Iowa hosts four major RV shows in 2026 where you can explore hundreds of new and pre-owned motorhomes, travel trailers, and fifth wheels. You’ll get special show pricing, which is typically 20-25% below MSRP. The largest shows are Iowa’s Original RV Show and the Iowa Boat, RV and Vacation Show. Most shows take place during Iowa’s winter months, from January through March, at indoor venues to escape the cold. These shows also offer on-site financing, factory representatives to answer questions, and admission prices of $7-10 for adults, while children 12 and under are typically free. Iowa shows combine RV shopping with outdoor recreation exhibits featuring boats, fishing gear, hunting equipment, and vacation destination booths, making them ideal for outdoor enthusiasts seeking comprehensive information about camping, travel, and adventure equipment all under one roof at venues like the UNI-Dome and Iowa State Fairgrounds.
Iowa RV Shows at a Glance
| Show Name | Dates 2026 | Location | Adult Admission | Highlights |
| Iowa Boat, RV & Vacation Show | Jan 23-25 | UNI-Dome, Cedar Falls | $7 online | 38th year, boats + RVs, seminars, kid’s zone |
| Iowa’s Original RV Show | Feb 5-8 | Iowa State Fairgrounds, Des Moines | $10 ($9 online) | 200+ RVs, 35+ years, Iowa’s largest |
| Cedar Rapids Boat, RV & Vacation Show | Feb 20-22 | Hawkeye Downs Expo Center, Cedar Rapids | $7 online | Boats + RVs, family activities, pre-spring prices |
| Eastern Iowa Sportshow | Mar 13-15 | UNI-Dome, Cedar Falls | $7 online | Camping/hunting/fishing focus, seminars |
Why Attend an Iowa RV Show?
Traveling to an RV show can take time and money – both to research the show and to actually travel to it. But Iowa RV shows offer unique advantages for both serious buyers and curious explorers. Attending an RV show saves you time by allowing you to compare hundreds of RV models from multiple dealers in a single day, rather than spending weeks driving to individual lots across the state. You’ll find show-exclusive pricing that’s typically 20-25% below MSRP, plus on-site financing with instant approval for qualified buyers.
How We Chose These “Top” RV Shows
We curated this list of top RV shows in Iowa by considering the size of each show. Then, we looked at the diversity of exhibitors so that attendees get a variety of dealers, workshops, and more. We looked at the reputation and longevity of each show to make sure it’s been around for a while and has proven itself to be a worthwhile option. Finally, we looked at the visitor experience to ensure you’ll enjoy attending and will get something out of it.
We have noted which shows occur annually, biannually, or at another frequency so you can plan accordingly.
Top RV Shows in Iowa
Here is a comprehensive list of the top RV shows happening across Iowa to help you plan your visit.
Iowa Boat, RV and Vacation Show
2026 will be the 38th year running for the Iowa Boat, RV and Vacation show, which brings together all the best names and brands in vacation and adventure equipment. You’ll be able to browse hundreds of new and pre-owned RVs available for sale from a range of Iowa RV dealers. You can also network and ask questions of camping and marine experts.
And since this show takes place in early January, it’s a great way to ring in a new year of camping fun!
Why You’ll Love the Iowa Boat, RV and Vacation Show
This is one of the largest RV shows in the state. It has the added bonus of providing you with information about boating, too. The Iowa Boat, RV and Vacation show also hosts a variety of informative exhibits and seminars covering all sorts of topics related to camping, sailing, and vacationing in general.
Iowa Boat, RV and Vacation Show Information
- Location: The UNI-Dome, 2401 Hudson Road, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614
- Dates: January 23rd-25th, 2026
- Contact: (319) 240-3571
- Tickets: Admission $7 online ahead of time, TBD at the door, Children 12 & under free
Iowa’s Original RV Show
Visit the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines and possibly walk away with your perfect travel trailer or motorhome. Iowa’s Original RV Show has been going on for more than 35 years, and its central location in Des Moines makes it easy to get to.
Why You’ll Love the Iowa’s Original RV Show
This RV and camping show is attended by some of the top RV dealers in Iowa. These dealers offer high-quality rigs at bargain prices during the show, so if you’re in the market, make sure to tour some of the RVs and talk to them.
Iowa’s Original RV Show Information
- Location: Iowa State Fairgrounds, East University Avenue & East 30th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50317
- Dates: February 5-8, 2026
- Contact: (515) 961-7405
- Tickets: Adults $10 ($9 online), Children 2-12 are $5, Children 2 & under free, Seniors (60+ Thursday only) $8
Cedar Rapids Boat, RV & Vacation Show
At the Cedar Rapids Boat, RV & Vacation Show, you’ll find not only fifth wheels, travel trailers, and motorhomes, but also pontoon boats, fishing boats, and a heap of exciting outdoor, hunting, fishing, and travel exhibits.
Why You’ll Love the Cedar Rapids Boat, RV & Vacation Show
Aside from useful information and equipment for all those outdoor pursuits you’ve been hankering to try, the Cedar Rapids Boat, RV & Vacation Show also features a variety of fun family activities and world-class seminars.
Plus, late winter is a good time to shop for your next camper.
Cedar Rapids Boat, RV & Vacation Show
- Location: Hawkeye Downs Expo Center, 4400 6th St SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
- Dates: February 20th-26th, 2026
- Contact: (319) 240-3571
- Tickets: Admission $7 online ahead of time, TBD at the door, Children 12 & under free
Eastern Iowa Sportshow
The Eastern Iowa Sportshow has RVs to tour, plus seminars on camping, traveling, fishing, and hunting. It’s a great resource in Eastern Iowa for outdoor activities.
Why You’ll Love the Eastern Iowa Sportshow
No matter what kind of outdoor activities catch your fancy, you’re sure to find everything you’re looking for at the Eastern Iowa Sportshow. The show will have lightweight trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers, and motorhomes on display, so if you’re looking to upgrade, you could be in luck.
Eastern Iowa Sportshow Information
- Location: The UNI-Dome, 2401 Hudson Road, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614
- Dates: March 13th-15th, 2026
- Contact: (317) 716-2684
- Tickets: Admission $7 online ahead of time, TBD at the door, Children 12 & under free
Iowa RV Show Planning Tips
Iowa has lots of great camping and outdoor activities available! Here are a few things to know if you’re headed to an RV show in the state.
- Weather: Iowa RV show season is primarily during the winter, so you’ll want to be ready for Iowa’s cold climate. Shows are usually inside, but you’ll want warm layers to walk from your vehicle to the venue. You’ll also want to check the weather so you know what to expect if you’re driving to the show. Be ready for winter storms or freezing rain, and allow yourself extra time.
- Camping: Many Iowa campgrounds close during the winter season – usually from October to April. However, many parks keep a few electric sites open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. Generally, water and restroom facilities have been closed to prevent freezing pipes, so you’ll need to be in a self-contained vehicle. Ledges State Park and Backbone State Park usually have some winter sites available. Some private campgrounds stay open through winter as well, particularly near larger cities like Des Moines and Cedar Rapids.
- Logistics: You’ll want to work out how you’re getting to and from the venue, and perhaps to plan out your days before you arrive. If you’re camping nearby, consider driving around town in a tow vehicle or taking a rideshare or other transportation to the Iowa RV show you plan to visit. Check the weather each day so you know whether you’ll need to add extra time or alter your plans because of a bad storm.
- Take advantage: Plan out how to get the most from your visit to the show as well. Look up the seminars, demonstrations, and other events that will be happening so you can plan out your days. Bring a notebook or find an app that will help you take notes about the things you learn. Talk to representatives and industry experts and ask questions or hear what they have to say. Make friends with other attendees as well – everyone is here to learn, and this is a great place to meet people who love to travel and camp like you!
Key Takeaways
- Iowa hosts four major RV shows in 2026, featuring new and pre-owned RVs at discounted prices.
- Key shows include the Iowa Boat, RV and Vacation Show and Iowa’s Original RV Show, typically running from January to March.
- Attending an Iowa RV show allows visitors to compare models and get on-site financing in one day.
- These shows also showcase outdoor recreation exhibits and offer seminars for camping and travel enthusiasts.
- Plan ahead for cold weather, ticket prices, and event schedules to make the most of your Iowa RV show experience.
FAQs About RV Shows in Iowa
Here are some common questions about RV shows in Iowa.
A: The typical admission cost for RV shows in Iowa is between $7-$10 for adults. Children often get free admission to shows.
A: Children are usually allowed at RV shows in Iowa. In fact, children often get free admission to shows. There might also be children’s entertainers or special workshops geared towards kids so that the entire family can enjoy an Iowa RV show together.
Pets are usually not allowed at RV shows in Iowa, with the exception of service animals.
A: Iowa RV shows sometimes have parking for oversized vehicles like RVs. However, some of the shows may not be able to accommodate RV parking, and you’ll want to check the particular show you’re interested in attending.
If the show you’re attending allows trade-ins, often dealers will have you bring pictures and information to the show to share with them. After they’ve looked at these, they will set up an inspection at a nearby lot or other space near the RV show.
A: You should arrive about 30 minutes before the doors are scheduled to open at Iowa RV shows. This allows you time to find parking, collect everything you’ll want to bring into the show, and walk from your parking spot to the doors.
Arriving early at an Iowa RV show gives you a better chance of being able to talk to dealers and reps before too many people are there. You can check out booths before they get too crowded.
A: Many Iowa RV shows offer discounts or promos for tickets. You can usually find these on the show website. Sometimes, if you sign up for email or follow big RV shows, dealerships, and brands on social media, they’ll post discounts.
If you’re looking for promos or discounts on the RVs themselves, you’ll often find those at Iowa RV shows. Make sure you know a good price for the RV you’re interested in, so you know if you’re getting a good deal. Check out our guide to RV Show Special Discount Pricing for more tips on how to spot a great price.
Attending Iowa RV shows can be a great way to learn more about an RV you’re interested in purchasing, and possibly to score a great deal! Even if you’re not looking to buy an RV, you can learn a lot at seminars and workshops. You can also talk to fellow attendees and on-site experts. If there’s a particular show you’re interested in, sign up for updates on social media so you can find out which brands or speakers will be there. If you want to visit neighboring states for their RV shows, you can check out shows in Minnesota and Illinois.
Also, check available RV rentals with RVshare near the show, especially if you want to try out an RV before you buy.
