RV Rentals at Alaska State Fair
Alaska’s State Fair gives citizens of this unique and often unexplored region the opportunity to teach visitors about their wild and wonderful land. With events like the Seafood Showdown and the Lumberjack Show, you’re guaranteed experiences that are not as common in the Lower 48. Even the food is served in log food booths built by a local logsmith in the 1970s, and continues to be used, showing off the beautiful timber of the state. Of course, along with the events unique to Alaska, the fair is home to concerts, carnival games, farm exhibits, and contests - most notably the Giant Cabbage Weigh-Off.
ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT
The Alaska State Fair has plenty of competitions you can visit to see the bounty of Alaska and the talents of its people. Look at local art and photography, see how people craft spirits and other beverages and investigate the canned goods locals process themselves. You can also see livestock and farm exhibits and woodworking projects, along with handiwork like sewing, quilting, and clay arts. Visit the equestrian center, and watch the monster truck challenges. There is also an Age of the Dinosaurs animatronic exhibit that allows kids to take a picture riding a triceratops and teaches them about the prehistoric creatures that were discovered to have lived in Alaska. Finally, don’t miss the reptile exhibit where visitors can interact with lizards, amphibians, and other species - including some who glow in the dark!
You can get a wristband that allows you to ride all rides on the midway. Also, be sure to check the website for information on discount days such as Kids’ Day, First Responders Day, and Military Appreciation Day. You can get a discount for purchasing online, and for buying four-packs.
ON-SITE AMENITIES
There are plenty of amenities on-site at the fair. You can purchase food & beverages there, or you can bring your own. Coolers will be inspected at the entrance, and alcohol is not allowed in. There are nine ATMs located at various points inside the fair, and there is a Security Building where parents can reunite with lost children. Two vendors provide stroller and wheelchair rentals, or you can bring your own. Handicapped parking is available at the closest lots to the entrance. Free WiFi is also available throughout the grounds.
LOCATION
2075 Glenn Hwy.
Palmer, Alaska 99654
LINEUP
Be sure to check out the acts on the various stages. Be sure to check out the 2024 concert schedule here.
RVING AT THE EVENT
There is RV and tent camping available right on the fairgrounds! Enjoy a full day of fun and activities at the fair and then return to a comfy bed just steps away. Renting an RV with RVshare means you can enjoy all the comforts of home within a short walk of where you’re going to spend the day exploring the fair.
RV camping spaces at the fair are $TBA per night, or $TBA for a season (other activities happen at the fairgrounds throughout the year, and you may want to come back!). Car and truck parking is $TBA a night, or $TBA for the season. Tent camping is $TBA for the night. There is a nightly $TBA additional fee for a tow-behind car or trailer.
The camping area does not offer electricity, water, or a dump station, and barbeques, open fires, and pets are not allowed. You can purchase a parking permit through the Main Office.
There are also some campgrounds nearby, if you want to camp outside the fairgrounds, including:
Big Bear RV Park & Campground - pet friendly, with showers, WiFi, and a dump station included. Choose from pull-thrus or back ins, 50/30 amp Supersites or 30 amp only sites, and sites from 35’-70’ long. Every site has a fire ring and picnic table, and there is a playground nearby.
Mountain View RV Park - offers beautiful views of Matanuska Peak, and often has moose wandering around the campsites. The campground has pull-thru sites with full hookups and 30 amp services. They have bathrooms, showers, and on-site laundry.
WHERE TO STAY
RV Camping
Whether you drive your own RV to the Alaska State Fair or use an RV rental, RVing is a great way to experience the fair! You can come home after a fun day of exploring the games, rides, and exhibits, and be able to sleep in your own comfy bed!
Hotels
There are also plenty of hotels around Palmer and Wasilla where you can stay while visiting the fair. The best place to find information on hotels and services near the fair are the Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce, the Mat-Su Availability website, the Mat-Su Convention & Visitors Bureau, and the Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce.
HOW TO GET THERE
Directions from Anchorage International Airport
Anchorage has the closest large airport and is only an hour’s drive from the fairgrounds. Take W International Airport Rd to AK-1 N (E 5th Ave). Follow AK-1 N to the fairgrounds in Palmer.
Fair Train
Alaska Railroad also operates a Fair Train that will take you to the fairgrounds from the Anchorage Depot. You can find rates here.
Other transportation
There are several ways to get to the fair. You can find them all here, along with a code for discounted Lyft rides, and other transportation programs.
PARKING
Buy your parking permit online and print at home, then scan it quickly and conveniently at the entrance to the parking lot.
One Day Parking Permit ($TBA)
Valid in any outside general parking lot. No Re-entry to lots. This permit is valid any one day, one time only. Not valid for Fair Admission.
Season General Parking Permit ($TBA)
Valid in any outside general parking lot. Valid for each day of the Fair, August 16 – September 2, 2024. Not valid for Fair Admission.
TICKETS & PRICING
You can purchase tickets to the fair online or at the door.
WRAP UP
At RVshare we love to see people explore new areas and to learn about the people, animals, cultures, and activities that happen there! Whether you’re familiar with Alaska or this is your first trip there, attending the fair is a great way to learn more about the history and unique offerings of the region. Visiting the fair in an RV is a fun, stress-free way to experience the event, knowing you can explore all day and head home to a shower and warm bed close by! It also allows you to make and bring your own food when you explore, and to bring along other creature comforts from home. Whether you visit the fair in an RV rental from us or use other accommodations, we’d love to see pictures of your experience! Send us photos at [email protected], and tag us on social media to share your visit. Your adventures could be featured on our blog or social media!
Check out @AlaskaStateFair on Facebook and Twitter, and @OfficialAlaskaStateFair on Instagram for event updates!
Please note, this is not the official source of the event information. While we try to be as comprehensive as possible, some details may have changed since the time this article was written. Please confirm final details with the official event page .
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