Ohio State Fair
The Ohio State Fair takes place at the Ohio Expo Center and State Fairgrounds in Columbus, OH. The 12-day event features exhilarating carnival rides, food vendors, sporting competitions, and more. A free petting zoo is a favorite for those visiting with kids. You can even watch a farm animal deliver a baby. The fair is especially appealing to first-time RV travelers because of the family-friendly atmosphere and variety of activities. Weekend RV campers often visit the fairgrounds as part of their summer camping trips. Road trippers making their way through Ohio can stop in for food, entertainment, and classic fair attractions.
ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT
From your first step inside the gates, you'll be met with endless things to see and do. Scope out all the food vendors and sink your teeth into delectable desserts and belly-busting fare. The Midway hosts classic carnival rides like drop towers, Ferris wheels, giant slides, and thrilling rides. Free stages throughout the fairgrounds offer various educational and recreational entertainment. Sporting competitions, livestock arenas and barns, and the 8-acre Natural Resources Park, complete with free kiddie fishing, give guests plenty to fill the day. Be sure to check out the exotic animals at the free petting zoo and take a peek at the farm animal delivery room. Camel rides are also available for those looking for a unique fair experience. Additional attractions this year include pig races, free kayaking and fishing at the Natural Resources Park, the famous Butter Cow display, live music stages, and the new Shaping Ohio immersive exhibit.
ON-SITE AMENITIES
If you need some spending cash, you'll find ATMs throughout the grounds. A first aid and EMS center is available for medical issues while visiting the fair. Bathrooms are available, along with air-conditioned infant care and nursing stations that provide private areas for diaper changes and breastfeeding. Additional nursing stations are located throughout several major fair buildings. Check the lost and found for any items you might misplace while strolling through the fair. Lost Children booths, staffed by the Ohio State Highway Patrol, are stationed near the entrances. Wheelchairs, electric scooters, strollers, and wagons are available for rent to help you navigate the fair more easily if needed. Locker rentals are also available for storing personal items.
LOCATION
The address for the Ohio State Fair is 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, OH 43211. You'll be directly north of downtown, giving you convenient access to Interstate 71.
FAQs About RVing to the Ohio State Fair
Is on-site RV camping available at the Ohio State Fairgrounds?
Yes, you can camp overnight at the fair. You should reserve your spot as far in advance as possible. Some of the camping sites are specially reserved for livestock exhibitors and participants.
Are pull-through RV sites available at the Ohio Expo Center?
Yes, some of the RV camping sites are pull-through. These work well for larger rigs, like luxury Class A motorhomes.
Are generators allowed in the Ohio State Fair RV camping areas?
Yes, you can use a generator at the Ohio State Fair, but there are guidelines regarding usage and quiet hours. It's best to familiarize yourself with them so that you don't violate any campground rules.
Are dump stations available for RV campers at the Ohio Expo Center?
Yes. There are dump and fill stations located at the expo center. These amenities make the event much more convenient for RV travelers staying on-site.
LINEUP
This year’s Ohio State Fair boasts a dynamic lineup of national recording artists and local fan favorites. Be sure to check the event’s concert page for new announcements. • Styx with Don Felder: July 29 • The S.O.S. Band / The Dazz Band: July 31 • Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas: August 1 • Sammy Kershaw: August 2 • for KING + COUNTRY: August 3 • Nelly: August 4 • Weird Al Yankovic: August 5 • Bailey Zimmerman: August 7 • Gin Blossoms, Blues Traveler, and Spin Doctors: August 8
RVING AT THE EVENT
When you come to the Ohio State Fair in an RV, you'll have the option of camping overnight at the fairgrounds or at one of the nearby RV parks. Full hookups, including water, electric, and sewer, are available at the expo center. However, not all sites include them. Booking early is key to securing a spot with full connections.
Where to Camp Near the Ohio State Fair
You'll love having an on-site camping spot for your RV. You won't have to deal with heavy traffic or daily parking as you explore the fair. If you don't want to stay overnight at the fairgrounds, Alum Creek State Park Campground and Cross Creek Camping Resort are two campgrounds within about 30 minutes that offer hookups. A splash park, pedal boats, and a dog park are available at Sunbury/Columbus North KOA Holiday, which is roughly 25 minutes from the fair. The pull-through RV sites make it easier to park and maneuver larger rigs, like Class A motorhomes. This campground sits on more than 100 acres, providing gorgeous scenery of the surrounding countryside. Another good option is the Tree Haven Campground. Amenities include showers, electric and water hookups, a swimming pool, and pet-friendly policies. The drive from the campground to the fair is about 25 minutes.
RV Rental Tips for the Ohio State Fair
Always check your campsite's reservation details to see whether hookups are provided. Bringing extra power adapters and freshwater hoses is a good idea in case you need additional connections. If you don't stay on-site, you can use shuttle services to avoid parking hassles at the fairgrounds. Try to get a pull-through site if you're coming in a Class A motorhome or a larger fifth wheel.
WHERE TO STAY
Columbus boasts dozens of hotels if you plan to travel without an RV, many of which are just minutes from the fairgrounds. • Best Western Port Columbus: Just minutes from the airport and fairgrounds, the hotel features cozy rooms and an indoor pool. • Fairfield Inn & Suites Columbus New Albany: Just minutes from the fairgrounds, airport, and endless shopping and dining, this new hotel features 120 guest rooms with an indoor pool and spa. • Hampton Inn & Suites Columbus University Area: Just a short journey to the fair, this hotel offers comfortable guest rooms and a free hot breakfast to start each day.
HOW TO GET THERE
Take the appropriate highway to I-71 North or South. Then take Exit 111 (17th Avenue) off I-71. After the exit, follow the signs directly to the Ohio Expo Center & State Fair entrances.
PARKING
Parking costs $10 for the Ohio State Fair. Free O'Reilly Auto Parts parking shuttles are available to get you to and from the gates and your vehicle in the general admission lots.
TICKETS & PRICING
Tickets for the Ohio State Fair can be purchased through the event's pricing page. • Advance-sale single-day admission: $9 • Advance-sale three-day admission ticket: $24 • Advance-sale 12-day admission ticket: $84 • Adult admission (ages 13-59): $13 • Youth admission (ages 6-12): $10 • Senior admission (ages 60+): $10 • Children ages 5 and under: Free • Veterans, military, and first responders with a valid ID: Free • General parking: $10 • Ride-all-day wristband: $37 • Advance-sale ride-all-day wristband: $33 • NBC4 Family Discount Day admission: Adults $10; kids 12 and under free • NBC4 Family Discount Day ride wristband special: $20 before 5 p.m.
WRAP UP
The Ohio State Fair is a summer highlight that truly offers something for everyone, from non-stop entertainment and activities to convenient camping options. Whether you choose to stay right on the fairgrounds or at a nearby campground, it’s an easy trip for every kind of traveler. To have the best experience, just be sure to plan ahead for your tickets, parking, and accommodations. You can also stay in the loop by following their Facebook, Instagram, and X pages or subscribing to their YouTube channel for exclusive videos and behind-the-scenes clips! Find the perfect Columbus RV rental for your trip now.
3-Day RV Itinerary for Ohio State Fair
• Day 1: Arrive and enjoy Styx with Don Felder Come on the first day of the fair to enjoy the lively atmosphere and opening-day excitement. After you get your RV set up, swing by the famous Butter Cow display; it's a massive sculpture made of butter. Grab a corn dog and funnel cake for dinner before you head to the evening concert featuring Styx and Don Felder. If you're staying onsite, you'll have a short walk back to your RV, or you can use a shuttle. • Day 2: Fair attractions and family activities Spend the morning checking out the livestock barns and Natural Resources Park. Go back to the RV for lunch and then head off-site to explore the Short North Arts District. Come nighttime, go to the carnival area to ride the Ferris wheel and giant slides. The bright lights and carnival music create a lively nighttime atmosphere. • Day 3: Concerts, food, and evening entertainment Go back to some of your favorite exhibits and food vendors. Stop by merch booths to pick up a few souvenirs. End the evening with the S.O.S. Band performance. Stay overnight again or head back home.
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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