When you think of popular northeastern destinations, Connecticut might not be the first state that springs to mind. After all, this is the region that boasts cities like Boston, New York, and Philadelphia, with all the cultural and historical to-dos those destinations promise.
But it would be unwise to dismiss “The Land of Steady Habits,” as it’s been called. Connecticut offers a world of fun and adventure for the curious camper, whether you’re looking for outdoorsy pursuits or to spend some time in town.
The Mystic Seaport, for example, is famed for its museum full of ancient ships, many of which are well over a hundred years old. The kids will have fun and learn a little something at the nearby Mystic Aquarium, which is especially prized for its beluga whale exhibits.
Don’t miss the chance to visit New Haven, home of one of America’s most prestigious universities — Yale. Simply traipsing through this stunning campus and admiring the architecture is sure to capture your imagination, but you can also explore the school’s famous Art Gallery.
If you’re looking to get out of town and into the wild, Connecticut doesn’t disappoint. Outdoorsy campers will enjoy dozens of state parks, offering experiences ranging from beachside lounging to hiking along waterfall-strewn trails.
In other words, it’s no surprise that more and more RV campers are adding Connecticut to their list of places to see. The state offers a wide range of experiences and activities sure to please everyone in your party.
And if you’re intrigued to attend one of those camping shows you’ve heard about, Connecticut’s a great place to do so. It’s got one of the largest RV shows in the northeast, and it’s held in the great city of Hartford — which has so much to offer after you’re done checking out the expo!
You’ll also enjoy other popular events and expos in Connecticut — many of which are boat shows, which makes sense since Connecticut has a long and storied seafaring history. Although a boat show isn’t the same thing, obviously, as a motorhome show or travel trailer show, you’ll still meet like-minded wanderers and perhaps encounter some new technology that could help make your camping experience better. Plus, it’s just fun to walk around a big event and see all the vehicles!
So, ready to find some fun things to do while you’re in Connecticut?
Here are some of our favorite camper and RV shows in the state — and a boat show we can’t help but recommend to everybody.
1. Northeast RV & Camping Show
When it comes to RV camper shows in the northeastern U.S., Hartford-held Northeast RV & Camping Show is one of the premier options. The show “will feature over 140,000 square feet of the latest in recreation vehicles, travel trailers, pop-up campers, camping supplies, accessories, campgrounds and travel information centers.”
All of Connecticut’s top RV dealers are sure to be there, presenting dozens of different motorhomes and travel trailers for you to explore and walk through.
Why you’ll love the Northeast RV & Camping Show
Although the organizers haven’t yet published their list of which dealers and exhibitors will be present this January, this well-regarded event is sure to draw a huge population of vendors. You’ll get the chance to walk through and explore a wide variety of RV makes, models, sizes, and styles, not to mention shopping and learning about accessories and technologies that can improve your camping comfort or increase the longevity of your vehicle.
Even if you’re not in the market for a new rig, you’ll find the Northeast RV & Camping Show informative and interesting. Dozens of campground representatives will be on hand to give you information about fun, new spots and RV parks to explore across Connecticut, and beyond. Who knows? Maybe your next great adventure is just around the corner!
Finally, don’t forget that this camping show takes place in Hartford, the state’s capital and also its second-most-populous city. It’s home to a ton of can’t-be-missed tourist sites, including the Mark Twain House and the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, not to mention several of the country’s most beautiful public parks and live entertainment venues.
Northeast RV & Camping Show Information
- Location: The Connecticut Convention Center 100 Columbus Blvd, Hartford, Connecticut 06103
- Dates: January 26th-28th, 2024
- Contact: Online Form
- Tickets: Adults are $15 and Children (under 15) are free
2. Annual Wooden Boat Show
Planning a mystical summer getaway in Mystic? Don’t miss this unique and educational expo.
Why you’ll love the Annual Wooden Boat Show
No, wooden boats don’t have anything to do with RV camping… but the handiwork and craftsmanship that goes into their creation is just stunning. There are no other boat shows like this one in America, so if you’re in Connecticut in June, you should make sure not to miss it!
But even if you don’t want to get quite that hands-on, tons of activities and demonstrations will entertain your whole family — and teach them something, too!
You can watch skilled blacksmiths work their magic or tour life-size and historically accurate recreations of famous ships like the Mayflower. There are some incredible speeches, lectures, and seminars planned for the weekend, too!
Although it’s not exactly an RV Show, this boat show is Connecticut, through and through — so if you really want to get a taste of the local flavor, we can’t recommend any other expo more highly. (Besides, you know you don’t want to miss Mystic, anyway!)
Annual Wooden Boat Show Information
- Location: The Mystic Seaport 75 Greenmanville Avenue, Mystic, Connecticut 06355
- Dates: June 28th-30th, 2024
- Contact: [email protected]
- Tickets: TBA in March 2024
We hope this post has convinced you that Connecticut is an incredible place to take an RV getaway, and also home to some of the most exciting and unique expos — both for campers and simply curious adventurers — in the world.
If you don’t already have an RV of your own, you may find your dream rig at an RV show. But if you’re not quite ready to commit to the lifestyle that fully, you could also consider renting an RV in Connecticut. The state offers many opportunities to RV renters, both from large, corporate dealerships and through RVshare’s peer-to-peer, by-owner RV rental market.
Renting an RV through RVshare is a perfect way to get a taste of the RVing lifestyle before you decide you’re ready to buy a rig of your own. By renting several different RVs over the course of a few vacation seasons, you can get a better idea of what features and add-ons are actually helpful for you and your family’s travel style, and which size, type, shape, make, and model of RV will offer you the best camping experience for your investment.
RVshare rigs are also usually available at lower prices than their commercial dealership counterparts, since regular people like you and I own these rigs. They don’t have to worry about the expense of running a business, which means they can afford to list their RVs for rent for a fraction of big dealerships’ prices. They’re also usually well-appointed and cozy — after all, these people actually use them for their own vacations, too!
Finally, we realize that Connecticut doesn’t have the largest list of RV shows to choose from. But fortunately, when you’re in the northeast, another state is never very far away! The United States is perhaps the country where RVing is most popular, and RV shows and expos are held throughout the year in many different American cities and states. If you want to find a camping show in your area, you can google “RV shows near me” to learn about any upcoming events you don’t want to miss.
But as always, it’s worthwhile to stay open-minded — which is why we’ve suggested a few non-RV shows in Connecticut in this post. Sure, building a wooden boat or bass fishing might not be something you’ve ever done before, and it might not even be in your comfort zone. But by learning about new outdoorsy activities and things to do, you may just stumble upon a passion you didn’t even know you had!
After all, at one point, you’d never even gone RVing before, right?
Psst — want to double down on your adventure? Check out some of the following RV road trip destinations and guides for Connecticut!
- The Ultimate Guide to RV Camping in Connecticut
- The Top 20 Bucket List Destinations in Connecticut
- Boondocking in Connecticut
- Top 10 Landmarks in Connecticut
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.
