Sandwiched between the bigger states of Virginia and Pennsylvania (and a few smaller ones, like West Virginia, Delaware, and New Jersey), Maryland can be easy to overlook.
But as an avid RV camper, you’d be doing yourself a serious disservice! Maryland isn’t just home to some of the finest crab you’ll ever eat — it’s also got some of the country’s finest cities, not to mention state parks with views and outdoor pursuits that will knock your socks off.
The great thing about camping in Maryland is that you can find yourself doing pretty much anything. From sand dunes dotted with sea grass on the eastern coast, to the hills, valleys, and oak forests in the state’s center, all the way to the stunning mountains in the west, it’s not hard to see why the state has earned the nickname “America in Miniature.” Want to hit the slopes and go skiing? You can do it — and find yourself taking in the breathtaking sight of the Atlantic Ocean on a world-class beach just a day or so later.
One of the best ways to explore such a diverse state is to go RVing, because it allows you the flexibility to travel at your own pace and head anywhere the highway system can take you. You’re not bounded by the routes of a public transit system or tied to the itinerary set by an airline. You can simply relax, calling all the shots about where you’re going and when you’ll get there… all while having the comfort and convenience of your own bed and bathroom on board.
If you don’t own an RV of your own, not to worry: There are many available RV rentals in Maryland. Whether you shop for your dream vacation rig on the peer-to-peer market or turn to large, commercial dealerships, there’s no shortage of travel trailers, campers, motorhomes, and conversion vans for you to explore the Maryland countryside in.
Of course, if you’ve been camping for a while and are serious about the lifestyle, it might be time to upgrade to a rig of your very own. And if that’s the case, there’s nowhere better to head than to one of Maryland’s RV shows.
RV shows are a great way to shop for a new rig because they allow you to view so many different makes and models all under the same roof. A variety of Maryland RV dealers will be present to show you around and answer your questions, so you’ll have a multiplicity of options — and you won’t feel pressured to sign any papers before you’re done fully exploring them all.
RV shows take place across the country, but although Maryland may be a small state, it does host a few of its own. So if you find yourself in the Chesapeake Bay State, here are the RV and camping expos you don’t want to miss — whether or not you’re in the market to buy a new rig.
1. The Maryland RV Show
The annual Maryland RV Show held at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium is coming up quickly — and you don’t want to miss it!
This show will feature all the new RV and camper models, including Class A, Class B, and Class C motorhomes in full-size, mini, and low-profile configurations. You’ll also be able to shop for van campers, conversion vans, conventional travel trailers, fifth wheels, and folding or pop-up trailers.
In short, if you’re in the market for a new rig and you’re in the mid-Atlantic coastal area, this motorhome show is the perfect opportunity for you to find your next adventure vehicle.
Why You’ll Love the Maryland RV Show
Not only is this camper and RV show the largest RV show in Maryland — it also offers some of the very best prices on new and pre-owned motorhomes and trailers you’ll find anywhere along the eastern seaboard. In fact, its organizers promise to offer the “lowest prices on the east coast” verbatim!
And don’t think that low cost means you’ll be buying low quality. Many of Maryland’s top RV dealers will be represented at the show, and they’ll offer reputable and attractive brands, including the following:
- Crossroads
- Cruiser
- Dutchmen
- Forest River
- Gulfstream
- Heartland
- Keystone
- Jayco
- Newmar
- Thor
- Tiffin
- Winnebago
- and many others!
The website states, “Your hometown Maryland RV Dealer will meet or beat any Hershey RV deal at the Timonium Fairgrounds RV SUPER SALE!” That means you don’t need to worry about making a time-consuming and exhausting trip out of state or deal with the hassle of delivery… you’re lucky enough to be able to say, “I have one of the country’s best RV shows near me!”
And since the Maryland RV Show is held centrally in Timonium, you’ll find yourself able to get to it easily no matter what part of the state you call home. Better yet, you can turn it into a fun weekend in Baltimore… or travel out to nearby Patapsco Valley State Park or Prettyboy Reservoir Park for a more laid-back, nature-oriented getaway.
This RV camper show is produced by the Maryland Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association, a group of local Maryland RV dealers who’ve been bringing you the best prices on high-quality vehicles since they were incorporated in the 1960s.
“Our goal is to ensure the growth and enjoyment of a quality RV experience for our customers throughout Maryland and the United States,” says the organization’s website. “To that end, we ensure our members remain committed to providing the highest quality products & service.”
In short, you’re not going to buy a lemon when you purchase your next rig through this prestigious association. You’re in good hands!
Maryland RV Show Information
- Location: Maryland State Fairgrounds 2200 York Road, Lutherville-Timonium, Maryland 21093
- Dates: February 16th-19th and February 23rd-25th, 2024
- Contact: (443) 442-6114
- Tickets: Can be purchased online in advance or with cash only at the gate. See the website for a breakdown.
2. The Baltimore Boat Show
This one’s not a camper show or travel trailer show, per se… but Maryland is well-known for its boating and fishing history, and if you’re looking to get a real taste of what the state has to offer, you’d do well to visit this well-known and -loved annual expo!
Why You’ll Love the Baltimore Boat Show
Even if you’re a total landlubber, you’ll find tons of exciting and fun things to do at the Baltimore Boat Show — enough to keep the whole family occupied and interested.
Here are just a few of the fun events the organizers that have been featured:
- 7th Annual Crab Pickin’ Contest
- Women at the Wheel
- Fishing and Boating Seminars
- SUP Experience (hosted by Mantra Fit)
- Jr. Captain’s Program
- Kids’ Nautical Fun
In other words, if you or your family has ever wanted to learn more about what it takes to be a courageous seafarer, this is the perfect opportunity. The kid-friendly programs are specially designed to help your children learn more about all things nautical… while having a blast!
You’ll also have the opportunity to win exciting prizes. For instance, if you’re declared the winner of the annual Crab Pickin’ contest, you’ll receive a fishing trip with Wicked Tuna’s Dale Lisi aboard his vessel, Foolish Pleasures. But you can also enter to win a variety of valuable prizes at random at the door.
The exhibit will be frontlined by boat and yacht dealers, of course, but while you wander around the expo hall, you’ll also find vendors and exhibitors peddling grills, bicycles, magazines and more — so there’s sure to be something to fit your interests.
Besides, you got into RVing in the first place because you’re adventurous, right? Who knows? You may just get bitten by the boating bug.
This show takes place at the Baltimore Convention Center in urban Baltimore — which means it’s a great opportunity for you to explore one of the state’s largest and most bustling cities! Head to the National Aquarium for the chance to observe and learn more about a variety of marine wildlife, or get hands-on with history at Fort McHenry. And don’t forget how close you are to the nation’s capital in Washington, D.C. — you could make the whole trip into an education in history, government, politics, and culture if you have young children.
On the other hand, of course, it’s equally tempting to escape to one of the many Maryland state and RV parks in the Baltimore area. Explore nearby North Point State Park or a relaxing trip to Wildwood Beach… or head further afield to a totally different landscape, like State Mountain.
The Baltimore Boat Show Information
- Location: The Baltimore Convention Center 1 West Pratt Street (on the Charles Street side), Baltimore, Maryland 21201
- Dates: TBA
- Contact: [email protected]
- Tickets: TBA
Maryland might not be home to the vastest array of camping shows, but the RV shows it does host boast competitive pricing, high-quality vehicles, and friendly, committed local dealers. You’ll be sure to have a great experience when you purchase your next RV at a Maryland camping show… not least because many of the dealers guarantee they’ll meet or beat prices you find elsewhere!
Whether you find yourself drawn to the state’s marshy coastline, the unique cultural gems that are its big cities, or even its rural, wild, and wonderful western portion, Maryland is a cornucopia of opportunity for the curious adventurer — and there’s no better way to see it than in an RV.
Good luck finding your next rig!
Psst — want to double down on your adventure? Check out some of the following RV road trip destinations and guides for Maryland!
- The Ultimate Guide to RV Camping in Maryland
- The Top 28 Bucket List Destinations in Maryland
- Boondocking in Maryland
- Top 10 Landmarks in Maryland
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.
