State Fair grounds at Raleigh NC.
This is the first time I've camped at a fairgrounds. It will NOT be the last. I was just hunting a hookup and hot showers and was not sure they'd even be open this time of year until I called to confirm - turned out it was one busy place. Don't let the picture mislead you - that was all covered by vehicles yesterday.
Every weekend except when the State Fair is happening, there's a flea market. This weekend there was also a horse event, a racing sale, a cheerleading event, and a gun and knife show. I probably missed something in that list, too.
Campsites are mostly along the perimeter of the fairgrounds. You find a spot or if you're as confused as I was when I arrived, you call the fairgrounds' public safety office and someone will come help you. I'm glad: I didn't want to go blindly exploring in that crowd with a motorhome. I found out it's best to arrive very early or after the days events are over. When I arrived at 2 pm, a lot of event-goers had parked their cars in campsites, limiting the choices. There is water, sewer and electric. The water is underneath metal plates marked "water meter". Lift with a screwdriver and you find the spigots. The shower that is open in the winter is a good hike from most of the campsites. There are no picnic tables. But there are events!
I did the flea market yesterday, which made this one of the most expensive campgrounds I've ever stayed at! But I found some things at amazing prices that I've wanted for a long time.
Today I will do the gun show.
And I will find out where all the fairgrounds that have camping are and check them for interesting events as I travel. If you know of fairgrounds that have camping, please post a comment and let me know.
