Where can you go when you want to learn about the latest and greatest in the RVing industry? An RV show, of course! These shows are excellent events for RV shoppers to get a new rig at a great price, but they are also full of vendors, services, educational seminars, and so much more!
But you don’t have to be in the market for a new RV to enjoy these shows. Anyone interested in RVs or camping can benefit. Here are five RV shows you don’t want to miss!
What Is An RV Show?
RV shows are enormous events that showcase the latest and greatest in RVs for sale. Depending on the size, there could be tens or even hundreds of RVs on display and open for touring. These events are an interactive buying, shopping, and learning experience, where you get to go inside the RVs and ask questions of on-hand company representatives.
Shoppers can find significant discounts on new rigs at an RV show, usually called ‘show pricing.’ These events have campers from dealers and manufacturers all over the region. For this reason, you’ll find a wider variety of RV types and brands than you would see at any single dealership.
Why Should You Check Out An RV Show?
Anyone interested in the RV lifestyle should attend a show at least once! These shows are fun experiences, even if you’re just window shopping.
Get the feel for an RV or RV Type. RV shows are a great way to look at a lot of different floor plans in a short amount of time. Actually stepping inside the RV or type of RV you’re thinking about will help more in the decision-making process than watching videos or looking at pictures.
Low sales pressure. The atmosphere at an RV show is also significantly different than at an RV dealership. Where you might feel more individual pressure to buy at a dealership, shows allow for more non-committal browsing. You can feel free to check out rigs you have zero interest in buying or are purely curious about.
Vendor Booths, Seminars, and Entertainment. Larger shows have many things to see and do besides just touring RVs for sale. There are usually educational seminars, community meet-ups, good food, and a vendor area. Sometimes, you’ll find interactive experiences, too!
The 5 Best RV Shows That Can’t Be Missed
RV shows take place all over the U.S. and even the world, but only a select few fit the “must-see” category. You could even consider these to be “bucket list” events. Here are a few we highly recommend.
#1. Florida RV SuperShow
Address: Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 US-301, Tampa, FL
The Florida RV Trade Association hosts the Florida RV Supershow every year. This mega show takes place at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa.
The 2022 SuperShow will take place from January 19-23. This must-see show offers educational seminars, entertainment, and more. It has two exhibit halls full of vendors for RV accessories, tourism and resort companies, and many other products and services.
This is a huge show, so there’s even a tram to help you get around!
#2. Quartzsite RV, Sports, & Vacation Show
Address: 700 South Central Blvd, Quartzsite AZ
Quartzsite is an RV mecca in winter, and the Quartzsite RV, Sports, & Vacation Show is a must-visit! It’s sometimes called “The Big Tent Show” or just “The Big Tent.” The show runs annually in January alongside the Quartzsite Rock and Gem Show.
Every year as many as 1,000,000 people in RVs and other homes-on-wheels converge on the tiny town of Quartzsite. It’s arguably the largest gathering of RVers globally, and over 100,000 of them visit the Big Tent.
The Quartzsite Trade Show features hundreds of vendors, RV exhibitors, workamping opportunities, and so much more. It’s free, and you can even bring your leashed pets with you!
Take a look at some highlights from the 2020 Quartzsite RV Show here:
#3. Hershey PRVCA Show
Address: Giant Center, 550 Hersheypark Drive, Hershey PA
The 52nd annual Hershey PRVCA Show goes from September 15-19, 2021, in Hershey, Pennsylvania. The PRVCA Show boasts over 1,500 RVs on display in an area larger than 33 football fields! That’s why it’s dubbed as “America’s Largest RV Show.”
The 2021 event will showcase 2022 RV models. There will also be vendors and educational seminars related to all aspects of RVing and the lifestyle.
Tickets for the Hershey Show go on sale this summer, and organizers will periodically add more information about this year’s vendors and seminars.
#4. Chicago RV & Camping Show
Address: Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N River Road, Rosemont IL
The next Chicago RV and Camping Show will be February 17 – 20, 2022. It’s in Rosemont, Illinois, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.
The Chicago RV and Camping Show hosts over 400 RVs on display from over 20 local dealers. In addition, several booths and vendors represent many companies related to RVing. Vendors and booths include campgrounds, resorts, and RV support products and services.
#5. Midwest RV Super Show
Address: 21565 Executive Parkway Elkhart, Indiana 46514
The Midwest RV Super Show occurs at the RV/Motorhome Hall of Fame in Elkhart, Indiana, from August 12-15, 2021.
If you’ve never been to the RV/MH Hall of Fame, you’re in for a treat! You can see the museum filled with actual RVs from past to present. Plus, you’ll get all the benefits of a regular show, too.
This isn’t one of the largest events, but it’s one of the most unique. If you’ve been meaning to visit the RV/MH Hall of Fame, during this event is the best time to do it!
Bonus Show: Caravan Salon in Dusseldorf, Germany
Location: Dusseldorf, Germany
You’ll have to travel to Europe for this one, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t list Caravan Salon in our RV Show round-up.
Caravan Salon is the largest recreational vehicle show and trade fair in the world, boasting over 260,000 attendees in 2019 and 107,000 in 2020. This week-long event is the place to be for new and exciting things in the RV, trailer, caravan, and motorhome industry. It’s happening from August 27 to September 5, 2021.
You might recognize European RVs for their innovation and advanced design qualities. You’ll find the latest and greatest in European RVs at this show, along with accessories, components, services for the industry, and much more.
Plan a Visit to An RV Show!
Whether you’re new to RVing or experienced, you’ll want to make time for an RV show in the future. There are both large and small events all over the country throughout the year!
Even if you’re not in the market for a new RV, attending these events is a great way to window shop and stay up to date on the latest trends in RVing and the RV lifestyle. Plus, you might meet some great new friends!
Many RV manufacturers and RV clubs hold RV rallies around shows. This is a great way to enhance your show-going experience by making new friends and attending special group activities.
One final tip for attending an RV Show: wear really comfy shoes! A day or two of intense RV touring is not the time to skimp on comfort.
What is your favorite RV show? Let us know in the comments below!
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John E. Mosman
Monday 7th of June 2021
Hi, according to the website, Chicago RV & Camping show is Thursday, Feb. 17 through Sunday, Feb. 20th.
Mortons on the Move
Wednesday 9th of June 2021
Thank you! We've corrected the dates in the article.
LauraC
Monday 31st of May 2021
We love RV shows and have been to most of those listed here. I’m not sure Quartzsite ranks up in the stratosphere of Tampa and Hershey, but it is fun to go to and camp in the desert for a few weeks. Also, most of the big RV manufacturers have their own gatherings where lots of good information and products are showcased and folks should look into that.