Iowa State fair camping? Edit.. Illinois?

We went to the Iowa state fair a few years ago. We stayed at Adventureland in Altoona. Don't forget to get a pork chop on a stick, yummy

http://www.adventureland-inn.com/lodging/campground/

Eric,

We stayed at the Iowa State Fairgrounds six years ago for a motorcycle rally. The facility is nice, but very difficult to find a level spot. In most cases you need stilts to get something even close to level. Wished we had known that prior. We did get through it, but it wasn't easy.

Good luck,

To get a campsite during the fair at the fairgrounds takes several years. You can go to the holding area, and wait for a site to come open first come first serve. Very few sites come open every year. It is a very busy time do to the fair, and the Knoxville Nationals in the area at the same time of year.

They allow folks to "own" spots from year to year. I believe it takes around ten years (seriously) to get a spot. MO much more laid back. Iowa fair is bigger/different.

Can you stay at the holding area for a couple days? Guess I'm so used to MO it just sounds strange how they have it.. seems like it would discourage out of staters but then again maybe it wouldn't matter. Looked at the other campgrounds in the area and may do that and just drive in. Going to see if I can borrow a tow dolly if not may hold off and do a big trip that includes MN next year, probably will get a dolly the first of the year also.

Hmmm the Illinois state fair is the same time.. wonder if it's any better camping wise. Interesting they say no reservations but yet they accept applications for spots.

For the first part of the IL State Fair the campground is usually always full. You might get lucky and be able to get a reservation now but I wouldn't wait to try. Towards the last 1/2 of the IL State Fair most of the livestock shows are done and the campground usually begins to clear some but it's still hard to get a spot.
The IL State Fair campground is 2 types. There is 'the hill' which is grassy with electric. The FHU is actually a blacktop paved parking lot. Some of it is nearly impossible to get level. For both lots during the fair they pack them in as close together as possible. Any slideouts are going to be almost touching.
Don't expect a nice quiet camping experience. It's party time for a lot of the 'campers' and they go almost all night long.
If you're wanting to attend the IL State Fair then I recommend staying about 20 minutes NW of Springfield at Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site. Electric only hookups but water available. Dump on site. 2 shower houses. Wooded with shade. Quiet setting.

IL sounds MO then thanks! Undecided yet on where we'll end up yet. All depends on those darn paper things that come in the mail!