Skip to main content

Mississippi State Fair

Jackson, Mississippi

Oct 08 2026 - Oct 18 2026

Price: TBA

Rent an RV

The Mississippi State Fair is one of the Southeast’s signature October events. Held at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds in downtown Jackson, this 11-day fair brings together carnival rides, livestock shows, live concerts, fair food, and family attractions. The 2026 fair will also celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. For RV travelers, it works well as part of a longer Mississippi road trip because several campgrounds sit within a short drive of the fairgrounds. Families especially have plenty to do, from petting zoos and rides to kid-friendly exhibits and evening entertainment.

ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT

The Mississippi State Fair offers a wide range of exciting activities for all ages, including thrilling rides, livestock shows, and unique contests like pie-eating competitions. While you're there, be sure to catch live music performances, explore the antique car show, and check out the many agricultural exhibits and family-friendly attractions throughout the fairgrounds.

ON-SITE AMENITIES

The Mississippi State Fairgrounds are set up to make your visit as easy and stress-free as possible. You’ll find plenty of on-site parking, so you won't have to wander far to get to the gates. Throughout the grounds, there are public restrooms, ATMs, and accessible facilities. If the weather takes a turn or you just need a breather, the large covered indoor buildings are perfect for a quick escape. You’ll also find shaded seating areas tucked away near the food vendors, giving you a comfortable spot to sit back and enjoy your fair snacks.

LOCATION

To get to the fair, enter 1207 Mississippi Street, Jackson, MS 39202, into your navigation app. This location puts you close to several worthwhile stops outside the fair, including the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, the Museum of Mississippi History, and the Mississippi Museum of Art. For outdoor time, LeFleur’s Bluff State Park, the Pearl River, and the Ross Barnett Reservoir are all within a reasonable drive, giving RV travelers a way to add hiking, nature walks, fishing, or a slower campground day to the trip.

FAQs About RVing to the Mississippi State Fair

Is there anywhere to camp overnight at the fairgrounds?

The only overnight RV camping allowed at the fair is for certain exhibitors and performers. Research the nearby campgrounds to find a spot that meets your camping needs. Wendy Oaks RV Resort and Timberlake Campground are both popular for their close proximity to Jackson and their full-hookup RV accommodations, so be sure to book in advance if you plan on attending during a busy fair weekend.

What kind of RV works best for a Mississippi State Fair trip?

A Class C motorhome, travel trailer, or fifth wheel can all work well if you plan to stay at a nearby campground. Since fair traffic and parking rules can change, larger RVs are usually easier to manage at your campsite than near the fairgrounds. Check your campground's site size, hookup options, and vehicle rules before booking.

Is this a good RV trip for families with kids?

Yes. The fair is packed with kid-friendly activities ranging from carnival rides to petting zoos to livestock exhibits. Many families spend a couple of days at the fair and then venture toward LeFleur's Bluff State Park, where the kids can enjoy nature trails and outdoor recreation.

How can RVers save money on meals during the fair?

Planning a few simple campground meals can help stretch your fair budget, especially during a multi-day trip. Depending on your RV setup, you may be able to make breakfast, prep sandwiches, pack snacks, or use campground cooking areas before heading to the fair. That leaves more room in your budget for fair food, local treats, and souvenirs from vendor booths.

LINEUP

The 2026 lineup for the Mississippi State Fair will be announced soon. For the latest updates, visit the official event page.

RVING AT THE EVENT

The Mississippi State Fair works well as part of a multi-day RV trip, but overnight parking isn't available at the fairgrounds. The best option is to stay at a nearby campground and drive a smaller vehicle, use rideshare, or check the fair's latest parking guidance before bringing a large RV into downtown Jackson. Several campgrounds sit within about 10 to 30 minutes of the fairgrounds, making it easy to enjoy the fair during the day and return to your campsite at night.

Where to Camp Near the Mississippi State Fair

It's easy to recharge during the fair when you have a relaxing campground to return to in between activities. LeFleur's Bluff State Park is one of the closest options. It's only about 10 minutes from the fairgrounds. Electric hookups help keep your RV powered and comfortable. Other amenities include golf, disc golf, a playground, pavilions, nature trails, and more. MovieTown RV Park is a quieter campground that comes with full hookup options. It's about 30 minutes away from the fairgrounds, but it is just minutes from Canton’s iconic town square. This square was famously featured in "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" If you stay here, be sure to carefully plan your fair arrival times, especially during weekend evenings when traffic in downtown Jackson becomes heavily congested.

RV Rental Tips for the Mississippi State Fair

The earlier in the day you arrive at the fair, the less traffic and congestion there will be. Using your RV to cook breakfast and lunch meals can save a lot of money on concession food; use these tasty campfire recipes to delight the taste buds of your whole crew. Always check your RV campsite reservation details to confirm the hookup options. That way, you can be sure you have everything you need to stay comfortable throughout your trip.

RV Rentals Near Jackson, Mississippi

Nearby RV Rentals

WHERE TO STAY

If you aren't staying in an RV, there are plenty of great spots nearby to call home for a few days. The OYO Hotel Jackson Fairgrounds North I-55 is about as close as you can get. Its free breakfast is also a nice perk to get you moving each morning. The Best Western Plus Jackson Downtown-Coliseum is another excellent pick in downtown Jackson. It’s got a pool for relaxing and puts you right next to some of the area's top restaurants, shopping, and local attractions. You get the convenience of being downtown while staying just a quick hop away from the Mississippi State Fairgrounds.

HOW TO GET THERE

From Memphis: Take I-55 S directly toward Jackson. Use Exit 96B for High Street, and continue toward the Mississippi State Fairgrounds at 1207 Mississippi Street. From Shreveport: Take I-20 E toward Jackson, then merge onto I-55 N. Take Exit 96B for High Street, and follow signs to the fairgrounds. From Birmingham: Take I-20 W toward Jackson and merge onto I-55 N. Use Exit 96B for High Street, and continue toward the fairgrounds. From Jackson-Evers International Airport: Take I-20 W toward downtown Jackson. Continue toward I-55 N, and use Exit 96B for High Street. Follow signs to the Mississippi State Fairgrounds at 1207 Mississippi Street.

PARKING

Parking details for the 2026 Mississippi State Fair have not been fully posted yet. In recent years, parking has been free on approved Mississippi State Fairgrounds property, and accessible parking spaces have required a designated license plate or hang tag. Overnight parking is prohibited, so RVers should not plan to camp on-site. Check the official fair website for current parking rules, gate information, oversized vehicle guidance, and any traffic updates.

TICKETS & PRICING

Ticket prices for the 2026 Mississippi State Fair have not been announced yet. However, for reference, 2025 general admission tickets were priced at $10 at the gate, with discounted $8 presale tickets available online. Children ages 5 and under received free admission. Unlimited-carnival-ride wristbands were also available on select promotional days for discounted pricing. Check the official fair website for updates on 2026 Mississippi State Fair tickets.

WRAP UP

The Mississippi State Fair provides the perfect way to see the very best of the Magnolia State. For the latest news and schedules, keep an eye on the fair's Facebook page for real-time updates. Also, before you head out, be sure to look over this guide to RV camping in Mississippi. It’s packed with tips to help you get totally prepared for your next big adventure. Using RVshare gives you an easy way to find a Jackson RV rental for your trip.

4-Day RV Itinerary for the Mississippi State Fair

• Day 1: Arrival and first night at the fair Arrive around lunchtime to set up your RV, and relax a bit before you head to the fair. Once it gets dark, give the kids a magical evening of bright lights, classic fair games, and carnival rides. • Day 2: Explore the livestock exhibits and evening entertainment Wake up early or sleep in. This trip is all about slowing down and enjoying quality family time. Use the afternoon and evening to wander through the livestock exhibits, and then venture toward the concert and entertainment areas for some live performances. • Day 3: Discover more of Jackson Use this day to visit the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science and the Mississippi Children’s Museum, two of Jackson's most notable attractions for people of all ages. Spend the afternoon and evening mingling around the campground and cooking dinner over the campfire. • Day 4: Enjoy more fair activities Start with one of these easy breakfast recipes at your campsite, then head back to the Mississippi State Fair for one last round of rides, livestock exhibits, vendor booths, and fair food. Leave time to pick up souvenirs before heading back to your RV and on to your next adventure.

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.

Do you manage this event?

Work with RVshare to provide housing for staff, vendors, artists and executives. Earn additional revenue by creating unique VIP/GA turn-key packages for your attendees.

Interested in becoming one of our Corporate and Festival Partners? Fill out the form here.