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New Camping Rules for the Fairgrounds

Tuesday, May 16, 2023: Effective May 15, Kalispell/Flathead County Fairgrounds, also known as Northwest Montana Fairgrounds, will be changing their onsite camping rules. Overnight camping now will only be allowed during special events that allow camping. All vehicles will be provided a “Special Event” tag to display in the camper window that they will receive at the gate for overnight stays. Untagged vehicles will be subject to towing and ‘No Camping’ signs have been added to the entrances.

The Fairground has locked the North entrance and the walk-in gates after sustaining damage to the east walk-in gate. The Fairgrounds have seen an increase in transient encampments on the property and use of the horse stalls for shelter. Flathead County spent more than $10k to remove trash and debris left behind that no one claimed. The funds and labor to keep the Fairground safe and enjoyable to all who use it are not sustainable.

Sam Nunnally, Fairgrounds Manager has cited fewer transients/encampments using the property or setting up encampments since the locks were added. The Fairgrounds is on Flathead County property.