South Carolina State Fair
The South Carolina State Fair is an 11-day event held at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds in Columbia, South Carolina. This event offers carnival rides and games, live entertainment, agricultural exhibits, a free circus, and arts and crafts. The state fair is perfect for families and groups of friends. If you rent an RV in Columbia, you can spend your evenings relaxing around your campfire. You will also have the flexibility to explore the area after you enjoy everything the fair has to offer.
ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT
At the 2026 South Carolina State Fair, guests will enjoy onstage entertainment from famous bands and musicians. In addition to the many performers, there are also fun competitions, games, and more. The event will feature food vendors selling your favorite fair treats. Agricultural demonstrations are an educational experience, and of course, the midway, with its carnival rides, is a must for all families with children.
ON-SITE AMENITIES
The South Carolina State Fair offers conveniently located restrooms with ADA features. Guests can rent wheelchairs, strollers, and scooters as needed. You'll also find ATMs throughout the venue, and there is a health building in case of an emergency.
LOCATION
The South Carolina State Fair is held at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds. The address is 1200 Rosewood Drive, Columbia, South Carolina 29201. The fair is mostly outdoors, so if it rains, the venue could become muddy. It is a good idea to bring an umbrella, a poncho, and waterproof boots.
FAQs About RVing to the South Carolina State Fair
Can you bring an RV to the South Carolina State Fair?
Currently, you cannot bring your RV to the South Carolina State Fair. The campground is restricted to vendors and exhibitors. You can RV camp at a nearby campground and drive to the fair.
Where can you park an RV for the South Carolina State Fair?
Currently, you cannot park your RV at the South Carolina State Fair. There aren't RV-specific parking spaces at the fairgrounds. The only vehicles permitted in the day-use parking lots include standard passenger automobiles, state-registered disability-accessible vehicles, full-size school buses, senior care vans, and motorcycles.
What are some money-saving tips for visiting the South Carolina State Fair?
Purchase your tickets in advance to take advantage of promotions when available. Pay-One-Price ride vouchers give guests unlimited rides for the fair. You can also cook in your RV to save money on meals.
Is the South Carolina State Fair family-friendly?
Yes, the South Carolina State Fair is family-friendly and offers a dedicated kids' area. You'll find a circus, kiddie rides, a petting zoo, and carnival games.
LINEUP
The 2026 lineup for the South Carolina State Fair will be announced soon. For the latest updates, visit the official event page.
RVING AT THE EVENT
RVing at the South Carolina State Fair isn't available; however, you can find many places nearby. By staying in an RV, you have a comfortable place to stay throughout your trip. You will also save on hotel and food costs.
Where to Camp
RVing near the South Carolina State Fair can place you close to the fair and metro areas. Your options begin with Sesquicentennial State Park, which is 13 miles from the venue. The park offers full hookup RV sites, a dog park, walking trails, hot showers, flush toilets, and a splash pad. The Big Rig Friendly RV Resort is 12 miles from the fairgrounds. It offers spacious sites large enough for Class A RVs and full hookups. You'll find a large swimming pool, free Wi-Fi, and a kiddie pool.
RV Rental Tips for the South Carolina State Fair
Booking your RV and camping site early allows for more options and ensures availability. Families often prefer Class C RVs because they have plenty of sleeping spaces and amenities while still being easy to drive. Camper vans are even more maneuverable and more straightforward to park. They are a solid choice for couples seeking a more intimate experience. With a travel trailer or pop-up camper, you can use your personal vehicle to commute to the fair and explore Columbia after setting up camp.
RV Rentals Near Columbia, South Carolina
Nearby RV Rentals
WHERE TO STAY
Columbia offers many hotel accommodations to match a variety of travel preferences. If you need a break from camping, you'll find options with standard amenities and convenient access to the fairgrounds and surrounding attractions. Hampton Inn & Suites Columbia has many well-appointed guest rooms and suites to meet your preferences. Their accommodations include private bathrooms, comfortable beds, and modern furnishings. The hotel amenities include an outdoor pool, connecting rooms, a fitness center, a business center, free Wi-Fi, and free hot breakfast. Hyatt Place Columbia/Harbison offers beautiful guest rooms and suites with up to two bedrooms. The hotel amenities include an outdoor pool and an on-site restaurant.
HOW TO GET THERE
• From Charlotte, NC: Take I-77 South to Columbia, then follow SC-277 South to the fairgrounds. • From Charleston, SC: Take I-26 West directly to Columbia, then follow signs to Rosewood Drive and the South Carolina State Fairgrounds. • From Greenville, SC: Take I-385 South to I-26 East toward Columbia, then continue to the fairgrounds. • From Augusta, GA: Take I-20 East to Columbia, then use Assembly Street or Rosewood Drive to reach the venue. • From Atlanta, GA: Take I-20 East directly to Columbia and follow local signs to the South Carolina State Fairgrounds.
PARKING
Parking at the 2026 South Carolina State Fair is available at the Lexington Medical Fair Park at the South Carolina Fairgrounds for $10 per vehicle. Guests can pay for parking using their debit or credit card or Apple Pay.
TICKETS & PRICING
Tickets for the 2026 South Carolina State Fair aren't available yet. Stay updated about ticket availability by visiting the event's ticket page.
WRAP UP
The 2026 South Carolina State Fair will feature live music, arts and crafts, carnival rides, and midway games. It's a terrific event for families, groups of friends, or couples exploring the area in an RV. Stay updated about the South Carolina State Fair by following their Facebook page.
4-Day RV Itinerary for the South Carolina State Fair
• Day 1: Arrival and Opening Night at the Fair: Arrive at your campground early and set up camp. Spend the afternoon getting familiar with the fairgrounds and checking out the agricultural exhibits and livestock barns. In the evening, enjoy classic fair foods, ride the midway attractions, and attend one of the concerts before heading back to your RV for the night. • Day 2: Heritage Village and Fair Competitions: Start your morning at the South Carolina State Fair exploring Heritage Village and watching blacksmithing and craft demonstrations. Spend time browsing art exhibits, cooking contests, and agricultural displays throughout the day. In the evening, grab dinner from the food vendors and stay for another round of rides and games on the midway. • Day 3: Downtown Columbia and Evening at the Fair: Take a break from the fairgrounds and explore downtown Columbia. Visit the South Carolina State House, browse local shops, and enjoy lunch on Main Street. In the afternoon, relax at your campground before returning to the fairgrounds for nighttime entertainment and fried fair treats. • Day 4: Riverbanks Zoo and Final Fair Visit: Spend the morning at the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, one of the top attractions near Columbia. In the afternoon, head back to the fair for any exhibits, food stands, or rides you may have missed. Return to your campground, pack up your RV, and get ready to leave for your next destination in the morning.
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.