Oregon State Fair
For over 150 years, the Oregon State Fair has been delighting families, groups of friends, and couples. This exciting event includes a variety of carnival rides, food vendors, and games. It also hosts several crafting and livestock exhibits where experts compete for acclaim in their specialties. Renting an RV in Salem gives you a home base to take in everything the fair offers. You can also spend evenings bonding with your group around a campfire. An RV also gives you the flexibility to explore Oregon once you wrap up at the fair.
ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT
The Oregon State Fair features concerts, carnival rides, livestock exhibitions, agricultural displays, and a wide range of competitions and demonstrations. You can also attend rodeo events and Jaripeo, a Central American bull-riding sport. The event also includes baking contests, craft competitions, horticulture exhibits, art displays, food vendors, and family-friendly entertainment across the fairgrounds.
ON-SITE AMENITIES
There are restrooms, first-aid stations, water stations, and cooling stations spread around the fairgrounds. You can get food and drinks from a variety of vendors at the fair.
LOCATION
Each year, the fair is held at The Oregon State Fair and Exposition Center at 2330 17th St NE, Salem, OR 97301. The fairground is in northeast Salem, and it's near Interstate Highway 5. Most of the area around the fair is residential, but there are also restaurants, grocery stores, and coffee shops nearby.
FAQs About RVing to the Oregon State Fair
What rides will be at the Oregon State Fair?
This year, there will be 12 new rides, bringing the total to 55 to experience. They include the Arctic Blast Coaster, the Giant Wheel, Medusa, Freak Out, Insomniac, Pirate Ship, Wave Swinger, Ali Baba, Kamikaze, Diamond Ferris Wheel, and Music Fest.
Is the Oregon State Fair family-friendly?
Yes, the fair is family-friendly. Sunnyville is a kids' carnival located on the north side of the Fairgrounds and features rides and games for younger family members.
Are there other things to do with an RV near the Oregon State Fair?
Downtown Salem is just a 10-minute drive away from the fair, and it offers plenty of things to do. You can walk around to shop, visit museums, or explore historic sites and botanical gardens.
What are my transportation options if I am staying in a nearby campground?
Cherriots in Salem offers multiple routes to get you to and from the Oregon State Fair. Rideshares are also available.
LINEUP
The 2026 Oregon State Fair concert lineup has not yet been announced. Visit the official concert page for updates and performer announcements.
RVING AT THE EVENT
Though it has allowed camping on its grounds in the past, the Oregon State Fair is moving away from being a campsite during the fair. However, this doesn't mean you're out of luck. If you want to rent an RV for the Oregon State Fair, there are several campgrounds nearby.
Where to Camp Near the Oregon State Fair
The best place to camp will depend on your preferences. If you want to be surrounded by nature, the Silver Falls State Park is a solid choice. This park offers sites with water and electrical hookups, and a dump station is available. Amenities include a playground, horseshoe pits, an off-leash area for dogs, and a charming creek. Premier RV Resort of Salem is one of the closest full-service RV parks to the Oregon State Fairgrounds. Located just outside downtown Salem, it offers full hookups, sites large enough for Class A RVs, Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and a swimming pool. Its convenient location makes it easy for RV travelers to attend the fair while enjoying a comfortable campground stay.
RV Rental Tips for the Oregon State Fair
If you are renting an RV to attend the fair, Class C RVs offer enough sleeping space for families and groups of friends while being easier to drive than big rigs. Smaller camper vans fit in a standard parking spot and are a solid choice for couples seeking a more intimate experience. If you are staying further away from the fair, travel trailers and pop-up campers are a good option because you can use your personal vehicle to commute to the fair after setting up camp. Once you decide what type of RV you want, book your rental and a campground as soon as possible. Campgrounds and RV rentals in the Salem area fill quickly during the Oregon State Fair, especially for sites close to the fairgrounds.
WHERE TO STAY
While camping with your RV in a state park or RV park is a great way to enjoy the fair, RV camping in Oregon is not the only option. About 18 miles outside of Salem, you'll find the Bella Collina Bed & Breakfast. The chef at the bed and breakfast serves only locally sourced organic items at each meal. The seven suites at the property are luxuriously appointed. Some have patio access, and all have terrific views of the surrounding countryside. MaMere's Guest House is another fine bed and breakfast in the area and is located about 15 miles away from Salem. The property offers packages that include romantic wine-tasting getaways and massages.
HOW TO GET THERE
From Portland: Travel south on Route 5 to Exit 258. This will take you to the North Parking Lot. From Sacramento: Travel north on Route 5 to Exit 256. This will take you to the South Parking lot, the Pavilion Lot, and accessible parking.
PARKING
The most recently posted prices for parking are $5 to $10 for general admission parking and $20 for VIP parking. Accessible parking is available in the pink lot.
TICKETS & PRICING
Ticket prices at the gate for single-day admission are $12 for adults and $10 for children ages 6 to 12. Kids under 5 get in for free. Tickets are available at a discount if you buy them online before the fair opens.
WRAP UP
The Oregon State Fair is a fun, family-friendly destination for an RV trip. The livestock, rides, food, and entertainment are both varied and exciting. When you use an RV to visit, you get to vacation in style while also enjoying beautiful natural views. Keep up-to-date with the latest by following the Oregon State Fair's Facebook page.
4-Day RV Itinerary for the Oregon State Fair
• Day 1: Arrive at your campground in the afternoon and set up your RV. Get familiar with your campground, then relax while you grill up some dinner. • Day 2: Head to the Oregon State Fair bright and early. Browse the vendor area to shop, and take the time to see a show or competition. • Day 3: Plan for a day of fun and games at the carnival portion of the Oregon State Fair. Get a pass for unlimited rides, and enjoy the view from the Ferris wheel. • Day 4: Wake up and pack up your RV to prepare for your trip home. Stop by the fair one last time, or swing through downtown Salem to sightsee.
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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