Are you thinking about checking out the latest and greatest RVs on the market today, or do you want to know more about some of the upcoming or annual RV shows in California? No matter where you live in California, there is probably an RV show or RV expo somewhere within or close to your region of the state.
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What’s the purpose of an RV show?
RV shows are for people interested in the RV lifestyle. During an RV show, dealers, manufacturers, and vendors converge in one location to give people a chance to dream about what life might look like if they were to own their very first, or even their sixth motorhome, travel trailer, fifth-wheel, or van. RV shows are the one-stop-shop for people who want to explore more than a few manufacturers at one time, and these huge events allow window shoppers and prospective buyers the chance to sit, test drive, and even purchase a new rig. RV shows vary in size. Some RV shows are dealer specific, showcasing the RV manufacturers sold at that dealership, while other larger events showcase as many RV manufacturers on the market as possible.
8 Best RV Shows in California
While we can’t mention every California RV show, we can point out some of the bigger, or more recognized, RV shows or expos across the state. Even when an RV show is an annual event, held at the same venue every year, keep in mind that situations might warrant a change in venue, a hiatus, or even a cancellation, so it’s a good idea to visit the event’s website or contact the event directly before heading out to see the latest trends in RVing. Whether you visit one RV show or a handful of RV shows in California, we hope that you enjoy exploring the best and most popular RVs on the market today.
1. California RV Show
Dates: Typically in October; 2022 TBD
Location: Auto Club Speedway; Fontana, California
The California RV Show is the largest California RV show and the largest consumer RV show on the west coast. The California RV Show has been helping people fall in love with the RV lifestyle for 68 years with plans to continue to inform and entertain people interested in RVing for years to come. Each year, the show receives national attention for its growing list of RV manufacturers, on-site vendors, and show seminars. The show recently moved from Pomona to Fontana to allow for continued growth and service for the RVing community.
2. Annual Manufacturers’ RV Show
Dates: January 22-30, 2022
Location: Alameda County Fairgrounds; Pleasanton, California
The Annual Manufacturers’ RV Show is another one of California’s largest and most popular RV shows. Last year, the show celebrated its 32nd year running. This show invites California RV dealers and manufacturers and has a host of vendors in one location to help RVers get the tools they need to start exploring the country.
3. The Real RV Show
Dates: 2022 TBD
Location: Sacramento, California
The Real RV Show recently celebrated thirty years of RV shows in the Sacramento, California area. Typically, the show runs in the spring and the fall and brings in factory representatives, manufacturers, and dealers from across the state. The show, hosted by a third-party vendor, allows dealers to vie for your competition, which means that the deals are bigger and better than you might find at a dealer-run RV show.
4. Sportsman’s Boat and RV Show
Dates: March 11-13, 2022
Location: Kern County Fairgrounds; Bakersfield, California
The Sportsman’s Boat and RV Show combines two recreational pastimes into one giant event. You’ll love this show if you are interested in outdoor activities like fishing, hunting, ATV riding, and, of course, RVing and boating. This show has a host of vendors, exhibitors, manufacturers, and entertainment, and each year, the list of participants grows. You might come for an RV and leave with a new rig and a new boat!
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5. Adventure Van Expo Big Bear Lake
Dates: April 30-May 1, 2022
Location: San Juan Capistrano, CA
Are you interested in the van life movement? At the Adventure Van Expo Big Bear Lake, come and see how little rigs offer people big fun. This expo, created with the off-roading van lifer in mind, has built out Mercedes Sprinter Vans as well as builders, vendors, and van life experts at the event to help you navigate your way into a new way of adventure.
6. Adventure Van Expo Lake Tahoe
Dates: June 4-5, 2022
Location: Placerville, California
Adventure Van Expo Lake Tahoe brings the world of van life to even more Californians. Like the Big Bar Lake event, the Lake Tahoe expo will have vans, as well as plenty of inspiration for upgrades to make boondocking possible. If you have a van you’d like to show off or sell, check out the website for more information. Like van life, this show is small but packed with all kinds of fun.
7. NorCal Boat, Sport, and RV Show
Dates: March 4-6, 2022
Location: Shasta District Fair and Event Center; Anderson, California
The NorCal Boat, Sport, and RV Show is the ultimate experience for outdoor lovers. Like most RV shows, you will have the chance to check out off-road and Overlanding rigs as well as travel trailers and other off-the-grid capable RVs. Bring the whole family to this event because there are petting zoos, kid-friendly exhibits, and much more to see and explore alongside the boats and RVs.
8. Sacramento Boat Show and Off-Road Exposition
Dates: 2022 TBD
Location: Sacramento, California
Don’t let the words ‘boat show’ deter you from checking out this event. Overlanding is one of the biggest things in the RV world. This expo offers a big section dedicated to off-road utility vehicles and off-road-ready vehicles made for overnight expeditions. The Sacramento Boat Show and Off-Road Exposition is an event full of exhibitors that will help you get outside to enjoy all types of recreation.
Try your dream RV
Do you want to try out some of the RVs you fell in love with during your visit to a California RV show? Outdoorsy makes it possible. See what kind of RVs are for rent near you in California and then plan an epic California road trip in the RV of your dreams.
