Vermont State Fair
The Vermont State Fair is an annual event that takes place at the Vermont State Fairgrounds in Rutland, VT. It's one of the oldest agricultural fairs in the nation, dating back to 1846. It offers a unique blend of farming exhibits and entertainment, including motorsports and carnival rides. The five-day celebration is a frequent stop for RV road trippers making their way through New England, and is fun for all ages. It also attracts a lot of first-time RV travelers because of its on-site camping options. The event is perfect for RVers, as you'll always have a quiet place to escape to. Plus, you won’t have to fight traffic coming in and out of the venue.
ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT
Commercial vendors and crafters will be present at the event. Food vendors typically offer favorites like fried dough, pizza, sandwiches, hot dogs, burgers, candy apples, and Vermont maple specialties. The fair also features a midway with carnival rides and games provided by Amusements of America. Visitors can enjoy attractions such as racing pigs, pony rides, magic shows, chainsaw carving demonstrations, and livestock exhibits. Catch horse-related competitions at the fairgrounds' equestrian arena.
ON-SITE AMENITIES
The 2026 Vermont State Fair has you covered when it comes to on-site amenities. Attendees enjoy: • Free parking • Restrooms • Seating and dining areas • Food courts and vendor areas • Trackless train shuttle transportation • Accessible walking areas throughout the grounds • Full hook-ups for on-site RV camping
LOCATION
The address for the Vermont State Fair is 175 S Main St, Rutland, VT 05701, where small-town charm meets the rugged beauty of the Green Mountains. Some of the area's top attractions are within a 20- to 25-minute drive, including Killington Resort and Pico Mountain.
FAQs About RVing to the Vermont State Fair
Are large Class A motorhomes allowed at the fairgrounds?
Yes, many RV travelers come to the event in rigs over 30 feet long. The spacious camping sites provide plenty of room for easy maneuvering as you arrive and leave the campground in a Class A motorhome.
Are pets allowed in the camping areas?
Yes, you can bring your furry friends with you to the fair, but they must stay in the camping area and be supervised at all times. Only service animals are allowed inside the fairgrounds.
What types of amenities are available for on-site RV campers?
RV travelers enjoy a wide range of amenities, including full hookup options, restroom and shower facilities, and convenient walking access to the fairgrounds. Shuttle options are available to help transport visitors around the grounds if you get a spot farther away from the main attractions.
Are there primitive camping sites for RV travelers?
Yes, you can secure a site with or without hookups. The dry camping spots are more budget-friendly. Dry camping is also accessible at some nearby campgrounds, like Gifford Woods State Park.
LINEUP
So far, Aaron Lewis and the Stateliners are confirmed for August 22. Concert tickets are sold separately and available now. Check the event's website regularly to stay up to date on the latest announcements.
RVING AT THE EVENT
If you want to camp overnight in your RV at the Vermont State Fair, you must file paperwork for a camping reservation. You can find the camping registration form on the event's website. Full hookups are available, or you can select a dry camping spot. It's $60/night for water, sewer, and electric hookups. Water and electricity-only connections cost $50/night. Dry camping is $30/night.
Where to Camp Near the Vermont State Fair
Dorset RV Park is a nearby campground (within 30 minutes) with full hookups that you can camp at if you don't want to stay overnight at the fairgrounds. Shaded sites make it easy to relax during the day between your visits to the fair. Hot showers and toilets are particularly helpful for those traveling in an RV without an onboard bathroom. Some other noteworthy amenities include a playground, a fully stocked camp store, and a horseshoe area. Another nearby option (about 25 minutes from the fairgrounds) is Lake Bomoseen KOA Holiday. This campground features 70-foot pull-thru sites, making it ideal for those in larger Class A motorhomes or fifth wheels and towable RVs. You'll enjoy peaceful lakeside surroundings throughout your stay, featuring wooded views, mountain scenery, and waterfront sunsets. A new swimming pool and splash pad provide the perfect way for kids and families to cool off after a long day at the fair.
RV Rental Tips for the Vermont State Fair
Overnight camping spots at the fair are limited, so be sure to book as far in advance as you can. Select on the reservation form which types of hookups you need, if any. Note that generators are prohibited in the campground, so reserve early if you want electric hookups. Many of the on-site spots and those at nearby campgrounds are grassy and uneven. Bring leveling pads and wheel chocks to help stabilize your RV. Pack some extra freshwater hoses in the event your hookups are farther away than expected. The parking areas are easier to navigate in more compact rigs like Class B campervans and smaller Class C RVs. However, there's still plenty of room for larger motorhomes and travel trailers.
WHERE TO STAY
Many of Rutland's top picks for hotels and lodging are either directly on Route 4, which takes you to Route 7 and straight to the fairgrounds, or very close to it. Some hotels popular with fair attendees include: • Hampton Inn Rutland • Best Western Inn & Suites Rutland-Killington • Mountain Sports Inn Some of the top-rated hotels are in nearby Killington and Mendon. These hotels are mainly three- and four-star properties known for their comfortable accommodations and guest amenities. Most of these hotels have parking that easily accommodates RVs.
HOW TO GET THERE
• From the north: Take Route 7 south from Middlebury, and continue into Rutland. The fairgrounds will be located along South Main Street on your left. • From the south: Take Route 7 north from Manchester, and continue into Rutland. The fairgrounds at 175 South Main Street will be on your right. • From the east: Take Route 4 west from Woodstock toward Rutland. Follow signs for Route 7/South Main Street to reach the fairgrounds. • From the west: Take Route 4 east from West Rutland into the city. Follow signs toward Route 7/South Main Street and continue to the fairgrounds.
PARKING
The Vermont State Fair has plenty of parking. It's free, and there is plenty of space to accommodate RVs of different sizes, including long travel trailers. Once you’ve parked, you can skip the long walk across the pavement by hopping on the Trackless Train Shuttle to zip around the fairgrounds with ease.
TICKETS & PRICING
Once ticket sales go live, you can purchase them through the event's website. General admission to the fair does not include the rides. Ticket prices for rides are: • 18 ride credits: $20 • 38 ride credits: $40 • 58 ride credits: $60 • 78 ride credits: $80 • 98 ride credits: $100 Most rides are four to six tickets each.
WRAP UP
The Vermont State Fair is easily one of the best highlights of the year. It’s the perfect stop on a wider adventure through Vermont’s stunning natural beauty. Rolling through the state in an RV is really the way to go. It gives you the freedom to explore picturesque landscapes, charming towns, and all those outdoor wonders at your own pace. To make sure you don't miss a thing, keep an eye on the official website and follow their Facebook page. Check out available RV rentals in Rutland to start planning your Vermont State Fair getaway.
3-Day RV Itinerary for the Vermont State Fair
• Day 1: Settle into the fairgrounds, and explore the midway: Spend your first morning getting the RV set up before you head over to the fairgrounds. Taking this day to familiarize yourself with the different food areas and attraction zones can help save time later in the trip. There are multiple livestock barns and grandstand sections to explore. Treat the family to a dinner of fried cheese curds and barbecue sandwiches before you head to bed. • Day 2: Fair attractions and local dining: Use the second day to sleep in a little after a long night of live music and carnival rides. Prepare brunch or lunch at the RV using one of these delicious campfire recipes so you don't have to spend more money on food at the fair. After a few rides and watching racing pigs, head to the RV to freshen up for dinner at one of the nearby local restaurants. Take a walk through downtown Rutland and grab a fresh craft beer at a local brewery before you go back to the RV. • Day 3: Final fair stops and scenic Vermont departure: Check out your favorite FFA exhibits one last time before you pack up and head home. Use your remaining ride tickets to take a spin on the Ferris wheel or carousel. Choose one of the scenic routes leading out of Rutland to surprise the crew with extra gorgeous mountain views.
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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