South Texas State Fair

Start spring on the right foot by driving your RV to the South Texas State Fair. Be one of the half a million who takes advantage of all the action.

Event information

Sail into spring in style by steering your RV in the direction of the South Texas State Fair. As one of the longest running fairs in the United States, having started in 1907, it’s an event that won’t disappoint.

The South Texas State Fair is run and organized by the Young Men’s Business League (YMBL). It’s situated adjacent to the East Fastway at 7250 Wespark Circle, Beaumont, and is a short distance from the scenic Tyrell Park.

Each year, this event brings around half a million people to Beaumont, Texas. It’s also clear to see why. It’s home to standout livestock displays, stage entertainment, auctions, commercial exhibitions, and a carnival midway.

The food concessions are a significant attraction as well. Reflective of Southeast Texas, you can expect an eclectic mix of southern delights such as barbecue, Cajun, and Tex-Mex. There have even been fried alligators on the menu in the past.

While you won’t get an opportunity to camp on site for this five-day fair, that won’t be a problem. There are several nearby accommodation providers to play host to you, your RV, and your family for the duration. It’s time to grab your tickets, set the GPS, and hit the road.

Tickets

If you love a good bargain, then you’ll have no problem getting out your wallet for tickets to the South Texas State Fair. Not only are they affordable for adults and children on regular days, but there are plenty of discounts to take advantage of as well.

If you visit the fair’s website, you will see that various discounts and promotions apply on different days. However, alongside your general admission ticket, you do also have to buy additional passes for rides, the rodeo, and other entertainment. You can book your tickets in advance or get them at the gate; the choice is yours.

Explore South Texas State Fair RV Rentals


Transportation

Driving

It doesn’t matter whether you come from the east, west, north, or south, IH-10 will provide you direct access to the South Texas State Fair. The grounds are run and managed by the Young Men’s Business League and are well sign-posted. You can access the fairgrounds via Gate 2, 3, and 4, with Gate 1 as an exit.

Parking areas

Public parking is plentiful, and in past years, free. While the parking spots are marked out for small vehicles, YMBL workers may point you in the direction of longer spaces which will be suitable for day parking for your RV. In the past, there have been parking spots for trucks which may also work for your RV. If you prefer to leave your RV at your accommodation, you are bound to find a private ride service to help take you to and from the fair.

Public Transportation

In past years, there have been no public bus services or shuttles to bring you to and from the fair. While some RV accommodation is available within a short walking distance, some are a bit further out. If you’d prefer not to complete a marathon every day to get to the fair, then consider making use of private ride services. There are many different apps you can download so that you can book a ride when you need it.

Where to stay

Onsite

The small size of the fairgrounds means that onsite camping is not available. However, Beaumont in Texas is not about to see you out in the cold. There are many nearby campgrounds, RV parks, and resorts which will happily cater to RV-goers who book in advance. You also won’t need to be too far away from all the fairground action.

Nearby

Nearby camping opportunities are plentiful. There are RV resorts within a short distance and campgrounds a little further out as well. Each accommodation provider offers a different set of service hookups, with various rules and recommendations for your stay. Remember to book your accommodation in advance, so you have a better chance of getting your first pick. Spaces fill up quickly during the week of the South Texas State Fair.

Getting around

While the parking lots may give the illusion of the fairgrounds being expansive, everything is quite close together. From the carnival midway to the stage entertainment and food court, much of what you will want to see is within a short walking distance. Therefore, you won’t need any wheeled transport such as electric scooters or golf carts. Shank’s Pony will be the ultimate form of transportation for the South Texas State Fair.

What to pack

Clothing

In the past, hurricane season meant you had to pack a suitcase full of different options to ensure you were warm or cool enough. With the change of date from fall to spring, those days are less of a consideration for the South Texas State Fair.

It’s not uncommon to not need any more than a pair of light trousers or shorts and a t-shirt. At night, you may require a sweater, but those with a thick skin could happily wander the fairgrounds without one.

Gear

With high temperatures and plenty of ground to cover on foot, the last thing you’ll feel like doing is carrying around an enormous amount of gear. Pop your camping and cooking equipment back in your RV for use later, and only bring the items you will need for each day. Cash, credit, a sealed water bottle, health necessities, and an events list will ensure each day at the fair is a pleasant one as your backpack will feel as light as a feather.

Health & Safety

Five days spent on your feet in the sunshine can take its toll. If you want to feel as happy and as healthy as possible, then make sure you’re well hydrated, lathered up with sunscreen, have a sunhat, and are wearing sunglasses. It also wouldn’t hurt to have all the medical supplies and prescriptions on hand that you require for the length of your RV vacation.

Where to eat

Cooking

While there are no opportunities to cook at the South Texas State Fair, you’ll have all the time in the world once you’re settled back in your RV. Most accommodation providers allow the use of your onboard RV appliances, and some let you cook on outdoor grills as well. Talk to your host to find out what rules apply. If you need to pop to the shops for extra supplies, there is a market within a short five-mile drive of the fairgrounds where you can stop before heading back to your campground.

Restaurants

The South Texas State Fair has a dedicated cafeteria and plenty of vendors, but a change of scenery can be necessary after five days. Take the time to wander around Beaumont and see what the area has to offer. Whether you feel like seafood, a hearty buffet, or something to satisfy the whole family, there are options galore. Allow extra time for travel and service as half a million people traditionally visit Beaumont for the fair.

Vendors

Remember to bring both cash and a card, for you won’t want to miss out on what the vendors at the fair have to offer. From alligator to Cajun, barbecue to Tex-Mex, there’s something for everyone. You can also get your fill of sweet treats, desserts, and many other must-have fair delights. The food court is a hive of activity, and you won’t want to miss out on trying something new.

Safety

Security

If you want to breeze through the front gates without any hassles, then it may help to bring only the bare necessities. Security screening may take place on a case by case basis. The Young Men’s Business League wishes to ensure the fair is as safe as possible, so police and security officials will be patrolling the grounds at all time, with a base by the children’s area. You are more than welcome to approach them for assistance if you require it.

Weather

Since the South Texas State Fair became a spring event, weather has been beautiful and balmy. It seldom drops below 60 degrees-Fahrenheit overnight, averaging between 75 and 81 during the day. You’ll most certainly see very little need for winter woollies, that’s for sure. However, to make sure your RV isn’t sweltering hot upon your return, pop open a vent or two to allow fresh air to flow through the rig.

Medical

Injuries and accidents can happen. Aside from carrying a personal first aid kit to take care of blisters and cuts, you can also make your way to the first aid site near the food booths and the carnival midway. For anything more serious, you may need to take a trip to the local hospital a little under seven miles away. A pharmacy is within a six-mile drive as well.