RV Rentals at New York State Fair
Started in 1841 with animal exhibits, a plowing contest, and samples of manufactured goods, the New York State Fair now offers even more things to see and do. Agricultural exhibits with livestock, arts and crafts exhibits and competitions, culinary competitions, 13 days of entertainment, a wide variety of food and drink concessions, historical exhibits, and so much more can be found at this top state fair.
ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT
The Agricultural Museum at the fair showcases the history of agriculture in New York, including exhibits, demonstrations, and an actual, fully furnished log cabin from the area’s homespun days. The Carriage Museum features more than 50 horse-drawn vehicles and a blacksmith demonstration. There are tons of agriculture and livestock exhibits nearby, featuring over 10,000 of the state’s best cows, horses, goats, pigs, llamas, sheep, poultry, and rabbits. There are also art and craft exhibitions featuring fine arts, photography, quilting, and woodworking.
The butter sculpture is an icon of the New York State Fair, and it’s made from over 200 pounds of butter each year. Other great attractions include the Hall of Health, in the Science and Industry Building, a historic train exhibit, and an aerial show with professional acrobats.
ON-SITE AMENITIES
Tons of food and drink concessions are available at this state fair. Other amenities include drop-off and pick-up areas, scooter rentals, wheelchair rentals, stroller and wagon rentals, fair trams, first aid stations, accessible restrooms and seating, special needs seating, a baby care cottage, EV charging stations, and an ATM.
LOCATION
The New York State Fairgrounds are in Syracuse, right on Onondaga Lake.
581 State Fair Blvd Syracuse, NY 13209
LINEUP
RVING AT THE EVENT
Camping with and without hookups is available for RVs at the Empire RV Park. Reservations for the campground may be made starting in April, and they are available for 17-night stays for sites with hookups or day-by-day camping for those without. This includes the full 13 days of the fair plus four extra nights before the fair begins for those who want a full-service site. All RV guests will receive free wristbands to enter the fair free of charge each day.
Here are some tips for staying at the Empire RV Park:
Make sure you bring your own lines to use the electrical, water, and sewage hookups, as lines and hoses will not be provided.
Campers should note that the New York State Access Pass/Lifetime Liberty Pass is not accepted for discounts at this campground.
All campers must check out and leave the campground by 8 a.m. on the day after the conclusion of the fair. Vehicles left behind after this time will be towed.
Pets are allowed at the campground, but you must watch them at all times and ensure they are taken care of. Make sure you pack for your pets by bringing food, dishes, leashes, harnesses, and waste disposal bags.
RV Rentals Near Syracuse, New York
Nearby RV Rentals
WHERE TO STAY
If the Empire RV Park fills up before the fair, you can stay at another campground in Syracuse. Alternatively, there are some hotels within a reasonable distance from the fairgrounds to stay at, including:
The Holiday Inn & Suites is located off the New York State Thruway and I-81, making it close to the New York State Fairgrounds. Amenities of the hotel include complimentary Wi-Fi, an on-site bar and lounge, continental breakfast, and complimentary shuttle services.
The Best Western: The Inn at the Fairgrounds is a hotel found right at the fair, which makes it possible to walk to the fair from your room. It features free breakfast and Wi-Fi with a fitness center and a golf course.
The Tru by Hilton Syracuse-Camillus hotel is another nearby option that is about four miles from the fairgrounds. This hotel features free breakfast options, laundry services, a fitness center, and pet-friendly rooms.
HOW TO GET THERE
The New York State Fairgrounds are located immediately adjacent to Route 690 just West of Syracuse.
From the West - Buffalo / Rochester Area: Take the New York State Thruway (Rt. 90 East) to Exit 39, then follow Rt. 690 East.
From the East - Albany / Utica Area: Take the New York State Thruway (Rt. 90 West) to Exit 34A, follow Rt. 481 South, then follow Rt. 690 West.
From the North - Watertown Area: Take Interstate 81 South into Syracuse to Exit 22. Follow Bear Street (Rt. 298) to Rt. 690 West.
From the South - Binghamton / Cortland Area: Take Interstate 81 North into Syracuse, then follow Rt. 690 West.
From the New York City / Downstate Area: Take the best route to Binghamton, N.Y. then take Interstate 81 North into Syracuse, then follow Rt. 690 West.
You can also take Park-N-Ride and Amtrak train services to reach the fairgrounds.
PARKING
Parking is available at the fairgrounds for a fee of $12.41 per vehicle.
TICKETS & PRICING
Tickets for adults at the New York State Fair cost $8 per person. Tickets for those over 65 and under 12 are free every day at the fair. Frequent Fairgoer tickets are available for $25.
WRAP UP
The New York State Fair is one of the most-visited state fairs in the country, and you can enjoy it every day by staying on the fairgrounds in your RV. By doing so, you can make your own meals when concession lines are too long, and you can walk into the fair each day at no added cost.
For more updates about the New York State Fair, check out its Facebook page.
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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