State Fair of West Virginia
Take a walk along Blue Ribbon Drive at the State Fair of West Virginia. Branch out to see Agriculture Alley, sleep in your camper, and more.
Event information
The State Fair of West Virginia at the Lewisburg Fairgrounds offers a 10-day celebration in August, combining traditional agriculture exhibits, thrilling carnival rides, and nightly Grandstand concerts. Onsite RV camping provides electrical hookups and full amenities through a waitlist reservation system (call 304-645-1090), with spaces opening Wednesday before the fair begins and complimentary shuttles running daily to the main entrance. While onsite camping is limited, the Greenbrier Valley offers excellent alternative campgrounds within 15 miles, from Greenbrier River Campground's riverfront sites to Watoga State Park's full-hookup facilities. General admission tickets range from $10 for advance purchase to $15 at the gate, with children 12 and under free daily. The fairgrounds sit just 3.6 miles south of I-64 Exit 169 in Fairlea, making Lewisburg and Beckley your ideal RV rental hubs for exploring West Virginia's mountain beauty.
What Makes the State Fair of West Virginia Special?
The State Fair of West Virginia represents more than a century of Appalachian tradition, celebrating the Mountain State's agricultural heritage and small-town spirit. The 2025 edition marked the fair's 100th anniversary and was celebrated with extra festivities alongside beloved traditions like racing pigs, draft horse pulls, and the dairy birthing center, where families witness nature's miracles in real time.
The Grandstand hosts legendary performers each evening, with past headliners including country music icons and contemporary chart-toppers. The 6,000-seat stadium creates intimate concert experiences under West Virginia's summer stars, while Zembelli Fireworks illuminate the sky with innovative pyrotechnics. Between shows, explore Blue Ribbon Alley where local youth showcase livestock skills, or wander Agriculture Alley, discovering farm-to-table connections.
Lewisburg itself enchants visitors with its historic downtown—one of Carnegie Hall's eight locations still in continuous use worldwide sits here, alongside the antebellum North House Museum. The town's Shanghai Parade on New Year's Day has run for over 150 years, exemplifying the community spirit that makes this fair unforgettable.
The Greenbrier Valley's natural beauty surrounds the fairgrounds, with the Greenbrier River offering tubing, fishing, and scenic drives through rolling Appalachian hills. This combination of authentic rural culture and outdoor adventure creates the perfect framework for your RV getaway.
To maximize your fair experience, explore Lewisburg RV rentals for the closest proximity to the fairgrounds, or discover Beckley RV rentals for additional options just 30 minutes south.
Tickets
State Fair experiences involve several pricing tiers, with options for single-day visits or extended stays throughout the 10-day celebration.
General Admission:
- Advance purchase: $10 per person (ages 11+)
- Gate purchase: $15 per person (ages 11+)
- Children 12 and under: Free every day
- Special savings days are available throughout the fair week
Grandstand Concerts:
- Priced separately from general admission
- Varies by performer and seating location
- Check statefairofwv.com for specific show pricing and lineups
Onsite RV Camping:
- Available through waitlist only (call 304-645-1090 or email office@statefairofwv.com)
- Electric-only sites and full hookup options available
- Opens Wednesday before the fair begins
- Complimentary shuttle service to the main entrance
Additional Costs:
- Reithoffer carnival rides (Mega Passes available for unlimited access)
- Food and beverages at vendor booths
- Preferred parking passes (general parking is free)
- Fair merchandise and artisan goods from marketplace vendors
Money-Saving Tips:
- Purchase advance tickets online to save $5 per person daily
- Take advantage of special savings days
- Pack your RV with groceries and cook meals at your campground
- Free general parking is available if not camping onsite
- Children 12 and under always enter free
Explore State Fair of West Virginia RV Rentals
Transportation
Driving
Nestled between the north and south routes of US-219, the fair is easily approached. Enjoy the beautiful scenic drive of the Greenbrier Valley. The Greenbrier River flows prettily along and has multiple access points to stop for a picnic or a short hike. Being a valley, there may be some rolling hills to drive up and down as you meander along. Tune in to the local radio station to listen to weather or road closure advisories.
Parking areas
Parking is plentiful at the State Fair of West Virginia. Arrive early if you do not have a tow vehicle and want to bring your rig. Choose the North, South, or West lot, and if you need ADA-accessible parking, it is conveniently located close to the gate. Have your placard visible as you approach so that parking attendants can direct you. There is a free shuttle running from the lots to the gates within certain hours.
Public Transportation
The Mountain Transit Authority does run a bus service in Lewisburg, but you will have to check the website to verify whether the running times coincide with your travels during the fair and to see if the bus runs close enough for your needs. Taxi services are available. Take a ridesharing option to the fairgrounds or the parking lot and then shuttle in if desired.
Where to stay
Onsite
The fairgrounds campground accommodates both dry camping (tents) and RVs with electrical amenities, though spaces fill quickly through the waitlist system. Contact the fair office at 304-645-1090 or office@statefairofwv.com to join the camping waitlist.
Onsite Camping Features:
- Electric-only sites and full hookup options available
- Two vehicles allowed per RV space
- Opens Wednesday before the fair begins
- Restrooms, bathhouses, and a dump station on-site
- No generator use during quiet hours
- Complimentary shuttle service to the main entrance runs daily
- Regular security patrols throughout the camping area
- Pets welcome in camping area (cannot enter fairgrounds)
Fair Parking Guidelines:
- Free general parking in North, South, and West lots
- ADA-accessible parking near the main gate with a visible placard
- Preferred parking passes are available for spaces closer to the entrance
- Free shuttle service from parking lots to gates (limited hours)
- Arrive early if bringing your RV without a tow vehicle
Nearby
Greenbrier River Campground
Located in Alderson on eight riverfront acres, the Greenbrier River campground offers over 1,000 feet of Greenbrier River access with swimming holes and Class I-III paddling opportunities. Sites feature full hookups, 30/50 amp service, cable, picnic tables, and fire rings, with daily trash pickup. The camp store stocks groceries, RV supplies, fishing gear, and ice cream, while amenities include WiFi, restrooms with showers, and laundry facilities. Full-service canoe, kayak, and tubing trips with shuttle service make this an adventure basecamp.
Watoga State Park
About 30 miles north, near Hillsboro, West Virginia's largest state park, provides two campgrounds along the Greenbrier River. Riverside Campground offers 50 sites (38 with electrical hookups), while Beaver Creek Campground has 38 sites (12 with electrical). Both include bathhouses, laundry facilities, playgrounds, and dump stations. The park features an 11-acre lake for boating, a solar-heated swimming pool, 40 miles of hiking trails, and excellent fishing for trout, bass, bluegill, and catfish.
Greenbrier State Forest
Situated near Caldwell, the 5,100-acre Greenbrier State Forest surrounds Kate's Mountain with 16 campsites offering electrical hookups, a central bathhouse, and a stone fireplace. The primitive sites (no water or sewer hookups) provide peaceful camping from April through October, with reservations accepted Memorial Day through Labor Day. Nearly 20 miles of hiking and biking trails range from easy to difficult, while activities include hunting, fishing, horseback riding, golf, and archery.
Seneca State Forest
West Virginia's oldest state forest near Dunmore offers ten primitive campsites (reservations only Memorial Day through Labor Day) plus eight rental cabins. Sites accommodate tents and RVs with level pads, picnic tables, and firepits, though hookups aren't available. Coin-operated laundry and showers serve campers. The 65-foot Thorny Mountain Fire Tower provides breathtaking views, while Seneca Lake and the nearby Greenbrier River offer swimming, fishing for trout and bass, and boating opportunities.
Moncove Lake State Park
Located outside Union, about 20 miles from Lewisburg, Moncove Lake features 48 campsites (25 with electrical hookups) surrounding the 144-acre fishing lake. The central bathhouse includes showers, and the park offers boat rentals (motors under 5 hp only). Hunt, fish for largemouth bass, bluegill, catfish, walleye, and trout, or explore geocaching trails. The seasonal swimming pool operates Memorial Day through Labor Day, with reservations accepted during peak season.
Pro Tips for Fair Week Camping:
- Reserve campgrounds immediately when fair dates are announced
- Onsite fairgrounds camping fills via waitlist—apply early
- Bicycles are not allowed in the fairgrounds campground (high traffic area)
- Golf carts are permitted at the fair with proof of insurance
- Mountain Transit Authority buses may serve your campground—verify routes
Getting around
The campground is a high traffic area, so bicycles are not allowed. If you need a golf cart to get to the main fair gate, you can use one if you show proof of insurance. Once inside the gates, you can rent a wheelchair, electric scooter, stroller, or wagon. The State Fair of West Virginia is a big venue that calls for walking from one section to another which branch out from Blue Ribbon Alley. Wear comfy shoes so that you can enjoy every attraction.
What to pack
Clothing
West Virginia's August weather typically delivers warm days with highs in the mid-80s, though mountain evenings cool considerably. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing for daytime fair activities, with comfortable walking shoes essential for navigating the extensive fairgrounds from Blue Ribbon Alley to Agriculture exhibits.
Bring layers for evening Grandstand concerts when temperatures drop into the 60s. A light jacket or hoodie ensures comfort during post-sunset entertainment. The Greenbrier Valley's mountain location means weather can shift quickly—pack a rain jacket or poncho that folds small.
Gear
Your fair spirit shines through comfortable folding chairs for relaxing between exhibits and enjoying outdoor shows. Bring reusable water bottles (refill stations available throughout fairgrounds) and portable phone chargers for capturing memories across the 10-day celebration.
Sunscreen and bug spray top the essential list—August sunshine in the Appalachian hills is intense, and mountain mosquitoes are legendary near evening. Wide-brimmed hats provide additional sun protection during midday fair walks.
Bring cash for carnival rides and some vendor purchases, though credit cards work at most locations. A small backpack or crossbody bag keeps hands free while carrying essentials through crowded fairgrounds.
Health & Safety
Standing and walking for hours exploring exhibits, carnival rides, and livestock demonstrations can tire feet and legs. Pack blister prevention supplies, extra socks, and comfortable insoles for your shoes. A small first-aid kit with pain relievers, bandages, and personal medications provides peace of mind.
Earplugs help during louder Grandstand concerts while still enjoying performances. Keep any prescription medications in your RV with extras in case fair week extends into an impromptu Greenbrier Valley vacation.
Where to eat
Cooking
Your RV kitchen becomes your secret weapon during State Fair week. Prepare hearty breakfasts before fair days begin, and cook dinners after returning from evening Grandstand shows. Most Greenbrier Valley campgrounds provide full hookups, picnic tables, and grilling areas perfect for mountain-style meals.
Stock up on groceries at Lewisburg's local markets before settling into your campground. Fresh West Virginia produce, local meats, and Appalachian specialties make for memorable RV meals. Campgrounds like Greenbrier River Campground include camp stores for last-minute supplies.
Restaurants
Historic downtown Lewisburg, just minutes from the fairgrounds, offers excellent dining beyond fair food. Explore local favorites for Southern biscuits with your choice of fillings, fish tacos, chicken salad, and authentic Appalachian cuisine. Restaurants range from casual cafes to upscale dining, many featuring local ingredients and West Virginia specialties.
The Harmony Ridge Gallery combines art with dining experiences, while Carnegie Hall's nearby location means you can pair cultural exploration with culinary adventures. Many Lewisburg restaurants stay open later during fair week, catering to concertgoers returning from evening Grandstand shows.
Vendors
State Fair of West Virginia delivers authentic Appalachian flavors alongside classic carnival fare. Don't miss Belt's Pizza and the legendary Pronto Pup—hailed as the best corndog east of the Mississippi. Ben Ellen Donuts, giant cinnamon rolls, and homemade ice cream satisfy sweet cravings throughout the day.
The FFA Ham Stand, organized by local agriculture teachers since the late 1950s, exemplifies the fair's farm-to-table connections. Try a Cattleman Steak Sandwich, fresh roasted corn, and other offerings showcasing West Virginia's agricultural bounty. Vendors throughout the fairgrounds ensure you'll never go hungry, with options for every palate and dietary preference.
Safety
Security
The State Fair of West Virginia maintains comprehensive security with West Virginia State Police and dedicated fair security staff patrolling grounds and camping areas around the clock. The family-oriented atmosphere prioritizes safe, enjoyable experiences for all ages.
All vehicles entering fairgrounds parking or camping areas may undergo security inspections. Alcohol isn't permitted in camping areas or fairgrounds except at designated concert events. Keep pets leashed at all times in the camping area—they cannot enter the fairgrounds themselves.
Emergency Medical Services maintains a booth at the fairgrounds. Familiarize yourself with its location upon entering. For significant medical needs, hospitals in Lewisburg and Beckley sit within 15 minutes drive. The fairgrounds' ADA-accessible facilities include designated parking, ramps, and accommodations for guests with mobility needs.
Weather
August in West Virginia's mountains typically brings warm, humid days with afternoon thunderstorm possibilities. The fair operates rain or shine—there's no weather cancellation policy, so prepare for all conditions. Monitor local radio stations for weather advisories, especially given the valley's rolling terrain that can complicate severe weather patterns.
Mountain nights cool considerably from daytime highs. Pack layers and extra blankets for comfortable RV sleeping, and enjoy the sounds of Appalachian forests through open windows. Your RV provides perfect refuge during afternoon rain showers, offering climate-controlled comfort while the weather passes.
Medical
Emergency Medical Services staffs the fairgrounds throughout all operating hours. First aid stations handle minor injuries, while trained medical personnel assist with more serious health concerns. Fair staff can direct you to the nearest medical station quickly.
Greenbrier Valley Medical Center in Ronceverte and Beckley ARH Hospital provide full emergency services within 15 minutes of the fairgrounds. Numerous pharmacies in Lewisburg stock medications and health supplies if needed during your stay.
