The Ultimate List of RV Shows in the United States: 2023

If you’re in the market for a new RV (recreational vehicle), or maybe you want to check the new RV models, features, RV accessories, and services, there is no better place to do this than at an RV Show. In this article, we’ll cover some basics of RV shows, including what they are, what to expect when you’re there, buying an RV, plus much more. Then, we’ll list every RV Show we know about in the United States and look at some of the most popular ones. No matter where you live, there will be an RV show near you that’s worth checking out.  

What is an RV Show 

If you’re new to the RV world or have been camping for decades, visiting an RV Show is one of the most beloved non-camping activities for RVers. In general, an RV show is an organized RV trade show event where RV dealers and manufacturers, campgrounds, RV-related service businesses, and RV accessory manufacturers and sellers come together to share their products with the public.

RV trade shows are a great way to connect with people in the industry and network with other RV owners and enthusiasts. They provide a unique opportunity to meet new people passionate about their RVs and the RV lifestyle. If you’re an avid RVer, attending these shows is one of the best ways to get involved in the camping community and stay up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies.

What Happens at an RV Show 

While each show is a little different, one thing they all have in common is the ability to see and walk through sometimes hundreds or thousands of RVs. In addition, RV dealerships collaborate with manufacturers to physically bring many of their RVs to the events and display them for the public. So if you’re in the market for a particular type of RV, this is your chance to see many different styles, brands, and floorplans in person. 

The purpose of the show from the industry side is to sell RVs. In fact, some dealerships derive a significant portion of their annual sales from RV shows. RV dealers will offer special “Show Pricing” to entice buyers. At some medium-sized and larger shows, you’ll likely find reps from the manufacturers who will be there to talk with customers and push their brands. 

Is it worth buying an RV at an RV Show?

Buying an RV at an RV Show can save you money, but it will only sometimes be more than what you can get at a regular dealership. If a dealer is willing to discount an RV at the show, chances are they will do the same if you request that price when it’s in their lot. The advantage of an RV show is that dealers may be more willing to wheel and deal, especially as you get closer to the show’s end. They will want to meet quotas and increase their overall show sales.

If you want to learn more about buying an RV at a show, we have a great article with step-by-step advice on getting a great deal. So if you’re ready to purchase and an RV show is in your future, definitely give it a read.

Do RV dealers sell the RVs they bring to the show? 

Yes, they most definitely do. Chances are someone at the show will purchase the exact unit you walk through. However, dealers may also sell multiples of the same RV. They may have identical units back on the lot, or they’ll often place an order for you with the Manufacturer. When I purchased my RV at the show, it was still being built, and I had to wait about three more weeks until I got it.

Difference between Big and Small RV Shows 

Larger and smaller RV shows will both offer similar offerings but on two different scales. While smaller shows will have less quantity to see, you still get the same hands-on experience. Larger shows, like the Hershey RV show, will have thousands of RVs on display. In addition, you can check out reviews and pictures from previous years to get an idea of what to expect at a particular show. 

Larger regional shows will also attract RV service and product companies. For example, vendors may display or sell their latest gadgets or services for the RV lifestyle. Additionally, many campgrounds will set up a table at the event and share information on their properties. One of the benefits of a smaller show is you get a much more localized group of resources, such as local campgrounds, RV service technicians, tourism agencies, etc. So while you won’t have as many RVs to walk through, you will likely leave with great information for camping locally.

A Larger RV show is an entirely different animal. In addition to manufacturers and dealers displaying more RVs than you can look at or would ever want to, they are big public-facing events with tons of vendor booths, food trucks, educational seminars and talks, and activities for the whole family. You may even see some of your favorite YouTube RVers there.

Who organizes RV Shows? 

Most RV shows are organized by local or regional RV industry associations, which may be run by dealerships, manufacturers, or the campground industry. They may also be organized by or in partnership with tourism agencies. Each show will have a sponsor organization that’s listed on their website.

Where are RV shows held?

Most RV shows are held in large event spaces like convention centers, fairgrounds, sports arenas, or even in high school or college fieldhouses. As you know, RVs are large, and you need a lot of space to display them so most events will be in a large space.

While some events are outside, since that makes displaying them easier, there are lots of RV shows held indoors. The benefit of an indoor event is that you don’t have to worry about rain, snow, or cold weather. Vendors and dealerships also don’t need to worry about hundreds or thousands of wet feet walking through the RVs.  Also, the majority of shows are held in the winter, so indoor spaces are usually the norm in colder climates.

How do you find an RV Show? 

This is the easiest part of the process. The following information contains a list of all major RV shows in the United States. I have also included a map of the shows above, with links to the event website.

In the following tables, you can find shows sorted by regions and seasons. Under each category, the shows are organized by state. Again, I suggest looking in your area and seeing what shows are on the schedule. Also, while some of the larger shows may be further away, they make for a great road trip and fun experience.

Top 10 Biggest RV Show

RV trade shows are a great place for RV manufacturers and buyers to come together to learn, explore, and shop. While all RV shows are fun to attend, taking a road trip to a big RV show is worth the miles. The following is a list of the best RV shows in the Country. In addition to featuring acres of RVs, you will also experience offerings from vendors, attend seminars, eat good food, and have an overall blast.

These shows provide the perfect opportunity for both buyers and manufacturers to come together in one place to discuss their needs and interests. These larger shows can be massive. The manufacturers would most like to be there too since they love showing off their latest products. At the same time, buyers can learn more about the different options available in the market and shop for the right RV.

Ohio RV Supershow January

One of the biggest shows in the Midwest, the Ohio RV Supershow, takes place at the I-X Center in Cleveland. Like other shows, visitors can walk through hundreds of RVs under one roof, including tent campers, truck campers, large and small travel trailers, 5th wheels, and motorhomes. Winter in Cleveland can get cold, but spending it indoors looking at RVs will bring back the summer memories.

In addition to seeing RVs, the show also features a variety of vendors from campgrounds, RV Suppliers, vacation destinations, and RV  clubs and organizations. The show also offers seminars, live entertainment, and kid’s activities, making it fun for the whole family. It’s a great way to spend a January weekend in Ohio.

Gulf Coast RV and Camping Show (January)

Located in Mobile, AL, the Gulf Coast RV, and Camping Show is one of the biggest in the region. With hordes of northern coming south for the winter, the RV industry put on a great event to showcase their latest vehicles and offerings. Conveniently located on I-10, it’s super easy to get to the show and even more exciting to walk around.

Like other shows, there will be seminars and family-friendly events. The show is held each January at the Mobile Convention Center, right downtown. Parking is available at the Convention Center garage.

Florida RV Supershow (January)

Located at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa, FL, the Florida RV Supershow is one of the biggest in the Country. Thousands of RVers head to Tampa each year for the show and to check out the latest RV models, accessories, services, and campgrounds. Sometimes referred to as the Tampa RV Show, it’s perfect for seasoned RV veterans or anyone looking to get into the lifestyle.

Visitors can check out dozens of educational seminars, vendor booths, tourism information, and truck and towing products throughout the event. The RV lineup is fantastic, too, with more models to look from than most other shows. Overnight camping is available at the Fairgrounds, but you need to make reservations if you want to stay. Tampa can get pretty busy with RVers this time of year, so book early.

Quartzite Sports, Vacation, and RV Show (January)

One of the biggest RV events in North America, the Quartzite Sports, Vacation, and RV Show is a must-visit event if you live or travel nearby. While it offers countless RVs, the event shines regarding daily entertainment, seminars, and the latest and greatest from the RV, camping, and tourism industries.

The Quartzsite RV Show is probably one of the busiest RV shows in the nation, with upwards of 1 Million visitors annually. As a result, it’s often described as “The Largest Gathering of RVers in the World,” which you’ll understand once you see it.

The show is held every January in Quartzite, AZ, about 20 miles east of the California border. Quartzite is a popular wintering location for many bookdockers and RVers. In fact, this is really how the show got started. Since so many RVers were already there, the event was organically created. Today, it’s an enormous gathering for RVers and one of the best shows to visit if you enjoy the lifestyle.

Atlanta Camping and RV Show (January)

The Atlanta Camping and RV Show is one of the most popular events on the east coast. It is also one of the oldest, beginning in 1975. Over the years, the show has become one of Southeast’s biggest combined RV dealers shows. The event is held at the Atlanta Exposition Center South in downtown Atlanta. Visitors can walk through the newest RV models, including motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels, vans, and everything in between.

Attendees can also check out the latest RV technology and RV parts and speak with industry experts in this one-stop shop. If you live in Georgia, the Atlanta RV show is one of the best places to see it all. It’s a good idea to show up early since the event can get crowded as the day goes on.

Utah’s Sportsman’s, Vacation and RV Show (February)

The Utah RV Show is an RV buyer’s dream, offering a walk-through of just about any RV model being sold. There is also a lot of information on RV accessories, resorts, lodges, and outdoor recreation activities like hunting and fishing. It’s an all-around outdoor and camping recreation celebration. Last year, more than 300,000 sq. ft. of space was dedicated just to RVs. The event takes place each February in Sandy, UT, at the Mount American Expo Center. It’s a family-friendly event and a great way to spend a winter weekend.

Seattle RV Show

If you’re looking for the biggest event in the Pacific Northwest, you have to check out the Seattle RV show. It takes place each February at the Lumen Field Event Center. During the event, manufacturers and local dealers display hundreds of RVs, including small pop-up campers, travel trailers, and fifth wheels, to large Class A Motorhomes.

The event offers free daily seminars, a beer and wine rest stop (haha), and fun giveaways. So while you’re waiting for camping season to kick off in the PNW, take a long weekend to spend at the Seattle show. You’ll have a blast and maybe learn a thing or two.

Dallas RV Super Sale (February)

Each February, at the Dallas Market Hall, RVers flock to the Dallas RV Supersale, the largest RV show in the Southwest. Hundreds of RVS are displayed in more than 350,000 square feet of space during the event. In addition, most major RV manufacturers will show off their latest models at the event. There are also numerous daily seminars, talks, and fun activities.

In 2023, the free seminars covered topics including Introduction to Full-Time RVing, Careers in the RV Industry, Buying an RV, Carrying kayaks, and so much more. So even if you’re not in the market for an RV, you won’t be disappointed when visiting the show.

FMCA International Convention and RV Expo (March)

If you’re interested in RVing or have been doing it for years, one of the best events in the Country to visit is the FMCA’s International Convention & RV Expo, located at the Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter every March. The event features both indoor and outdoor exhibits, as well as RV displays.

This event is great for RV enthusiasts or families who want to learn more about the RV lifestyle. Last year, there were over 100 seminars on nearly every RV topic. It’s a great event to learn, have fun, and meet other RVers.

America’s Largest RV Show (September)

Billed as the largest RV show in the Country, America’s Largest RV Show, often called the Hershey Show, is organized by the Pennsylvania Recreational Vehicle Association (PVRA). The Hershey Park property is transformed into an all-out RV frenzy during the event. In addition to over 1,400 RVs at the show, which you can walk through and purchase, hundreds of RV and camping vendors are there to show you the latest and greatest in RV products and services. Outside, you’ll find most of the RVs in the parking lot area. Inside the Giant Center, you’ll see most of the booths.

The show is typically held each September for five days. The busiest times to attend are on the weekends, but it’s also when there is the most activity. Dry camping is available on-site with reservations, or if you book early, you can stay at one of the many nearby campgrounds. The grounds are enormous, so bring a good pair of walking shoes. It’s a great event for families and a nice vacation spot since you can purchase some tickets to visit the amusement park.

Conclusion

If you enjoy RVing and want to look at the different models available, the best way to do it is at an RV show. RV shows can sometimes offer potential buyers the best deals on brand-new RVs. However, they’re also great for learning about your hobby. During the day of the show, visitors can often take seminars on everything from travel style to RV maintenance. Larger shows also offer family-friendly activities and live entertainment. If you want the ultimate experience, I highly suggest visiting one of the larger shows, as they provide an excellent opportunity to see everything at once. The best part of attending a show is usually interacting with other RVers. While looking at the different RV offerings for the year is fun, meeting other outdoor enthusiasts will spark conversations and make for a memorable experience. Regardless of where you live, there’s an RV show nearby. Check it out, plan a trip, and enjoy yourself. Happy trails, and I hope to see you at a show.

RV Shows Sorted by Season

RV Shows Sorted by region