Depending on where you’re starting from, it might require quite a journey north…
… but if you’re an outdoorsy camper looking for adventure, a trip to Maine is not to be missed.
Where else can you combine glorious forested landscapes, stunning mountain slopes craggy, lighthouse-strewn shorelines, all punctuated with some of the most adorable towns you could ever hope to explore?
Aside from being home to one of the most popular and well-loved National Parks in the country (that’s Acadia — and don’t miss its too-cute-for-words gateway town, Bar Harbor, either!), Maine boasts almost every type of geological formation you could ask for. It’s got mountains, valleys, beaches, and well-loved, culture-filled fishing towns. It’s home to some of the toughest, but friendliest, folks you’ll ever meet, and as you wander along its shores and shaded trails, you’ll find yourself people watching as often as you are whale watching. Meanwhile, of course, you’ll be eating some of the most delicious seafood on the planet. I mean, Maine is basically synonymous with lobster!
Take advantage of this state’s huge array of state parks, which often offer affordable dispersed camping and feature a wide variety of natural landscapes, flora, and fauna. Or maybe you want to make a more cosmopolitan getaway, hopping from one tiny coastal town to another.
Either way, it’s hard to have a bad time.
But whether you call the great state of Maine home or you’re just visiting, if you’re searching for “RV shows near me,” you’re in luck. After all, Maine is filled with scrappy and adventurous outdoors lovers, so it’s got lots of different kinds of shows and expos to choose from.
Well known for its boating and fishing culture rather than as the RV camping wonderland it is, Maine isn’t overrun with motorhome shows — but the camping and outdoor expos it does have will make you a better informed outdoorsman (or woman), ready and prepared to take on any adventure that comes your way. If it strikes your fancy, you can also enjoy one of the state’s many boat shows. Aside from the simple marvel of the artistry and craftsmanship of boatbuilding, you’ll also be engaging with the state’s long-standing maritime history.
So whether you’re traveling in an RV of your very own or you’re hitting the road in your Maine RV rental, what are you waiting for? Here are the camper and RV shows you’ll find in Maine’s friendly, northerly landscape — and some other events we’re sure you won’t want to miss, either.
1. Vacationland RV and Camping Show
Advertising itself as “the largest RV and and camping show ever produced under one roof in Maine,” the Vacationland RV and Camping Show will host representatives from over 60 Maine RV parks and campgrounds, as well as many of Maine’s largest RV dealers and exhibits from local Maine businesses.
Visitors will also be entered to win week-long camping giveaway drawings — which means you could end up earning back your entry price and then some!
Why You’ll Love the Vacationland RV and Camping Show
Well, first of all, they don’t call it Vacationland for nothing.
Once you’re done exploring hundreds of square feet of RVs, motorhomes, travel trailers, and camping equipment — not to mention basking in the combined knowledge of hundreds of years of camping know-how from local representatives — you’ll find yourself in central Auburn, Maine, an equally short drive from the charming city of Portland or the stunning White Mountain National Forest.
This will be the 16th annual Vacationland RV and Camping Show put on by MECOA, or the Maine Campground Owners Association. MECOA represents more than 185 licensed Maine campgrounds and works hard to help campers throughout the state and beyond by providing the very best and most reliable camping information and up-to-date RVing resources. MECOA wants to make it easy and fun for you to explore The Pine Tree State, which is why their annual Vacationland RV and Camping Show is so popular and informative.
To learn more about MECOA or contact the organization directly, click here.
Vacationland RV and Camping Show Information
Location: Norway Savings Bank Arena in Auburn, Maine
Address: 985 Turner Street, Auburn, Maine 04210
Phone: (207) 782-5874
Email: [email protected]
Dates: April 4 – 5, 2020
Times: TBD
Price: TBD — but this year’s show will feature FREE unlimited parking on site!
Website: https://campmaine.com/maine-rv-camping-show/
2. Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors Show
OK, OK, it’s not an RV show… but trust us, you don’t want to miss this one. For a true experience of the coastal Maine culture, the Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors Show is undoubtedly a must-hit destination.
“It’s the pages of Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors magazine brought to life,” explains the website, “and the largest in-water boat show north of Newport.”
Not convinced yet? Just wait.
Why You’ll Love the Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors Show
There’s nothing that says Maine like gorgeous, lovingly-crafted water vessels, and the Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors Show — this will be its 18th running — is chock full of prime examples.
Aside from the more than 60 stunning boats in the water along the Rockport shore, you’ll also be able to explore the lines and lanes of the show itself, which will be filled with the “finest artists, architects, boatbuilders, craftsmen, designers, furniture makers, jewelers, and marine gear vendors” — all together in one place at one time for your curiosity and convenience.
It’s all served up with a heaping helping of fresh, amazing food on a background of world-class live music… not to mention its location in Rockland, which is a destination in its own right. Once you tear yourself away from the show, you can visit the Maine Lighthouse Museum or one of its many art galleries. You might even find yourself inspired enough to load up on a chartered fishing or tour boat for your own seafaring adventure!
The show will also host over 100 exhibitors, including woodworkers, furniture makers, jewelers, booksellers and more — so it’s more than likely you’ll find something relevant to your interests.
In short, it’s sure to be an incredible late summer weekend trip, RV-focused or not. Best of all, Rockland is surrounded with some of Maine’s best RV parks and campgrounds, including Camden Hills State Park, the Megunticook Campground and many others.
Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors Show Information
Location: Harbor and Buoy Parks in Rockland, Maine
Address: 1 Pleasant Street, Rockland, Maine 04841
Phone: (207) 594-8622
Fax: (207) 593-0026
Email: [email protected]
Dates: August 7 – 9, 2020
Times:
- Friday, August 7: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Saturday, August 8: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Sunday, August 9: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Price: Tickets cost $15 each, but they’re good for the whole weekend, and kids under 12 always get in FREE!
Important Note: For the safety and comfort of all, *NO* pets are allowed on show grounds (except the pre-selected Boatyard Dog® Trials competitors and bona fide service animals), and no strollers can be allowed on the show docks. Please plan ahead. Thanks in advance for your consideration.
Tickets: To be purchased at the door
Discounts: [email protected]While the organization isn’t offering discounts at this time, it’s possible to volunteer for the show — and volunteers will receive two show passes, a cool Show Crew t-shirt, and a year’s subscription to Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors magazine. Just send an email to for more information.
Website: http://maineboats.com/boatshow
3. The Portland Boat Show
You caught us red-handed… it’s another boat show!
But what can we say? When in Rome, do as the Romans do. And if Romans were Mainers, they’d be boating.
Why You’ll Love the Portland Boat Show
This is the 14th annual Portland Boat Show — a legacy that shows the organizers are doing something (or lots of things!) right.
And this year, it’s being held in the spacious and easy-to-find Portland Sports Complex, which features free parking and hundreds of square feet of display space.
“This venue will feature plenty of free on-site parking,” reads the Portland Boat Show website, “and the largest display area of any of the local boat shows, with exhibits including center console & walkaround fishing boats, bowriders, cuddy cabins, cruisers, pontoon boats, wakeboard boats, and tournament ski boats.” The exhibitors list includes many yacht dealers and boat yards, but there are sure to be other marine-themed goodies to rake through while you traipse around this family-friendly event.
And who knows? You may just find yourself bitten by the boating bug — and if so, you’ll be glad the show takes place early enough in the season for a spring delivery so you can hit the water come summertime. You’re sure to find a great buy, and goodness knows you’re in the right place to take off on your new seafaring adventure!
Not quite ready to quit your status as a landlubber? No problem. There’s tons of stuff to do right here on terra firma.
Once you’re done meandering the show displays, don’t neglect the chance to explore Portland, one of Maine’s most exciting towns. From meandering the shops at the Old Port to taking the kids for an exciting day of amusement park rides at Palace Playland, Portland’s quaint, seaside vibe will put a smile on every face in the family. Its fishing wharves and old warehouses are guaranteed to win you over.
Once again, you’ll find ample camping opportunities in the area, from KOAs and resorts to less-developed, public options. You’ll also be less than a day’s drive from other exciting northeastern destinations, such as Salem, Manchester, Providence, and Boston.
Portland Boat Show Information
Location: The Portland Sports Complex in Portland, Maine
Address: 512 Warren Avenue, Portland, Maine 04103
Phone: (207) 655-2722
Other Contact: Click here for full details
Dates: February 27 – March 1, 2020
Times: TBA
Price:
- Adults 13 and older: $10.00
- Children 6-12: $5.00
- Children under 6: FREE!
Website: http://theportlandboatshow.com/
Conclusion
Although Maine might not be the largest state nor boast the largest or most popular RV shows in the country, it’s a beautiful and unique part of the country to explore and absolutely perfect for RV camping. And the events you do attend there more than make up for their scarcity with quality. Every show is sure to be filled with friendly and informative representatives of local campgrounds and camping equipment purveyors, not to mention Maine campers themselves, a worthy bunch in their own right.
Maine’s unique combination of quaint city life and hardscrabble winters breeds a culture that’s simultaneously tough as nails and always ready to lend a helping hand, so you could do much worse than to make a friend or five at a Maine RV camper show!
Plus, when you live in the northeast, your neighbors aren’t very far away at all — which means Maine campers are in a great position to go visit a camping show in Vermont, New Hampshire, or even Massachusettes. Boston hosts a decent number of expos year round, and it’s always fun to make a real vacation out of it.
No matter which shows and expos you find yourself attending, enjoy yourself while you’re in the state of Maine — whether that means hiking and biking under the shade of its famous pine trees, or noshing on lobster over a view of the waves crashing along the coast.
