Illinois hosts several major RV shows between January and March 2026, with the Chicago RV & Camping Show being the largest in the Midwest and serving as the primary show for the greater Chicago metro area of almost 10 million people. Admission costs $8-$20 for adults, depending on the show and advance purchase, with children typically free or $5-8, and shows feature dealer competition that can save buyers thousands through pre-season inventory clearance before the April camping season. For the best deals, attend January-February shows when dealers are desperate to move inventory before spring. Chicago parking challenges mean most buyers should use tow vehicles or rideshares rather than driving RVs to shows. Illinois residents can also consider Wisconsin shows (60-90 minutes from Chicago) or Indiana shows for additional dealer competition.
Illinois RV Shows At A Glance
| Show Name | Location | 2026 Dates | Admission | Size | Best For |
| Chicago RV Show | Schaumburg | Jan 9-11 | $15 online, $20 door | Local vendors | Early season preview |
| Chicago RV & Camping Show | Rosemont | Feb 12-15 | $15-$20 adults | 20+ dealers, hundreds of RVs | Largest, Chicagoland area |
| Central IL Camping & RV Show | Springfield | March 2026 | $8 adults | Medium regional | Central IL, Lincoln sites |
| RV, Camping & Travel Show | Loves Park (Rockford area) | Mar 20-22 | $8 adults | Family entertainment focus | Northern IL, budget admission |
Why Illinois RV Shows Matter
It can take a lot of planning and money to attend an RV show! But you can reap big rewards if you take the time and effort to visit an Illinois RV show.
Illinois’s position as the Midwest’s transportation hub and home to Chicago, the third largest U.S. metro city at 9.6 million people, makes it a critical RV market. Dealer competition serves Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Iowa, and Missouri buyers, and can save them thousands. The Chicago RV & Camping Show serves as the de facto “Midwest regional show,” attracting dealers from multiple states competing for the massive Chicago-area market and guests will find the latest RV models, along with older inventory at these shows.
Illinois RV shows matter because:
- Midwest market convergence: Chicago’s central location attracts dealers from 5 states (IL, WI, IN, IA, MO), creating fierce pricing pressure unmatched in smaller Midwest markets
- Pre-season clearance desperation: Unlike southern states where shows spread across 12 months, Illinois dealers have limited time to hit annual sales targets. January-March timing means dealers face a critical deadline to clear inventory before the April camping season starts or lose prime selling months (Illinois camping season is essentially April-October, only 7 months)
- Springfield political capital tourism: Central IL show combines RV shopping with Lincoln historical sites, making it an attractive family destination vs. an obligation
The biggest misconception is that Chicago shows are “inconvenient” due to parking challenges. In reality, the inability to bring your RV works in your favor — you have to negotiate delivery, giving you time to research prices, compare offers, and avoid pressure tactics.
How We Chose These “Top” RV Shows
We determined this list of the top RV shows in Illinois by considering several important factors. The size of the event, the diversity of exhibitors, and the reputation and longevity of the show were all parts of our decision whether to include a particular show. We also considered the most important topic of all – the visitor experience. None of those other factors matters much if visitors don’t have an enjoyable and informative time.
Top RV Shows in Illinois
Explore the biggest and best RV shows in Illinois, in Chicago and across the state.
Chicago RV & Camping Show
The Chicago RV & Camping show isn’t just the largest RV show in Illinois — it’s one of the largest motorhome shows in the Midwest! And because it takes place in the Windy City, after you’ve meandered through the exhibit, you can wander out of the convention hall doors into one of the best cities in the world.
Why You’ll Love the Chicago RV & Camping Show
This Chicago RV show is one of the most popular in the country, attracting thousands of campers and outdoor enthusiasts each year. This year, the show will host more than 20 RV dealers displaying hundreds of brand-new RVs, motorhomes, and trailers available at special show pricing.
This year’s list of exhibitors is extensive, with everyone from local campground representatives to golf cart manufacturers ready to meet, greet, and answer questions. And if you’re ready to buy a new camper, you’ll be in good hands.
Your ticket price also includes a variety of informative travel seminars covering lots of different topics and destinations. So not only will you be set up with a great new rig, you’ll also have the information and tools you need to take it anywhere you can imagine.
Chicago RV & Camping Show Information
- Location: Donald E Stephens Convention Center, 5555 North River Road, Rosemont, Illinois 60018
- Dates: February 12th-15th, 2026
- Contact: Fill out this form to contact the show organizers
- Tickets: Adults are $15 for a one-day pass or $20 for a multi-day pass when buying online. Children 6-12 are $5 for a one-day pass or $8 for a multi-day pass when buying online. Tickets are cash only if purchased at the door.
- Discounts: See this page for discounts on admission
Chicago RV Show
The Chicago RV Show will showcase RVs from a variety of local vendors, plus booths on camping destinations, insurance, and even food.
Why You’ll Love the Chicago RV Show
Spend some time touring new rigs and talking to dealers about the latest in RV camping. You can also spend a few days in this magnificent city, soaking up the views and visiting the sites.
Chicago RV Show Information
- Location: Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center, 1551 Thoreau Dr N, Schaumburg, IL 60173
- Dates: January 9th – January 11th, 2026
- Contact: Fill out this form to contact the show organizers
- Tickets: Adults $15 online, $20 at the gate, Children 16 and under are free
RV, Camping & Travel Show
Held just outside of Rockford, this RV show features entertainment for the whole family. You’ll also find a number of different motorhomes, trailers, and other rigs to tour and experts to talk with.
Why You’ll Love the RV, Camping & Travel Show
This Illinois RV show includes a wide range of exhibitors and top-end RV and camping brands. You’ll also be able to participate in a variety of contests and other fun activities.
Plus, its central Illinois location makes it perfect if you’re looking for a getaway weekend. You can head to Rock Cut or Lowden State Park, or any of the developed RV parks in Illinois. Who knows? Maybe you’ll find your dream rig and then drive it off immediately to a well-deserved, relaxing vacation.
RV, Camping & Travel Show Information
- Location: Mercyhealth Indoor Sports Center, 8800 East Riverside Boulevard, Loves Park, Illinois 61111
- Dates: March 20–22, 2026
- Contact: 815-329-5998
- Tickets: Adults are $8, Children (under 12) free
Central IL Camping and RV Show
The Central IL Camping and RV Show in downtown Springfield is three days of activities, including touring the newest models of campers and RVs. There are other industry vendors as well, and you can win door prizes and drawings.
Why You’ll Love the Central IL Camping and RV Show
The convention center in Springfield will be showing lots of inventory, with a variety of motorhomes, RVs, and more. You can also explore the town and see important sites from President Lincoln’s life, including his presidential library.
Central IL Camping and RV Show Information
- Location: Bank of Springfield Center, Convention Center Plaza #1, Springfield, IL 62701
- Dates: March 2026
- Contact: Use this form
- Tickets: Admission is $8 for Adults, Children under 13 free
Illinois RV Show Planning Tips
Several Illinois RV shows take place in the winter and spring, making them a great way to get excited about camping when the weather warms up! Here are a few tips for planning your visit.
- Weather: Since most major Illinois RV shows happen in winter or early spring, make sure you’re ready for Illinois’s famously cold and windy weather. Temperatures are often in the 20s–40s°F, and you may get snow or freezing rain, especially in cities to the north like Chicago and Rockford. Bring lots of layers so you can brave the frigid temps but also be comfortable in an indoor convention center.
- Camping: Some Illinois campgrounds like Rock Cut State Park and Starved Rock are open year-round, but many campgrounds close in winter. Make sure you know whether the campground where you want to stay is open. Also, check whether they have hookups and a dump station, or whether you’re on your own.
- Logistics: You’ll want to work out the logistics for your trip well ahead of time. Traffic can be bad, especially in Chicago. You’ll also want to check the weather before driving to an RV show, to make sure it’s safe to drive.
- Take advantage: Plan out how to get the most from your visit as well. Check the seminars, demonstrations, and other events in advance so you can determine what you’ll be doing. Bring a notebook or find an app that will help you take notes at the seminars. And make it a point to talk to representatives and industry experts about the RVs. Talk to other attendees as well – everyone is here to learn, and this is a great place to make friends who love being outdoors and camping.
Key Takeaways
- Illinois hosts major RV shows from January to March 2026, with the Chicago RV & Camping Show being the largest in the Midwest.
- Admission ranges from $8 to $20 for adults, with free or low-cost tickets for children; attending early shows yields the best deals.
- The shows attract dealers from multiple states, creating competitive pricing and offering significant savings for buyers.
- Key events include the Chicago RV & Camping Show, Chicago RV Show, Central IL Camping & RV Show, and RV, Camping & Travel Show, each offering various exhibitors and activities.
- Plan ahead for weather challenges, logistics, and schedules to maximize your Illinois RV show experience.
FAQs About RV Shows in Illinois
Here are some common questions about RV shows in Illinois.
A: RV shows in Illinois can cost between $10-$20 for adults and sometimes around $5 for kids. Sometimes, kids’ entry is free. Some shows also offer discounts for purchasing tickets online ahead of time, or for printing out a coupon and showing it at the door.
A: Children are usually allowed at RV shows in Illinois. In fact, several shows have entertainment or booths geared towards kids, and sometimes children get free admission.
Pets are generally not allowed at Illinois RV shows, with the exception of service animals.
A: It can be tricky to bring your RV to RV shows in Illinois. Chicago shows use convention centers with parking garages that cannot accommodate RVs due to height restrictions (typically 7-8 feet max clearance). You’ll need to arrive via car, rideshare, or public transit. This actually helps buyers by eliminating the pressure of “driving it home today” so you have more time to consider your purchase.
Shows in other parts of Illinois will vary by venue. Check ahead of time to ensure that there is oversized parking if you plan to drive your RV to the show. You may want to consider leaving your RV set up at a campsite and driving a tow vehicle or taking a rideshare or public transportation to the show.
You usually can’t park an RV overnight at an RV show, but you may be able to find a nearby campground where you can stay.
A: You may want to arrive between 30-60 minutes early for Illinois RV shows. This allows you to find parking and walk to the entrance if the parking garage is any distance away. If you get in to the show as soon as it opens, you’ll find fewer crowds and an easier time trying to talk to reps and dealers before too many people arrive. You might wait in shorter lines, and if there’s any free merch at any of the booths, you can nab it before it’s all gone.
A: There are Illinois RV show discounts and promos available. Often, you can find printable coupons available online that you can show at the door. You might also save money by purchasing your ticket online before the show. Sometimes, there are also reduced-admission days – usually for attending on a weekday instead of a Saturday or Sunday.
If you’re looking for discounts on RVs, those are often available, too! You’ll want to know something about RV prices, however. Some “deals” may not be that great after all. Check out our guide to RV Show Special Discount Pricing to make sure you know how to spot a good price when you’re at an RV show.
Visiting an Illinois RV show is a wonderful way to check out an RV you’re interested in purchasing and compare it to similar RVs, all in one spot. You might also get a great deal at the same time! Even if you’re not buying an RV at the moment, you can visit seminars and see demos and learn a whole lot about other RV topics.
If you’re interested in an Illinois RV show, be sure to follow them on social media so you can see which brands will attend and which speakers will be there. And if you’re interested in shows in neighboring states, be sure to check out RV shows in Wisconsin and Indiana.
Finally, check out RV rentals with RVshare near the show, especially if you want to try out an RV before you decide whether to buy it.
