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California State Fair

Sacramento

Jul 17 2026 - Aug 02 2026

Price: $18 Adult, $14 Senior (62+), $12 Kids 5-12, Free 4 and under

Rent an RV

The California State Fair is one of the most RV-friendly events around. If you're looking for fun for the whole family, the 2026 State Fair has rides, exhibits, food, and games for everyone to enjoy. Each year, people flock to the Cal Expo 350-acre grounds in Sacramento. Visiting the fair in an RV allows you to conveniently access all the excitement of the event without losing any of the comforts of home. Check out RV rentals in Sacramento to get your ride.

ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT

The California State Fair features multiple themed days with savings, including Kids Day, Senior Savings Day, and Giving Fridays. Carnival rides, indoor and outdoor shopping, agricultural exhibits, harness racing, and other events make for full days of entertainment and activities. Take in a truck and tractor pull, cornhole championship, or the Esports Bear Cup. Food events include Save Mart California's Kitchen and Taste of California. Scheduled events update regularly, so be sure to check the Cal State Fair website to see what's coming up.

ON-SITE AMENITIES

You can use lockers at the California State Fair, which are located at the main gate, blue gate, and green gate. Should you need a mobility device, you can rent one near the main gate, next to the monorail. There are also designated smoking areas. There are full restrooms at a dozen locations spread throughout the venue. Check the FAQs for more information.

LOCATION

Located at 1600 Exposition Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95815, the Cal State Fair takes place near the American River. The Cal Expo RV Park is nearby along Ethan Way, and many people visit the Fair from the park on foot. Shopping, restaurants, trails, and cycling are all within half a mile, too.

FAQs About RVing to the California State Fair

Can you bring an RV to the California State Fair?

Yes, the Cal Expo RV Park is on the eastern side of the fairgrounds and open during the fair.

Where can you park an RV for the California State Fair?

The Cal Expo RV Park is the on-site option, accessible via Ethan Way off Exposition Boulevard. It fills quickly during the fair, so book as early as possible.

Are there RV hookups at the California State Fair?

Yes, the Cal Expo RV Park offers full hookups. They include 30- and 50-amp electric, water, and sewer.

Is the California State Fair family-friendly?

The Cal State Fair features carnival rides and live entertainment in a family-friendly atmosphere. On Tuesday, Kids Free Days, children get in free.

LINEUP

The State Fair is a great place to catch music, and the entertainment page has all the details. Headliners include Babyface, Wyclef Jean, Tower of Power, Lee Brice, Ja Rule, KC & The Sunshine Band, Trace Adkins, and Boyz II Men. All concerts are free with fair admission; reserved seats start at $25.

RVING AT THE EVENT

The Cal Expo RV Park is your on-site option for RVing at the California State Fair. Cal Expo RV Park features 30- and 50-amp electric hookups, water, and sewer. Sixty-five pull-through sites offer plenty of locations. Paved and gravel roads provide most of the access, too. The site includes amenities like free Wi-Fi, a laundry room, private restrooms and showers, a dog park, and 24-hour security. Spots are available for RVs up to 45 feet long. The nightly rate is $60, or you can pay weekly for $360. Thirty-day lots are available for $1,000. This is an appealing option for folks who want to take in all 17 days of the California State Fair. Be aware that fair time slots fill up fast.

Where to Camp Near the California State Fair

The closest reasonably sized nearby RV park is SacWest RV Park & Campground in West Sacramento, a 10-15 minute drive from the fairgrounds. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, a heated pool, a breakfast grill, and a fishing pond. The nightly price is $100. Check transportation options to the fairgrounds before committing, though.

RV Rental Tips for the California State Fair

The California State Fair is an excellent choice for a first-time RV rental. However, be sure to schedule a tune-up for your RV's air conditioning. July and August daily highs frequently hit 95 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Learn how to camp in summer heat. An RV with an awning or a shade canopy is worth the investment for outdoor living. Pack and dress for the summer weather, too. A Class C RV or a travel trailer is recommended. Consider a fifth wheel rental, too.

RV Rentals Near Sacramento

Nearby RV Rentals

WHERE TO STAY

One option that's only about 3 miles from Cal Expo is the Residence Inn Sacramento/Cal Expo. It's got suites that include full kitchens, shopping services, and other homey amenities, and it's a terrific place to stay if you can't find a spot at the Cal Expo RV Park. If you prefer an independent hotel rather than a chain, then the Governors Inn Sacramento fits that bill. It's near Cal Expo as well, only 4.4 miles away. Free breakfast is included, and the hotel offers fine amenities like a fitness center, pool, and hot tub.

HOW TO GET THERE

From San Francisco: Take Route 80 northeast out of the city and follow it all the way to Sacramento. Take the exit to Exposition Boulevard, which will lead you right to the fairgrounds. From Reno, NV: Follow Route 80 west, which will take you to the Exposition Boulevard exit in Sacramento. Exposition Boulevard takes you to the event location.

PARKING

There are 15,000 parking spaces in the various lots around the fairgrounds. Accessible parking is near each of the gates.

TICKETS & PRICING

Tickets for the 2026 California State Fair are on sale now. Advanced admission prices are $16 for adults, $12 for seniors (62+), and $10 for children (5-12), $2 per ticket cheaper than tickets at the gate. Admission is free for children 4 and under. A Family Fun Pack is available for $54.99. Ride wristbands are $45 Monday-Thursday and $50 Friday-Sunday. Discounted tickets are also available at participating Save Mart locations during the fair.

WRAP UP

The California State Fair kicks off July 17, 2026. Expect around 600,000 people to attend over the event's 17 days. Follow the California State Fair on Facebook for event updates!

3-Day RV Itinerary for the California State Fair

• Day 1: Arrival and RV Setup: Reach the Cal Expo RV Park via Ethan Way. Your pull-through site makes hooking up easy. Nearby restaurants are great for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Tickets are available online, so skip the rush at the gate. • Day 2: Your Full Fair Day: Get to the gates early to take in the exhibits, agricultural displays, and rides. Many people head back to the RV Park for a mid-day cool-down and lunch before heading out at 5 p.m. for the Toyota Concert Series show. • Day 3: Morning Fun and Departure: Take one more swing through the fairgrounds, or hit the nearby River Bike Trail for a ride with your family. Pack your stuff, get lunch, and hit the road.

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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