North Carolina State University Tailgating

Overnight stays are not allowed on campus but they are permitted at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds which is where RVs are directed to park when attending NC State games. There are other options nearby, however, with the surrounding area offering several RV Parks and Raleigh campgrounds if you want to camp a little further afield.

The best place to stay nearby, and where tailgating usually happens, is at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds. This is about a half of a mile to the southeast of Carter-Finley Stadium, and sites are on a first-come, first-served basis. The cost for a 24-hour period has been around $25 in previous seasons. Be aware space can be more limited during weekends where there are other events in town.

Jordan Dam RV Park sits about a 30-minute drive to the southwest of the stadium near the southern end of Jordan Lake. Triangle RV Park, in the neighboring community of Durham, offers campsites year-round and has hookups, but does not have a bathhouse.

Since it is only about half a mile, the best way to get to the stadium from the fairground is to walk or take the shuttle or bus that is available on some game weekends. Another fun way would be to take your bikes with you in the RV and cycle over the stadium, exploring parts of the city either on the way there or the way back. Getting around the stadium is just as simple, and the facility has outstanding access for people with disabilities.

Looking the part at an NC State game is just as important as being in the stadium. Make sure that you are wearing the school colors of red and white, avoiding blue and white of the North Carolina Tar Heels. In the summer and fall, you may get away with t-shirts and tank tops, but by the end of the season, a comfy hoodie with the school logo emblazoned on it will likely be in order.

Tailgating is a big deal at NC State games, so make sure to have all the items necessary to make the most of the morning before the game. This means bringing lawn chairs, yard games, and whatever else you can find with the Wolfpack logo front and center. If the game you are going to is early in the season, then a tent to cover you from the sun as you enjoy the day is never a bad idea.

If you are in Raleigh when the sun is beating down, then sunscreen should be applied liberally. Also, make sure to take some aloe for the spots that are missed. Drinking water will also be important at your campsite and the game. A first-aid kit, in addition to any required medications, should also be a staple part of your RV setup. Make sure all pills are within their expiration date and store safely in your campervan or Airstream.

For Wolfpack fans looking to make this a trip to remember, the NC State Athletics Department offers turnkey tailgating setups with everything you need without having to bring anything to the game. RVers can also choose to tailgate themselves, so pack your charcoal or gas grill and load up with your game day favorites. Don't forget to make your best sides, and always make an extra portion to share with your tailgating neighbors.

There are some outstanding restaurants in Raleigh, and they make it well worth staying around the city for an extra day or two. You may find everything from diners to high-class cuisine, and there is a vibrant and eclectic food truck scene to discover. Be sure to ask your new-found friends at the tailgate where they would go to eat in town if they only had one chance to visit.

Wolfpack Stadium has numerous concession stands within the stadium for those ready to eat a little more food during the game. These accept cash and card, while there are different lines for those looking for food and those who want alcohol. For those with a sweet tooth after all the burgers and brats outside, options include desserts like ice cream, cotton candy, and funnel cakes.