The RV community is tight-knit and everyone likes to gather together at conventions, RV shows and rallies that occur in the field. It’s the perfect opportunity to see new RVs and camping equipment in person while connecting with industry leaders and other RVers. You can share tips and strategies, talk about destinations and enjoy the company of like-minded people.
I want to focus on the rallies and camp events in this piece with a sprinkling of the convention-style shows. You can find a big list of conventions here as well. The gatherings are an absolute blast however and I love the ones that blend some new products, tools and vendors with a relaxed camp environment. Of course, you could get a group of friends together and start your own informal rally too. The point is that we all get together on occasion and enjoy the RV and overland lifestyle as a group.
Rainbow RV Rally - Moab, Utah
Made for the LGBTQ RVers out there, Rainbow Rallies are events that occur throughout the year in different locations. This one happens to fall in Moab which is a bucket list destination for many RVers anyways. You can visit Arches and Canyonlands National Parks while enjoying the desert and everything Moab has to offer.
They have another event in Las Vegas and a few others scattered across the year so keep your eyes open for these opportunities. Most events occur in the western US with a heavy presence in Utah, Nevada and California. They have a great schedule and the events are a favorite for RV rally enthusiasts.
Abbey Road Music Festival - Clarksville, Indiana
It’s an RV Rally and a music festival that runs for 9 full days in Clarksville, Indiana during the month of May. Setup for the long haul and enjoy your favorite music from the 1960’s and 1970’s while taking breaks to eat great food, spend time with your camp neighbors and to enjoy the general scene. The RV park has full hookups and the festival has 250 concerts across the entire event. They even offer transportation from the RV park to the concert venue.
SoCaljourners RVing Women
This rally is club based and is their annual gathering. In 2024, the location is Hemet, California and it's the perfect time to join the club and meet the members. Non-members are also welcome but you’ll need to ask about site availability in advance. If the sites fill up, admission closes. They have a yard sale at this rally that is a big hit as well. It’s an easy way to find great deals on things you likely already want or need!
Tampa Bay Summer RV Show
Besides the fact that Tampa Bay is flat out fun, the summer RV show is worth attending. It’s a huge show with all of the new models, new products and everything you can imagine. If you’re in-market or thinking about an upgrade, hit the show. It takes place at the Florida State Fairgrounds from June 6-9. You can make a day of the show but it’s a really big event with indoor and outdoor displays. I think two or three days is really needed to cover everything.
Luckily, Tampa has plenty of RV park options for your stay and it combines well with a bigger trip across Florida. After the show, take some time to hit the bay, rent a boat or book a fishing charter. Tampa is all about the watersports and they have great launches right from the city. You can also enjoy the nightlife, food scene and all of the fun this region offers. Afterwards, drive to Orlando and tour Disneyland, jet north for some panhandle fun or drive south to the keys. Florida is an RV traveling paradise.
Holy Toledo!
It’s not in Ohio as you might expect. Drive to the Oregon Coast and the small community of Toledo for a small and intimate gathering. Located just outside of Newport, you can enjoy riverfront parking and spend your days exploring the wild coastline. It’s full of wildlife, fishing and fun surf. This gathering is more geared towards van builds but they have a blend of RV’s as well. It’s a lively event with food, music and casual fun. Hookups are not available so plan on boondocking when you arrive. Space is also limited so get your tickets in advance!
NorCal RV Group Roundup
This group brings together RVers in northern California and they welcome others from around the country. In late April they are hosting a roundup for every chapter to gather in Hollister, CA. Visitors will need to register for the event. They have a full schedule with meet and greet events, ceremonies, raffles and entertainment. If you're in a chapter or have friends in one, it’s a good option when traveling through northern California.
Vintage Camper and Classic Car Show
The 10th annual event takes place in Hemet, California at the Golden Palms RV Resort and it’s a one-of-a-kind gathering. Bringing RVs and classic cars together is exactly as much fun as it sounds. There’s no requirement to bring a vintage camper or car and you can attend as a general spectator who loves seeing these old rigs all restored. The RV resort also makes it easy to park and stay right in the action. The event runs in late April when the weather is amazing and it’s a perfect time to visit the area.
Fairbanks Outdoor Show
Alaska is a seasonal RV destination but it’s the wildest and most amazing landscape in the United States. This big show features outdoor products, RVs and it even has an interior gun show to attend. Taking place from April 19-21, it’s a perfect opportunity for Alaskans to plan trips and gear up as winter begins releasing its hold on the landscape. While it's not practical for many RVers in the lower 48 states to attend, the outdoor show is a major event for Alaskans and Fairbanks locals.
New Hampshire RV Show
The east coast and New Hampshire specifically is filled with parks, mountains, rivers and beautiful RV sites. From summer hikes to fall leaf peeping, RVers love this region. This spring event is a great way to prepare for the season ahead and it’s the perfect size floor plan. Most visitors can cover the event in a single day or take two days to slow walk and see everything. Unlike some of the massive shows out there, this one has cherry picked many of the best vendors in a less overwhelming floor plan size.
Do you have any exciting events for this year?
From RV rallies to music festivals and trade shows, it’s nice to connect with the RV communities in your travel areas. Sometimes, it can feel a little isolated while driving long distances and being a small percentage of the vehicles on the road. It’s always nice when you pass another RVer on the highway and with these events, you have the chance to stop and meet each other, Of course you will meet great folks at the various rv parks and campsites but these events give us the opportunity to see fun new models and products while having conversations about our time on the road.
