State Fair & Campgrounds

thanks everyone. the sun is FINALLY out today...headed to wasilla. we'll check out your suggestions and let you know what we find...

We drove down to montana creek yesterday and there was no "action", which i guess means there is no fishing...although it looked like a good stopover (if the fish were there, i think it would be very crowded), we'll continue on towards wasilla/palmer.

Check out joe b's post above for a good spot in Houston.
I heard that Montana Creek was only catch and release at this time.

we are currently in talkeetna and looking to stop somewhere near willow/houston/wasilla for a night or two...
any nice parks to stay in? we would like to try to do some fishing in montana creek or the deshka but aren't sure of cg's that will take a 42' mh.
thanks

If you are an Elks Lodge member, the Palmer Lodge has nice RV parking on a lake. Also if you are a VFW member, the Wasilla VFW has RV parking also. There are numerous places to put down in that area.

http://www.alaskafairsandfestivals.com/eventSearch.php#.U6h2qfldWt0 is a list of the state fairs and other festivals held in Alaska and the dates for this year. You can start in Haines, go to Fairbanks and onto Palmer and more.

They tend to be fun and a great way to spend a day or so, depending on your preferences. A nice CG just north a bit is in Houston, located on the Little Su River. Great ice cream shop next door, if you are into that sort of stuff. Not too far a drive back down to Palmer, as Alaska distances go.

Hook says that " He was a Hoot..sad he is not with us any more." So there you have a Hoot and a Hook in the same fairgrounds. Seriously though, keep you eyes out, as you never know what famous personality you may run into in Alaska. It is a playground to some of them, and most are very approachable, if treated like any other visitor.

rvingnut wrote:
Are there many campgrounds in that area? Would camping reservations be necessary?

Yes, there are several in the Palmer-Wasilla area. Last summer on our way into Anchorage, we stayed at the Mountain View RV Park in Palmer for $31/night with full hookups and slow WiFi at our site.

On our way back from the Kenai, we stayed at the Big Bear RV Park in Wasilla for $27/night for full hookups and no WiFi in a narrow, pull-thru site, but fair WiFi at the office. We stayed in Wasilla for several nights to replace a trailer tire, have the truck serviced, and do a week's worth of laundry.

Big Bear was fairly crowded, so I would recommend reservations during the fair, July 4 week, or other special events. Wasilla is a first major shopping stop for those coming south from Denali, as well as those making the long drive all the way from Valdez or Tok. Big Bear is closer and nicer than most Anchorage RV parks after a week of no hookups and limited services at Teklanika, Savage River, or Riley Creek.

Recommend the last Friday and Saturday, every thing is on display.

They open several large hay fields, freshly cut, for dry camping. These are located just outside the gate and easy walking distance. We like this because it is easy to get back to the camper during the day to rest up for later evening events. They stamp your hand to get back in so you only pay once per day. Yes, it is not a biggy like the lower 48 but it is what it is and we enjoy it every year. We also enjoy our small Peninsula fair in Ninilchik. In past years we ran into and talked to Ernest Borgnine several times at the Ninilchik Fair. He always got a kick out of our tiny fair, buying home made pies and talking to the people. He wore jeans and Carhart shirt and blended right in. He was a Hoot..sad he is not with us any more.

Hook

I wouldn't come to AK just for the fair but it's an enjoyable enough experience

There are 4-5 campgrounds in the area. Reservations likely needed if you want to camp in Palmer

Don't eat the big veggies....they're big, not tasty

AK state fair

If in doubt, ask the state fair people.

Enjoy your trip.

Ed

We were there in 2012 and saw a 89# head of cabbage and a 15.9# zucchini! So yes,you will see some rather large vegetables! The fair is a lot smaller than most state fairs, about the size of a Midwestern county fair, but it is unique enough that we are going back again this year. Lots of local vendors with interesting wares to sell.
I would suggest camping reservations if you are wanting to stay in Palmer. If you can drive from Wasilla you should be able to find a place to camp without reservations.