El Paso County Fair & Event Center Logo with text "Camping at the Fair" with a camp trailer cartoon and tent cartoon

April 26, 2021 – El Paso County Fair and Events Center is kicking off summer fun at the Fairgrounds in Calhan, Colorado with a camping weekend. Camp at the Fair will be held May 28 through May 30, 2021 and is open to the public.

“We are excited to offer an opportunity for citizens to explore, engage and celebrate in El Paso County Parks by camping at the Fairgrounds, a County Park, and participating in a guided hike at the popular Interpretive Paint Mines Park,” said Dayna Buffington, El Paso County Fair and Event Center Supervisor. “Many people are familiar with the Fairgrounds because of the annual County Fair, but we are hoping to showcase more of our park to our citizens.”

Camp site options are available including dry sites (no electricity hookup) for $25/night or electric hook-up sites for $35/night. El Paso County Fairgrounds offer a safe and fun place with access to full-service facilities including bathrooms and showers. All campers must register through the El Paso County Fair & Events Center online at: www.elpasocountyfair.com or by calling 719.520.7880.

Registration includes a guided hike at the Paint Mines Interpretive Park at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 29 and an outdoor movie at 8 p.m. that evening. Other activities include corn hole and marshmallow roasting.

“The Paint Mines Interpretive Park is one of the many treasures of the El Paso County Park System, we look forward to sharing the history and geological significance of the Park.” said Mary Jo Lewis, El Paso County Bear Creek Nature Center Supervisor. “The Paint Mines offers incredible educational value and is a breathtaking natural site.”

Campers will be able to enjoy ice cream refreshments available from Rizuto’s Ice Cream during the afternoon on May 29 and Humble BBQ will be onsite that evening to offer delicious dinner options. Orders and purchases from these vendors are not included in the registration fee.

Individuals are encouraged to register early to secure a camp site by May 24, 2021. Registration and more information about the guided hikes can be found at www.elpasocountyfair.com.

When camping and hiking, please follow physical distancing recommendations and wear a mask if you are not able to stay six (6) feet away from others.

For more information please contact Dayna Buffington, El Paso County Fair and Event Center Supervisor at DaynaBuffington@ElPasoCo.com or call 719-520-7880.