RV rentals for Iowa State Fair - IA
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RV rental for the Iowa State Fair: Butter Cows, Corn Dogs and Campfire Nights in Des Moines
Picture 11 days of blue ribbons, sizzling food on a stick, and the legendary Butter Cow, then a short walk back to your own cozy RV. The Iowa State Fair turns Des Moines into the heart of the Midwest every August, and camping right at the fairgrounds puts you in the middle of it all. Rent an RV and live the fair from sunrise barn visits to late Grandstand encores.
Featured RV rentals for Iowa State Fair
Delivery onlyTravel Trailer in Des-Moines
2017 • New listing
$150 USD /night
Travel Trailer in Urbandale
2021 • 5.0 (10)
$110 USD /night
Instant BookClass B in West-Des-Moines
2024 • 5.0 (3)
$205 USD /night
Delivery onlyTravel Trailer in Winterset
2020 • 5.0 (5)
$200 USD /night
Delivery onlyTravel Trailer in Newton
2011 • 5.0 (3)
$110 USD /night
Travel Trailer in Pilot-Mound
2022 • New listing
$120 USD /night
Superhost
Top Hosts near IA
Heather13 trips - Joined May 2023
Absolutely great experience
Adam W. - Jul 2026
We had a great time camping. Heather was great and very quick to respond with any questions I had. Camper was great and everything that was included with our trip. I would definitely be renting from them again.
Scott E. - Aug 2025
Travis12 trips - Joined Aug 2022
Great experience with Travis. RV was awesome and delivered as promised. Would utilize again for sure.
Benson H. - Sep 2025
Very spacious camper that had all the essentials already equipped. Travis was quick to communicate and very helpful to deliver to our campsite.
Jill P. - Jul 2023
RV camping near Iowa State Fairgrounds
Every mid-August, the Iowa State Fair fills the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines with 11 days of agriculture, entertainment, and unforgettable food. As one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country, it draws more than a million visitors each year to see the famous Butter Cow, livestock shows, the Bill Riley Talent Search, free stage acts, midway rides, and big Grandstand concerts. The sprawling grounds on the east side of the city buzz with a friendly, small-town energy that feels like a giant family reunion. Expect warm, humid summer days, cooler evenings, and the chance of a passing thunderstorm.
The fair is a bucket-list trip for anyone who loves Americana, and Des Moines makes it easy with interstate access and plenty of nearby hotels. Even better, the fairgrounds have their own 160-acre wooded campground with more than 2,300 full-hookup sites, so you can sleep steps from the gates. With an RV, you skip daily hotel runs and walk straight to the action every morning. Your own kitchen, bed, and bathroom mean you can rest between barn visits and concerts and stay as long as you like. Sharing the trip with family or friends also keeps lodging and travel costs down. Best of all, you join a lively community of campers who return year after year, making the campground part of the fair experience itself.
RV delivery to 20 campgrounds
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Find the perfect RV for these nearby campgrounds
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Search campgroundsRV rentals and campgrounds for Iowa State Fair
Iowa State Fairgrounds, IA, US
Reaching the Iowa State Fair by RV is easy, since Des Moines sits at the crossroads of Interstate 35 and Interstate 80 in the center of Iowa. Coming from the north or west, follow I-35 or I-80 to I-235, take Exit 10A, and drive east on East University Avenue for about four miles. From the south, take I-35 to the US 65 and Iowa 5 interchange, then use Exit 79 and head west on East University Avenue. If you are arriving from the east, take I-80 to Exit 141, follow the US 65 bypass south to Exit 79, and continue west on East University Avenue for about three miles. Set your GPS to 3000 East Grand Avenue and plan to enter at East 36th or East 38th Street, because left turns are not allowed at East 33rd. Campers heading to the land rush the Sunday before the fair should stage at Gate 2 at East 33rd Street and University Avenue.
RVezy vs. Traditional RV rental
RVezy rentals
- Book directly from local RV owners
- Choose the exact RV you want
- Delivery to your campsite, home, or destination
- More variety: trailers, motorhomes, and campers
Traditional RV rental
- Limited fleet from a rental company
- Exact RV not guaranteed
- Pickup only at retail locations
- Fewer RV types and less availability
Frequently asked questions about renting an RV for Iowa State Fair
When does the Iowa State Fair take place and how long does it last?
Good news: you get plenty of time to soak it all in. The Iowa State Fair runs for 11 days in mid-August, typically opening on a Thursday and wrapping up on a Sunday, so you can plan a long RV stay that covers two weekends. The official site posts the dates well ahead of time, which makes it easy to lock in your rental early. Pro tip: weekdays are a little calmer than the weekends, so arriving midweek lets you see the Butter Cow and the livestock barns before the biggest crowds roll in.
iowastatefair.org/How do I get admission to the Iowa State Fair, and are there ways to save?
Getting in is simple. Daily admission to the fairgrounds is sold through the Buy Tickets section of the official Iowa State Fair website, and the fair also runs a Deals and Discounts page with advance savings ahead of opening day. Keep in mind that Grandstand concerts are a separate purchase and do not include fair admission, so plan for both if a headline show is on your list. Pro tip: buy your admission before you hit the road so you can roll straight from your campsite to the gate without waiting in line.
iowastatefair.org/visit/frequently-asked-questionsHow do I drive an RV to the Iowa State Fairgrounds?
Driving in is easy because the fairgrounds sit right off major interstates on the east side of Des Moines. From the north or west, take Interstate 235 (I-235) to Exit 10A and head east on East University Avenue for about four miles. From the south, follow Interstate 35 (I-35) to Exit 79 and go west on East University Avenue. From the east, take Interstate 80 (I-80) to Exit 141, then the US 65 bypass south to Exit 79. Use 3000 East Grand Avenue as your GPS address, and enter at East 36th or East 38th Street since left turns are not allowed at East 33rd.
iowastatefair.org/visit/directionsWhat can I expect at the Iowa State Fair?
Get ready for one of the most iconic summer experiences in the Midwest. The Iowa State Fair is one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country, drawing more than a million visitors each year. You can see the famous Butter Cow, wander the livestock barns, catch free stage entertainment, ride the midway, and cheer on contestants in the Bill Riley Talent Search. Evenings bring big-name Grandstand concerts. Pro tip: grab a daily schedule each morning at your campsite and plan your day around the shows and competitions you most want to see.
iowastatefair.org/What is the weather like at the Iowa State Fair, and what should I pack?
You can count on classic Iowa summer weather, which means warm, sunny days and the chance of a passing thunderstorm. Mid-August in Des Moines is often hot and humid, so pack light, breathable clothing, a hat, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes for the sprawling fairgrounds. A refillable water bottle and a light rain jacket are smart additions. Your RV makes this easy, since you can stock extra layers and supplies and pop back to cool off. Pro tip: Grandstand shows pause when lightning is detected within 8 miles, so keep a weather app handy on stormy evenings.
iowastatefair.org/visit/frequently-asked-questionsIs the Iowa State Fair a good trip for families with kids?
Absolutely, the Iowa State Fair is built for all ages. Kids love the animal barns, the midway rides, and Elwell Family Park, which offers hands-on fun designed especially for younger fairgoers. Baby nursing and changing stations are located across the grounds, which takes the stress out of a full day with little ones. Bringing an RV gives your family a home base for naps, snacks, and quiet time between attractions. Pro tip: plan your animal barn visits for the morning when kids are fresh, then save the rides for the cooler evening hours.
iowastatefair.org/visit/frequently-asked-questionsWhat food is available at the Iowa State Fair, and can I bring my own?
Come hungry, because food is one of the best parts of the Iowa State Fair. The fair is famous for its food on a stick, its yearly lineup of new treats, value-priced options, and the beloved Barksdale's State Fair Cookies. Food stands and vendors accept both cash and credit cards. You are also welcome to bring outside food and a sealed bottle of water, and small soft-sided coolers are allowed for perishables or medication. Metal and glass containers are not allowed at the Grandstand or Elwell Family Park. Pro tip: cook breakfast in your RV, then save your appetite for the fair favorites.
iowastatefair.org/visit/frequently-asked-questionsAre all types of RVs allowed at the Iowa State Fair campground?
Yes, the Iowa State Fair Campgrounds welcome motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels, and even tent campers. The 160-acre campground has more than 2,300 full-hookup sites, 734 partial-hookup sites, and three large bathhouses set among century-old trees. First-time and non-registered campers are typically placed in an overflow area with no utilities, where generators are allowed, so a self-contained RV with a generator is a great fit. Before you book, email [email protected] to confirm length limits for your rig, and choose an RVezy rental with a generator and full tanks for a smooth stay.
iowastatefair.org/visit/camping-lodging/campingCan I get an RV delivered for the Iowa State Fair?
Yes, delivery is a real option here. RVezy hosts in Des Moines, Iowa offer delivery, which means a host can bring the RV to your campsite or another approved destination, so you can skip towing or driving a large rig across town. Search RVezy for Des Moines, Iowa with delivery enabled to see the hosts near the fairgrounds, then message them to confirm whether they can drop off at the fair campground or nearby. Pro tip: book early, since delivery slots fill up fast during the fair's busy August run.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Des Moines, Iowa&DeliveryHow does camping at the Iowa State Fair work if I do not have a reserved site?
You can still camp right at the fair. Non-registered and first-time campers are welcomed first come, first served starting the Sunday before the fair opens. For the land rush, enter through Gate 2 at East 33rd Street and University Avenue and stage at 6 a.m., and groups of 10 campers are let in at 8 a.m. to find a site. Prefer to skip the rush? Arrive at noon and head to the main campground entrance to be processed if space remains. Pro tip: if you want a permanent site in future years, submit the non-registered camper form every year between January 1 and May 1.
iowastatefair.org/visit/camping-lodging/campingWhat lodging options are near the Iowa State Fair besides the on-site campground?
You have lots of choices within easy reach of the fairgrounds. Des Moines offers a wide range of hotels downtown and along the interstates, and the eastern suburbs such as Altoona sit just a short drive from the gates. For another RV-friendly option, the Des Moines West KOA in Adel has full-hookup and pull-through sites and is roughly 30 minutes away. Your RV gives you the most flexibility of all, since you can stay right on the fair campground and skip daily hotel runs. Pro tip: if you stay off-site, use the free park-and-ride from Southridge Mall to avoid parking hassles.
koa.com/campgrounds/des-moines/events/iowa-state-fair-_a6178bf9-14e1-4c75-b65e-ea7d7ca55b75/Is the Iowa State Fair accessible for guests with mobility needs?
Yes, the Iowa State Fair Board is committed to making the grounds, facilities, and services accessible to everyone. Wheelchair and scooter rentals are available through HomeTown Mobility at Gates 8, 10, 11, 13, and 15, and reservations are encouraged at least 24 hours in advance. Free Mobility Assistance Cart rides run on fixed routes daily, and accessible parking areas are available for vehicles with a disability placard or permit. You can reach the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) coordinator at 515-262-3111 ext. 226. Pro tip: an RV with your own accessible bathroom and bed nearby makes long fair days much more comfortable.
iowastatefair.org/visit/disability-assistanceWhat tips do you have for a first-time visit to the Iowa State Fair in an RV?
First time? You are in for a treat. Start by picking your camping plan early, either the land rush the Sunday before opening or a later noon arrival at the campground entrance. Stock your RV with water, snacks, and a generator if you will be in the overflow area without utilities. Wear comfortable shoes, because the fairgrounds are huge, and plan a midweek day to see the Butter Cow and the barns with smaller crowds. Pro tip: walk from your campsite to the gates and leave your rig parked all week, so you never have to fight for a parking spot.
iowastatefair.org/visit/camping-lodging/campingWhat items are not allowed at the Iowa State Fair?
Packing right is easy once you know the rules. The Iowa State Fair does not allow firearms, weapons, tasers, illegal substances, fireworks, drones, skateboards, bicycles, or pets, although trained service animals are welcome. Staff may search bags, backpacks, and coolers at entry, so keep your bag simple to move through the gates quickly. Single-rider mobility scooters are allowed in pedestrian areas. Since pets cannot come onto the grounds during the fair, plan ahead for care if your travel companion is furry. Pro tip: leave extra gear safely stored in your RV and carry only what you need for the day.
iowastatefair.org/safetyWhat support does RVezy offer when I rent an RV for the Iowa State Fair?
You can rent with confidence for the Iowa State Fair, because RVezy has your back from booking to drop-off. Every booking includes third-party liability coverage, and you can choose a Basic, Standard, or Premium protection plan at checkout for extra peace of mind. RVezy's customer service team is ready to help if something goes wrong on the road, and the RVezy Help Center answers common questions about bookings, protection, and incidents. The RVezy mobile apps let you message your host and manage your trip from your phone. Pro tip: download the app before you leave so you have everything handy at the fairgrounds.
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