fair your vacation destination means the clothing packing list is a simple one. Bring jeans and tops, comfy sweatshirts, and rain gear just in case for the daytime activities, and cozy pajamas for sleeping. Your favorite, worn-in shoes are a must since this fair will have you on your feet all day long exploring. You won’t want to miss a thing due to sore feet, so consider bringing a change of footwear when you pack your day bag for the fair.

Bring snacks, a refillable water bottle, sunscreen, and an umbrella if there is a threat of rain. Your bag will be subject to search when you enter the grounds. For camp, remember toiletries, a small radio, flashlights, a first aid kit, and some indoor and outdoor games. Your trip prep list is an essential part of getting ready for the road. A week before leaving, jot down every item you think of as you go about your day to be fully prepared when it’s time to pack.

Have the kids wear a hat on fair day and reapply sunscreen often. Put a family contingency plan in place in the event of separation in this crowded and busy venue. Older kids can help keep track of the younger ones to give mom and dad extra sets of eyes. Have the family wear the same colored t-shirts to spot each other easily. When setting up camp, go over the fire safety rules and give guidelines on wild animal spottings.

Family appetites will be raging after all of the activity, so have a few pre-prepped meals in the RV refrigerator for nights when a full day at the fair does not allow for a relaxed cooking session. Chili and lasagna travel well and are easy to reheat.

Stock the RV with briquets for the nights that a barbecue is on the menu. Make sure the propane tank is full and bring along the camp stove, too. Restocking options may be closer to your campground than to the fair but are plentiful in the Raleigh area.

Southern food is sure to satisfy the family. Take a night off from cooking and indulge in fried chicken or an exquisitely built BLT. Try a variation of food choices while here as well, and go for dim sum or vegan “chicken” waffles. Let the kids fill up on their favorite pizza style. Take everyone for burritos and then splurge on a decadent dessert.

With the North Carolina State Fair being a gigantic venue, one can only imagine the variation of vendors. Enjoy typical fair delights and specialty foods. The menu will range from fried foods to healthy eats like farm-fresh veggie wraps. Commercial vendors offer handcrafted goods that will amaze, like wood carvings and intricate jewelry.