RV Rental for Florida State Fair in Riverview, FL

Every February when the Florida State Fair lights up the Florida State Fairgrounds off I-4 at exit 9, I get the same wave of calls — families coming in for the midway and the livestock shows, and exhibitors who need somewhere to sleep that isn’t a hotel ten miles away in Brandon traffic. An RV rental for the Florida State Fair is the move I steer most of them toward, because the fairgrounds sit right where US-301 meets the interstate, and a delivered camper keeps you minutes from the gates instead of fighting the I-4/I-75 interchange twice a day. I run the local Fireside RV Rental franchise out of the Riverview area, and I deliver and set up rigs across Hillsborough every week of fair season.

Why an RV Beats a Hotel for the Florida State Fair

The fair runs about twelve days straddling Presidents’ Day weekend, and that’s exactly when the hotels along US-301 and Adamo Drive jack their rates and sell out. With an RV, you’ve got your own kitchen, your own bathroom, and a cool place to nap a tired kid in the middle of a long fair day. February in Tampa Bay is genuinely pleasant — daytime in the 70s, nights that can dip into the 50s — so the heat isn’t the problem it is in July, but you’ll still want climate control for those chilly evenings after sundown. I make sure every rig I drop is leveled and the A/C and heat are both tested before I hand over the keys.

If you’re an exhibitor — and I get a lot of equestrian and livestock folks during the horse shows the fairgrounds run — a camper parked near your barn means you’re not driving back and forth across Hillsborough at 5 a.m. to check on animals. Tell me what you’re hauling for and I’ll match you to the right unit.

Where You’ll Park: On-Site vs. Nearby Campgrounds

The Florida State Fairgrounds offers RV camping during fair season, but it’s first-come or reservation-based and it fills up — so if that’s your plan, lock it down with the fairgrounds directly well before February. The first question I always ask is whether you’ve got a confirmed spot, because I can deliver a rig to the fairgrounds lot, to a private property, or to a real campground, but I can’t conjure a site that’s already booked.

If the fairgrounds is full or you’d rather have full hookups and a quieter night, here’s what I send people to from my own deliveries:

• Lazydays RV Resort — right off I-4 in Seffner, the closest full-service resort to the fairgrounds. Easy in, easy out, and a short hop back to the gates.
• Hillsborough River State Park — up US-301 toward Thonotosassa, shaded sites and real Florida woods if you want camping with some nature attached. The drive in is longer but the setting’s worth it.
• Bay Bayou RV Resort — west side of Tampa, a solid full-hookup option if you’re pairing the fair with a Busch Gardens or Florida Aquarium day.
• Alafia River State Park — closer to my home base near Riverview and Riverview; quieter, good for families who want to decompress after the crowds.

Want help weighing options? Check our guide to area campgrounds and RV parks or just call me and tell me your dates.

How Delivery Works

Most fair-week renters go with delivery, and honestly it’s the easiest way to do this. You don’t have to tow anything, you don’t have to learn how to back a trailer into a tight loop, and you show up to a rig that’s already set up. I handle delivery, leveling, hookups, and pickup after you’re done. From my Riverview-area base, the fairgrounds and most of the nearby parks are a quick run for me, so I can usually get your setup done before you even arrive in town.

Flying in? Tampa International (TPA) is a straight shot up the Selmon Expressway and I-4, and I can have a camper waiting at your campground so you go from baggage claim to relaxing without renting a truck. See how it works on our RV delivery page.

Choosing the Right Camper for Fair Week

Site sizes vary a lot between the fairgrounds lot and the state parks, so the rig I recommend depends on where you’re staying. The state park sites can run short and have low branches, so for those I lean toward a smaller travel trailer. If you’ve got a roomy fairgrounds or resort spot and a bigger group, a larger trailer or motorhome gives you more sleeping space and a full kitchen. Tell me your group size and your confirmed site, and I’ll match you so you’re not squeezing an oversized rig into a tight loop on day one. Specific inclusions and amenities vary by unit and location, so ask me what’s on board when we talk.

Browse the available rigs on our home page and then reach out to confirm what’s open for your dates.

Book Your Florida State Fair RV Rental

February books up fast — between the fair, the horse shows, and snowbird season, my fleet moves quickly. The sooner you reach out, the better your odds of getting the unit and delivery window you want. Call or text me at 813-421-1293 or email [email protected] with your dates and where you’re staying, and I’ll get you set up close to the fairgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you deliver a camper to the Florida State Fairgrounds?

Yes, as long as you have a confirmed RV site at the fairgrounds. The fairgrounds runs its own camping during fair season, so reserve your spot directly with them first, then send me the details and I’ll deliver and set up your rig there.

How far in advance should I book for the fair?

As early as you can. The fair falls during peak snowbird season in Tampa Bay, and the closer campgrounds and my fleet both fill up well before February. Reaching out a couple of months ahead gives you the best selection.

Is there camping right at the Florida State Fairgrounds?

The fairgrounds offers RV camping during the fair, but availability is limited and books up. If you can’t get a spot there, I deliver to nearby options like Lazydays RV Resort in Seffner, Hillsborough River State Park, and Bay Bayou RV Resort — all an easy drive from the gates.

What’s the weather like during the fair in February?

Tampa Bay in February is comfortable — daytime highs typically in the 70s and nights that can drop into the 50s. Every rig I deliver has working A/C and heat, so you’re set whether it’s a warm afternoon on the midway or a cool evening back at camp.

Do I need to tow the RV myself?

No. I deliver, level, and hook up the unit at your site and pick it up after the fair. You don’t need a tow vehicle or any setup experience — just show up and enjoy the fair.