It’s easy to see why Arizona is such a popular destination amongst campers of all sorts especially if you’re traveling by RV. The desert can be a harsh place, and it’s nice to have a little bit of luxury along the journey. Follow Arizona’s contours north, and you’ll find tall pines and gorgeous canyons carved into the striped red clay. And although temperatures are boiling in the daytime, you’ll find nights pleasantly cool — or even surprisingly cold, depending on what time of year you visit. Plus, there are an incredible number of really stellar RV parks in Arizona, which makes sense, since it’s such a popular camping destination. All told, Arizona’s one of the most rewarding places to travel to in America and a total hidden gem, whether you are interested in outdoor adventuring, culture and history, or just enjoying a beautiful landscape.
And it’s also home to some of the most exciting and well-known RV and adventure shows in the business.
- The Quartzsite Sports, Vacation & RV Show | Quartzsite, AZ
- Overland Expo WEST | Flagstaff, AZ
- Scottsdale Fall RV Show | Scottsdale, AZ
- FMCA’s International Convention & RV Expo | Tucson, AZ
Top RV Shows in Arizona
You might wonder, “Well, how do I find RV shows near me? What are the not-to-be-missed RV shows and events in Arizona?” Here are a few of our favorites across the state.
1. The Quartzsite Sports, Vacation & RV Show
You may not have heard of the sleepy town of Quartzsite, but come January, it’s a hot spot for RVers and campers of all stripes. In fact, according to the Arizona Highway Department, as many as a million people — most of whom were in RVs — descended on Quartzsite last January to enjoy this yearly motorhome show.
In other words, you don’t want to miss it. Here’s why — and all the details you need to know about how and when to get there.
Why You’ll Love The Quartzsite Sports, Vacation & RV Show
The Quartzsite camper & RV Show has so much to offer, but there’s one detail that stands out among all the rest when it comes to reasons you’ll love this expo.
It’s TOTALLY FREE TO ENTER for the public. That’s right — you won’t pay a dime to get in, or even just to park!
But even if you did have to pay to get in, you’d probably want to. The Quartzsite travel trailer show doesn’t just take place over a weekend, but a whole week. And not only is it the largest RV show in Arizona, but it’s actually billed as the “Largest Gathering of RVers in the World!” It’s been held annually since 1984, and in those thirty years, the organization has learned a thing or two about hosting a fantastic camper show.
You’ll be able to wander more than 20 acres of cutting-edge displays by vendors from across the country — and even Europe and Mexico. About 69,000 square feet of the show takes place in a carpeted, air-conditioned indoor area, so you don’t have to worry about frying in Arizona’s heat all day.
Plus, the entire facility features free WiFi and great cellular signal, which is imperative for staying connected in today’s high-tech world.
The Quartzsite expo is chock full of motorhomes, travel trailers, and campers ready to be taken home, as it’s attended by a huge host of Arizona RV dealers. Even if you’re not quite ready to take the plunge and buy your own rig, it’s the perfect opportunity to get more information on your next potential big purchase.
And perhaps best of all, the site, which is just 20 miles east of California’s eastern border, is surrounded by over 20,000 boondockable campsites, not to mention a variety of privately owned campgrounds with electrical and sewer hookups. You can make it into a fun weekend getaway, or stay even longer, especially since the event takes place close in proximity to fascinating local rock and gem shows.
The Quartzsite Sports, Vacation & RV Show is truly an experience to take in whether or not you’re an Arizona native — people travel from all over the country, and even the world, to attend. In short, if you have the opportunity to get there, you should make every effort to do so!
The Quartzsite Sports, Vacation & RV Show Information
- Location: 700 S. Central Blvd Quartzsite, AZ, 85346
- Dates: January 20th-28th, 2024
- Contact: 800-969-5464 or [email protected]
- Tickets: Free
Click here to see RVshare rentals near Quartzsite, Arizona.
2. Overland Expo WEST
The Overland Expo isn’t any ordinary camping show. It’s a full-on experience and a chance for adventuresome outdoorsmen (and women!) to learn more about how to safely and enjoyable take on even their most challenging ambitions.
Although it’s not specifically an RV show, the Overland Expo is regularly attended by RV campers of all sorts, from scrappy travelers who take on Mother Nature in their pop-up trailers to adventurers who like to get dirty and enjoy some luxury from time to time. But the important thing to know is, no matter how you travel, if you’re looking to take your adventure game to the next level, the Overland Expo is where you want to be.
Why You’ll Love Overland Expo
First of all, this expo actually takes place in multiple locations. The “west” show is held in Flagstaff, Arizona — on the third weekend in May — and there are also events in Loveland, CO and Arrington, VA. So if you’re thinking, “I wish I could find an RV show near me,” you’ve got bicoastal options!
But no matter which event you attend, what really sets the Overland Expo apart is its focus on education. It’s so much more than an RV camper show. These shows feature hundreds of session-hours of classes to help you learn the skills you need to tackle the toughest adventures safely. You might discover the proper way to utilize your four-wheel-drive vehicle or even take a crash course — not literally! — in adventure motorcycling.
The event also hosts a multitude of roundtable discussions and demonstrations, and even has its very own film festival focused on adventure travel and outdoor pursuits. And, of course, the whole thing is peppered with a variety of planned happy hours and social events, not to mention hundreds of vendors to chat with and dozens of food options to peruse and try out.
An important note: Since the Overland Expo isn’t like most other RV shows and is so focused on training and education, it isn’t the least expensive event in the world. If you take on the “Overland Experience” package, you’ll have full access to all seminars and discussions all weekend long and complimentary happy hour drinks on Friday and Saturday… but you’ll also spend as much as $375, depending on your type of vehicle.
If that sounds a little pricey for you, consider Overland Expo’s single-day or weekend passes, which run from as low as $25 to $205 for a weekend pass including access to the area’s dry camping sites.
One piece of good news for your pocketbook, however: Kids aged 17 and under get FREE entry!
Overland Expo WEST Show Information
- Location: Fort Tuthill County Park 2446 Ft Tuthill Lp, Flagstaff, AZ 86005
- Dates: May 17-19th, 2024
- Contact: (317) 207-0557
- Tickets: Prices and packages vary.
Click here to see RVshare rentals near Flagstaff, Arizona.
RV Shows Phoenix
Hey Phoenix! You’ve got some stellar camper shows right in your own backyard. Here are a couple to put on your calendar.
3. Scottsdale Fall RV Show
Explore significant savings on the RV of your dreams in the cool comfort of air-conditioned surroundings at the Scottsdale Fall RV Show hosted at Westworld of Scottsdale. This free indoor RV Show offers a diverse array of adventure vans, motorhomes, and towable RVs, providing a unique opportunity to compare and choose from a vast selection of new and pre-owned models. Whether you’re in search of camper vans, 4×4 adventure vans, family or luxury motorhomes, or travel trailers, this event has them all available for purchase.
Why You’ll Love the Scottsdale Fall RV Show
Discover an extensive collection of discounted new and used RVs from renowned manufacturers such as Winnebago, Tiffin, Storyteller Overland, Entegra Coach, Fleetwood, Midwest Automotive Designs, Pleasure-Way, Grech RV, Renegade RV, Roadtrek, Cruiser Aire, Thor Motor Coach, and many more. Don’t miss this chance to explore the latest offerings and find the perfect RV that suits your preferences and lifestyle.
Scottsdale Fall RV Show Information
- Location: Westworld of Scottsdale 16601 N. Pima Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85260
- Dates: TBA, last year’s was October 26th-29th
- Contact: (480) 312-6802
- Tickets: Free admission and parking!
Click here to see RVshare rentals near Scottsdale, Arizona.
RV Shows Tucson
Living in Tucson and wondering, “Where are the RV shows near me?”
Here are a few events to put onto your calendar for 2024 (and beyond).
4. FMCA’s International Convention & RV Expo
This famous rally actually occurs biannually and focuses on bringing together FMCA members for all the best parts of RVing: education, entertainment, shopping, and (of course) camaraderie. Members gather to attend seminars and learn more about their rigs and exhibits, as well as to peruse the shopping options offered by dozens of vendors.
Why You’ll Love FMCA’s International Convention & RV Expo
If you’re not yet a member of the FMCA (Family Motor Coach Association), it’s a great organization to join. It can help you save hundreds of dollars on camping-adjacent expenses, and it’s also an invaluable resource for information and events (like this one!).
FMCA’s International Convention & RV Expo Information
- Location: Pima County Fairgrounds, Tucson, Arizona 11300 S Houghton Rd, Tucson, Arizona 85747
- Dates: March 20th-23rd, 2024
- Contact: (800) 543-3622
- Tickets: Varies; see website for full details.
Click here to see RVshare rentals near Tucson.
What is the Best RV Show to Attend in Arizona in 2024?
If you’re anything like us, this list of events has you reaching for your bags and cranking up the rig as we speak. Some of them almost sound too exciting to be real. Any of these RV shows would be a total treat — so no matter which one’s on your itinerary, you’re in luck!
Plus, there’s also the simple fact of camping in Arizona in the first place, which is already an incredible experience. I mean, the Grand Canyon is a classic road trip destination for a reason!
Whether you’ve already been to Arizona tons of times and are planning on a repeat visit or it’ll be your first time exploring this southwestern beauty, there’s no need to fret if you don’t have an RV of your own to do your exploring in.
Arizona has tons of RVs available for rent, especially since it’s such a popular state for this mode of travel.
You can choose to rent an RV from a well-known, commercial vendor with a location near you. This can be an especially helpful option if you want to make a one-way trip since franchised companies can generally allow for drop-offs at a satellite branch.
But if you’re looking for a homier alternative to a sterile rental vehicle, don’t neglect the peer-to-peer market. Many private owners list their RVs for rent in Arizona, whether you’re starting out south near Tucson or as far north as Flagstaff. Plus, since these rigs are privately owned and maintained, they’re generally more comfortably appointed and homier than the motorhomes and travel trailers you might find on a corporate rental floor.
Renting an RV is a great way to try out the lifestyle and figure out which type of RV will work best for your personal travel preferences. You’ll get the chance to enjoy the incredible freedom of traveling with your very own mobile house without having to worry about the long-term maintenance or upkeep — at least for now!
If you’re like many renters, you may just end up falling deeply enough in love with RVing to purchase a rig of your own… and then later list it for rent on RVshare! I think that’s what they call “coming full circle.”
But regardless of whether you rent, buy, own, or borrow, enjoy your time traveling through the desert. It’s anything but empty!
RV shows are fantastic activities for motorhome campers, whether or not you’re in the market for a new rig. It’s always helpful to walk through a few trailers and coaches to learn more about the different makes and models, and it never hurts to make a few new contacts in the industry.
Plus, you’ll also get the chance to connect and engage with other adventurous campers just like you. And as everyone knows, the campfire improves the more people are gathered around it. There’s no such thing as having too many camping friends!
Psst — want to double down on your adventure? Check out some of the following RV road trip destinations and guides for Arizona!
- The Ultimate Guide to RV Camping in Arizona
- The Top 24 Bucket List Destinations in Arizona
- Top 10 Landmarks in Arizona
