Frequently Ask Question regarding camping at the Illinois State Fair

Please see our Rules and Regulations for more detailed information

1. HOW CAN I APPLY FOR A CAMPSITE?
Application will be available online Tuesday April 1st, 2025, at 9:00 am CST. After May 1st, please check our website https://statefair.illinois.gov/ or call the office at 217-782-0775 to check on availability.

2. DO I NEED A RESERVATION?
Yes – a reservation is required.

3. WHAT IS THE COST TO CAMP?

• RV camping is $50 per night, includes one campground vehicle parking placard.
• Tent camping is $25 per night, includes one campground vehicle parking placard.
• Additional campground vehicle parking placards will be available at the Campground Office for $40.
• Admission Books are available online for $45, includes 11 any day admission passes (https://statefair.illinois.gov/)

4. WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO CAMP?
Anyone. However, we typically receive far more reservation requests than can be filled, and so spots are limited to one campsite per exhibitor/family, and a priority system is used.

5.  IF I HAD A CAMPSITE LAST YEAR, AM I GUARANTEED A CAMPSITE THIS YEAR?
No – Spaces in the campground are not reserved from year to year.

6.  HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHO GETS A SPOT?
amping assignment is on a first come, first served basis, with priority given to Vendors/Concessionaires and Livestock Superintendents, followed by livestock entrants seeking to stay at least 6 nights.

7. HOW DO I CHECK IN?
You must enter the campgrounds by coming in Gate 10 off Sangamon Avenue and check in at the Campground Office. DO NOT place camper and then check in.

8.  WHAT TIME IS CHECK IN AND CHECK OUT?
Check in is at 3:00 pm
Check out is 12:00 pm

9. ARE ALL SITES FULL HOOK UP?
No – All sites have electric and water, but not all have sewer. All sites have at least 30-amp service, some have 50-amp service, but are limited. Please come prepared.

10. WHAT INFORMATION WILL I NEED FOR THE ONLINE APPLICATION?
A sample application will be posted at least one week before applications are accepted. Please review to be adequately prepared for the information needed when the application goes live.

11.  HOW DO YOU DETERMINE CAMPER MEASUREMENTS?
We assign campsites trusting you’ve done your homework with a tape measure. Our sites vary in length. If you have a hitch or spare tire, include them in your length measurement. Don’t guess. Measure. Misrepresentation, even accidentally, of camper dimensions could result in the loss of the campsite.

12.  WHEN WILL I KNOW IF I HAVE A CAMPSITE?
We will begin processing applications in April. Notifications will be sent the end of May, via e-mail if your application was approved, which will include your placement and payment information.

13.  WHAT IF I HAVEN’T SUBMITTED MY LIVESTOCK ENTRIES YET?Because applications are accepted on a first come first served basis, we highly encourage you to complete your entries sooner rather than later. The camping reservation list is cross referenced with the Competitive Events entries list to verify entries have been submitted. There will be NO REFUNDS after July 1.

14.  WHEN DO I PAY?
Payment will be due in full no later than close of business on July 1st, 2025. Payment details will be included in your approval/placement notification email.

15.  DO YOU HAVE A WAITLIST?
There is a waitlist. Entries will be checked and if additional spots become available, people on the waitlist will be contacted in the order they were placed on the waitlist. Wait list placement will occur between July 1 & August 1. You will be contacted via e-mail or phone, with three days to respond.

16.  ARE ANIMALS ALLOWED IN CAMPGROUND AREA?
Pets are permitted at the campgrounds but must be always leashed and are not permitted outside the campgrounds. Owners are responsible for pets’ actions and cleanup / disposal of waste. Unruly or aggressive pets will not be tolerated and may be required to leave the Fairgrounds. There will be no refund in such an instance.

17.  ARE ANIMALS NOT BEING SHOWN ALLOWED ON THE FAIRGROUNDS?
The only animals allowed outside of the campgrounds are service animals as allowed under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Service animals do not include emotional support or comfort animals.

18. CAN I MAKE CHANGES TO MY RESERVATION AFTER I’VE SUBMITTED IT?
Yes, but there are no guarantees that the change can be accommodated. Requests must be submitted in writing to AGR.FairInfo@Illinois.gov
Note, placement is based on your initial request; requests to reduce your length of stay will not be honored.