Are you looking for an upcoming RV show in California?
Whether you're in the market for a new recreational vehicle or just want to explore the latest in RV camping, California is the perfect place to start.
This guide will help you find the best RV shows and outdoor expos from Southern to Northern California and prepare you for future adventures in your new home on wheels.
Let's get started!
What is the purpose of an RV Show?
RV shows bring dealers, manufacturers, and vendors together in one location, making it easy to walk through, test drive, and even buy a new or used recreational vehicle on-site.
RV shows are among the best places to see and compare different RV types, makes, models, and prices because of the massive inventory and competitive prices. If you want to find the best deals in one place, an RV show is the place to start!
Get a jumpstart on your research and rent a camper or motorhome to find out which RV type you like best.
California RV rentals
2024 RV shows in Northern California
We've gathered the most up-to-date information on the current RV shows scheduled in California. However, the RV industry is growing, and new shows may pop up, or event details could change. It's a good idea to check the event website before heading out to a show.
Manufacturers RV Show
Manufacturers RV Show
RV show type: RV expo
January 20-25, 2004 (event complete)
January 2025 (dates TBD)
Location
Alameda County Fairgrounds
2005 Valley Avenue Gate 8, Pleasanton, California
Tickets
Tickets are cash only and can be purchased at the gate on the day of the event.
Entry: Adults $20, seniors $17, and kids 10 and under are free
Parking: $15
Crown Motors NorCal Boat, Sport & RV Show
Crown Motors Norcal Boat, Sport & RV Show
RV show type: outdoor and adventure show and expo
March 1-3, 2024 (event complete)
March 2025 (dates TBD)
Location
Shasta District Fair & Event Center
1890 Briggs Street, Anderson, California
Tickets
Entry: $8 adults (16-64), $6 seniors, $3 kids (7-15), free for kids under 6
Parking: Free
Big RV Show
Big RV Show
RV show type: consumer
March 7-10, 2024 (event complete)
March 2025 (dates TBD)
Location
California Exposition
1600 Exposition Boulevard, Sacramento, California
Tickets
Entry: $15 general admission
Uniformed military, police, fire, and kids under 6 are free
Parking: $10
Central Valley Sportsmen’s Boat & RV Show
Central Valley Sportsmen’s Boat & RV Show
RV show type: outdoor and adventure show and expo
March 15-17, 2024 (event complete)
March 2025 (dates TBD)
Location
Kern County Fairgrounds
1142 South P Street, Bakersfield, California
Tickets
Entry: $15 general admission, $12 seniors
Active duty military and kids under 12 are free
Parking: $10
Adventure Van Expo Sonoma County Fairgrounds
Adventure Van Expo Sonoma County Fairgrounds
RV show type: overland adventure expo
May 11-12, 2024
Location
Sonoma County Event Center at the Fairgrounds
1450 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa, California
Tickets
Entry: $5*
Parking: Ranges between $15 to $30
*Dog passes and camping tickets are available. Prices vary.
Adventure Van Expo North Lake Tahoe
Adventure Van Expo North Lake Tahoe
RV show type: overland adventure expo
September 14-15, 2024
Location
Palisades Tahoe
1901 Chamonix Place, Olympic Valley, California
Tickets
Entry: $5*
Parking: Free
*Dog passes and camping tickets are available. Prices vary.
California Overland Adventure Show and Power Sports Expo Sonoma
California Overland Adventure Show and Power Sports Expo Sonoma
RV show type: outdoor and adventure show and expo
September 14-15, 2024
Location
Sonoma County Event Center at the Fairgrounds
1450 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa, California
Tickets
Entry: Prices were not available at the time of this publication
Parking: Ranges between $15 to $30
2024 RV shows in Southern California
Blue Compass Mega RV Show — Snapdragon Stadium
Blue Compass RV Show
RV show type: regional, seasonal, or specialty
February 7-11, 2024 (event complete)
February 2025 (dates TBD)
Location
Snapdragon Stadium Yellow lot
2101 Stadium Way, San Diego, California
Tickets
Entry: Free
Parking: Free
California Overland Adventure Show and Power Sports Expo Pomona
California Overland Adventure Show and Power Sports Expo Pomona
RV show type: outdoor and adventure show and expo
March 15-16, 2024 (event complete)
March 2025 (dates TBD)
Location
Pomona Fairplex
1101 W McKinley Avenue, Pomona, California
Tickets
Entry: TBA
Parking: TBA
West Coast Outdoor and Sports Fishing Expo
West Coast Outdoors and Sportfishing Expo
RV show type: RV and outdoor expo
May 3-5, 2024
Location
Ventura County Fairgrounds
10 W. Harbor Boulevard, Ventura, California
Tickets
Entry: $15 general admission
Parking: $20
Adventure Van Expo San Juan Capistrano
Adventure Van Expo San Juan Capistrano
RV show type: outdoor and adventure show and expo
May 4-5, 2024
Location
Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park
30753 Avenida La Pata, Rancho Mission Viejo, California
Tickets
Entry: $15+*
Parking: Free
*Dog passes and camping tickets are available. Prices vary.
RecVan Expo at Del Mar Fairgrounds
RecVan Expo at Del Mar Fairgrounds
RV show type: regional, seasonal, or specialty
May 9-12, 2024
Location
Del Mar Fairgrounds
2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard, Del Mar, California
Tickets
Entry: Free
Parking: Free
Blue Compass Mega RV Show — Snapdragon Stadium
Blue Compass RV Show
RV show type: regional, seasonal, or specialty
May 22-26, 2024
Location
Snapdragon Stadium Yellow Lot
2101 Stadium Way, San Diego, California
Tickets
Entry: Free
Parking: Free
Adventure Van Expo Big Bear Lake
Adventure Van Expo Big Bear Lake
RV show type: outdoor and adventure show and expo
October 19-20, 2024
Location
630 Bartlett Road, Big Bear, California
Tickets
Entry: $5*
Parking: Free
*Dog passes and camping tickets are available. Prices vary.
Adventure Van Expo Ventura
Adventure Van Expo Ventura
RV show type: outdoor and adventure show and expo
October 26-27, 2024
Location
Ventura County Fairgrounds
10 W. Harbor Boulevard, Ventura, California
Tickets
Entry: $5*
Parking: Free
*Dog passes and camping tickets are available. Prices vary.
Not sure which RV you'll like best? Attend an RV show, rent an RV, and then explore California to test out your favorite RV types.
The different types of RV shows
Consumer RV shows
When you think of an RV show, you probably think of the large RV shows and expos with hundreds or thousands of recreational vehicles brought in by area dealers and RV manufacturers. These big shows are open to the public and typically have food and drinks for sale, a camping and RV-centered vendor expo, and educational seminars. Many consumer RV shows sell tickets and charge for parking to attend the event.
Outdoor and adventure shows and expos
Outdoor and adventure recreation shows feature off-road RVs, trailers, overland vehicles, and camping gear. These shows appeal to a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts, regardless of the type of vehicle they may use to get out, off the grid, and explore.
These shows are open to the public and often have food and drinks for sale, a camping-centered vendor expo, educational seminars, on-site camping, social activities, and entertainment. The cost to camp or attend after-hour events is normally excluded from general admission or parking tickets.
Did you know that private owners rent out their RVs in California? RVezy makes it easy to rent out an RV to try before you are ready to buy.
Tips for attending an RV show
Buy your tickets early
Many RV shows have moved to online ticket sales to make show day easier for dealers, vendors, and attendees. Before you pay full price for a ticket, find out what kind of discounts the show offers for the military, seniors, RV clubs, and early birds. You could save yourself both time and money.
Avoid peak times
Want to avoid crowds? Attend the show when other attendees are heading home for dinner. Evening visits make it easier to tour RVs, chat with dealers and manufacturers, purchase camping gear, and avoid long lines at the food vendors.
Scope out parking
Before heading to the show, research where you'll park and how much it may cost. At large RV shows and expos, you may have to park off-site and take a shuttle to the event. While most RV shows have accessible parking close to the venue — spots can fill up quickly — so it's good to have a backup plan. Don't forget to bring cash because, at most big RV events, parking attendants only take cash payments.
Attend a seminar
Take advantage of seminars because industry professionals come from all corners of the RV world to teach classes at larger RV shows. At some of the biggest shows in the country, you can attend a how-to seminar or even find a meet-and-greet with your favorite RV YouTubers. Check the event website or show guide to find more information on seminars.
Reserve wheelchairs or scooters
Major RV shows typically offer on-site wheelchair and scooter rentals. Reserve your mobility aid online before the show to ensure you'll have what you need to get around the show comfortably.
Create an itinerary
Large RV shows can be overwhelming. Before you walk through the show, devise a game plan and write down your must-visit spots. If you lose track of your plan or get distracted while at the show, you can refer back to your notes!
Familiarize yourself with show policies
Before going to the show, visit the event's website to familiarize yourself with its policies. Some shows permit outside food and water, while others do not. If you require further assistance, contact the event planners to arrive well-prepared.
Dress for the weather
To make the most of your RV show, dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather, have a refillable water bottle on hand, and wear suitable footwear for walking. Bring sunscreen, a hat, a light jacket or layer, and an umbrella just in case you need them.
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