From the charming avenues of Charleston to the alluring sands of Myrtle Beach, it’s no surprise that South Carolina is on a lot of travel bucket lists. For a relatively small state — it’s ranked 40th by land mass in the union — this southern landscape manages to pack a whole lot of exciting travel opportunities into its limited borders!
Those with a penchant for historical tourism won’t want to miss a trip to Fort Sumter, of course… not to mention all the fantastic southern comfort food and hospitality on offer in the nearby colonial city. And whether you’re headed to Myrtle or one of the state’s other beachy seasides, such as the ones that dominate Hilton Head Island, you’ll quickly find yourself falling for the stunning ocean views dotted by quaint towns, lighthouses, and excellent seafood restaurants.
Head inland and you’ll find yourself in an outdoor adventurer’s paradise, with a wide array of parks, lakes, and rivers to hike, bike, canoe, swim, and explore. You can also make a project of visiting the state’s many plantations, still standing (and still gorgeous) despite the one-and-a-half centuries standing between our present-day lifestyle and the Civil War.
RVing is a great way to see the state of South Carolina, because it ensures you can travel at your own pace and get far enough off the beaten path to really enjoy and admire the area’s natural splendor. Plus, you’ll always know exactly where you’ll be sleeping each night, not having to worry about booking pricey hotel rooms — you’re bringing your own private oasis right along with you!
RVing can also help you save money on costly travel expenses such as restaurant meals, since you’ll be able to cook your favorite gourmet goodies right there on the road. And although resort campgrounds can be pricey, there are many budget-friendly camping accommodations available, especially if you’re amenable to boondocking.
One of the best parts about South Carolina in particular is that nothing’s further than a day’s drive, so you never have to feel like you’re missing out on one of its many attractions. Plus, there are a wide array of comfortable and high-quality South Carolina RV rentals available, both in dealerships and rental agencies and through the peer-to-peer market right here at RVshare.
But after a few well-spent weekends enjoying the RVing lifestyle in a rental, you may just find yourself absentmindedly browsing the listings at RV Trader or eyeing available rigs on Craigslist. Or maybe you discover you have an extra few hours this Saturday and decide to head down to a local South Carolina RV dealership — just to look, right? What could it hurt?
It’s easy to get bitten by the RVing bug; it’s such a convenient and fun travel lifestyle. But with rigs costing tens of thousands, and sometimes even hundreds of thousands of dollars, it’s important to ensure you buy the right one for you and your family. It’s a serious investment, which means it shouldn’t be an impulse buy!
Of course, when you’re eager to get out on the road in your very own recreational vehicle, it can be difficult to discipline yourself enough to do the research and not buy the first rig that seems like a great deal. And after a while, endless articles about different types of motorhomes and travel trailers all start to blur together.
What’s a savvy shopper to do?
Head to an RV show, of course!
RV shows are a great way to see a wide range of vehicles in a very short amount of time, giving you the hands-on experience you need to make an informed purchase decision. And if it so happens that your dream RV is at the show — which, given how many different dealerships and models congregate at these events, is fairly likely — you’ll usually score a better deal than you would have off the dealership lot.
RV shows also have lots of fun extras and events to keep the whole family entertained, too. So, want to participate in one? For South Carolinians looking for “RV shows near me,” here’s where to head this year.
1. The Greenville RV Show
This camping show isn’t just the largest RV show of its kind in the state of South Carolina — it’s the only one!
Held annually in Greenville’s Convention Center, the Greenville RV Show is the perfect place to find your next vacation vehicle, whether you’re looking for a big, inclusive motorhome or a modest travel trailer. It’s the only event that hosts multiple South Carolina RV dealers all conveniently under one roof, which means it’s your best bet for finding the rig of your dreams… not to mention a great price on it, to boot!
Why You’ll Love the Greenville RV Show
With 60,000 square feet of exhibition space being fully utilized to its full extent, the Greenville RV Show really does offer something for everyone when it comes to RV camping. No matter what kinds of vehicles have sparked your interest, you’ll find several makes and models to choose from at the South Carolina RV and Camping motorhome show.
Each year, South Carolina’s most reliable dealers come together to bring you the latest Class A, Class B, and Class C motorhomes, as well as travel trailers ranging from lightweight models to heavy-duty fifth wheels, fit for a king (and a queen, and all their little princes and princesses). Along with the opportunity to experience all these different vehicles hands-on by walking through and exploring them, you’ll also benefit from the professional customer service and financing options provided by the dealers who represent each model, not to mention crazy-low show pricing.
But this RV camper show is a great way to spend a January weekend — even if you’re not on the market to buy a rig of your own just yet.
That’s because this travel trailer show also features a wide array of related outdoor vendors and exhibitors. Whether the Palmetto State’s marshy coastline is calling to you or you’d rather head west into the Appalachian foothills, the entire state is studded with fantastic family-owned campgrounds to make your trip easy, stress-free, and fun.
After all, camping is about so much more than driving to new destinations and exploring the great outdoors. It’s also about the people you share those experiences with. Finding a great family-run campground can be the key to creating camping memories that last a lifetime… and maybe even some new friendships that stand the test of time, too.
Greenville RV Show Information
The South Carolina RV and Camping Show takes place annually in Greenville, South Carolina, a city of about 67,000 inhabitants in the state’s northwestern corner. It’s an easy hour-and-a-half drive from the state capital of Columbia, and it’s also central and easily accessible to a variety of surrounding southern states, such as North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee.
Since you’re in town, you might as well make a getaway of it — and there’s plenty to see and do in the area! Grab the kids and head to the Greenville Zoo, home to a wide variety of well-cared-for wild animals, or maybe give the Roper Mountain Science Center a try for some educational fun. And if outdoor adventure is what you’re after, there’s no shortage of options. Greenville is home to several parks boasting excellent walking, hiking, and biking trails, such as Falls Park on the Reedy and Swamp Rabbit Trail, and you’re only a stone’s throw from the Chattahoochee and Nantahala National Forests!
- Location: Greenville Convention Center 1 Exposition Drive Greenville, SC 29607
- Dates: January 5th-7th, 2024
- Contact: 804-467-7038
- Tickets: Cash only at the door. $5 per person.
2. The Palmetto Sportsmen’s Classic
To be fair, the Palmetto Sportsmen’s Classic isn’t exactly an RV show — it’s more concerned with all the fun stuff you do while you’re adventuring in your RV, such as hunting and fishing.
But it is a South Carolina event you don’t want to miss, particularly if you consider yourself outdoorsy… which, given your interest in RVs and camping, we’re going to assume you do!
From fascinating wildlife exhibits to the latest and greatest information and equipment for hunting, fishing, and camping, the Palmetto Sportsmen’s Classic is a great way to celebrate your outdoor hobbies and also come away with a bit more knowledge (and gear!) than you had when you walked in. And, of course, you’ll surely find at least one or two new like-minded friends while you wander the exhibition — and as you know, when it comes to a campfire, the more, the merrier!
Why You’ll Love the Palmetto Sportsmen’s Classic
Ready for some wild fun? The whole family will love spending a spring weekend at the Palmetto Sportsmen’s Classic, held annually at the state fairgrounds in Columbia.
This year’s show will feature an “extreme raptors show,” a “premium wildlife production” that will have you on the edge of your seat as eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls take flight! And if you’ve been hankering to get out on the water and reel in some delicious eats — or maybe just bragging rights — you’ll love having the opportunity to meet, greet, and pick the brains of professional fishermen like Keith Johnson and Joey Mines, who will be providing informative fishing demonstrations and seminars all weekend.
On top of the hands-on fun, you’ll, of course, get to meander through the large exhibition space, where purveyors of all sorts of outdoor equipment and adventure gear will be standing by to answer your questions and match you up with the latest and greatest camping, hunting, and fishing technology. And don’t forget to get your deer antlers scored while you’re at the expo; they’ll be marked down in record books dating back to 1906.
Palmetto Sportsmen’s Classic Information
- Location: The South Carolina State Fairgrounds 1200 Rosewood Drive, Columbia, SC 29201
- Dates: March 22nd-24th, 2024
- Contact: Online contact form
- Tickets: TBA, Children under 13 are free.
South Carolina is a great state to explore and camp in, and as you can see, it’s got some premier events dedicated to the outdoorsmen — and women — who love to spend their time doing just that.
Enjoy your time at these RV shows and outdoor events… and if you’re on the hunt for your next RV, good luck and happy browsing!
Psst — want to double down on your adventure? Check out some of the following RV road trip destinations and guides for South Carolina!
- The Ultimate Guide to RV Camping in South Carolina
- The Top 27 Bucket List Destinations in South Carolina
- Boondocking in South Carolina
- Top 10 Landmarks in South Carolina
Another way to try an RV before you buy? Renting with RVshare! Choose from thousands of RVs to find the perfect option for your trip or family.
