If you haven’t yet taken the time to explore the great state of North Carolina in your RV, you’re seriously missing out.
From the east side’s devastatingly gorgeous Atlantic coastal beaches to the mountains whose mystery graces the state’s west, there’s a whole lot to see in the Tar Heel state. Spend a summer afternoon with your toes in the sand after climbing a historic lighthouse on one of the famous barrier islands known as the Outer Banks. Or, if the ocean isn’t exactly your style, take a trip into the stunning Appalachian mountain range via the Great Smoky Mountain Nationals Park, which straddles the border between this state and its neighbor, Tennessee — and is one of the most popularly-visited National Parks in the country.
Looking for some urban things to do? From artsy Asheville to culture-filled Charlotte, there’s no shortage of world-class dining, museums, and attractions to take advantage of, either. But no matter where you go, you’re only a short drive from some of the most breathtaking and humbling natural landscapes in the country.
Sure, we might be gushing, but let’s face it: North Carolina is pretty awesome. And an RV is the absolute perfect way to travel through its diverse landscapes. Not only is the state home to some incredible North Carolina RV parks and state parks, but it’s also, well, pretty big… which means seeing it at your own pace from the comfort of your private mobile home is the ideal way to go. You won’t have to worry about flying between different state capitals and then finding hotel rooms and accommodations as you venture back into the countryside. Just drive around the state at your leisure, never worrying about where you’ll lay your head or where your next meal is coming from!
Of course, there are many fantastic North Carolina RV rentals available, both from major franchised dealerships and through private owners using the peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace here at RVshare. But over time, you may find yourself wanting to upgrade from renting a rig to owning an RV of your very own. (What can we say? RV camping is kind of addicting… in the very best possible way!)
But buying an RV is a huge investment, and it necessitates a lot of time and energy spent on research. If you’re going to spend tens of thousands of dollars, you want to make sure the rig you buy is just right for you and your family.
One great way to get a lot of that footwork done in a short amount of time, though, is to head to an RV show. These events are held across the nation at large expo centers, convention halls, and fairgrounds, and offer campers and RV dealers the chance to network and make great deals. Best of all, you’ll be able to walk through a wide variety of RV makes, models, shapes, styles, and sizes, which goes a long way toward helping you learn which kind of rig is right for you.
Even if you’re not in the market for a new rig, RV shows are a fun and inexpensive way to learn more about potential destinations and camping equipment, not to mention meeting some other like-minded adventurers along the way.
And if you’re lucky enough to call North Carolina home, guess what? A whole heap of awesome camping shows are held right here in your state.
Here are some of our favorites.
1. to 4. The NCRVDA Shows
It’s no wonder this organization bills its event as the largest RV show in North Carolina — it holds not one, two, or three, but four camper and RV shows annually, all situated across different areas of the state so you never have to wonder, “Why aren’t there ever RV shows near me?”
The NCRVDA, or North Carolina Dealers’ Association, is the main sponsor of the show and is made up of some of the finest RV dealers in the state of North Carolina.
Our professional members make a substantive contribution to the quality of life of all stakeholders — the customers, employees, dealer principals, and the community, RV consumers have high expectations and enjoy reliable products in attractive surroundings, serviced by a network of dealers who support the enjoyable and hassle-free use of RV products.
Sounds like the right kind of people to talk to if you want to attend a killer motorhome show, right? Here’s what you need to know about their events.
Why You’ll Love the NCRVDA Shows
Each and every NCRVDA camping show is held in a state-of-the-art facility featuring hundreds of square feet of exhibitors, including not only North Carolina RV dealers but also local campground representatives, outdoor equipment outfitters, and more. You’ll be able to walk through a variety of RV makes, models, and styles, find the newest camping technology and gadgets, and maybe even discover a few new destinations that might not have been on your radar. There’s a whole lot to see — so much so, in fact, that it’s “almost too many to see in one day,” says the NCRVDA website.
Better yet, the dealers’ representatives will be offering their RVs at special, limited-time show pricing, so the NCRVDA show is a great opportunity to find your dream rig at a steal. The NCRVDA also makes sure to include family-friendly entertainment on each show day to ensure that everyone in your camping party will keep a smile on their face no matter how long you find yourself meandering around the exhibition hall.
Sounds pretty great, right? Here’s the info for all four of the RV camper shows this organization puts on each year.
NCRVDA Show Information: Progressive NCRVDA Greensboro RV Show
Did you know the Greensboro show location is where the NCRVDA’s legacy of stellar travel trailer shows began all the way back in 1990? Come enjoy a visit to this convenient, central location this fall and check out the best and brightest RV models available on the market.
- Location: Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina 1921 West Gate City Boulevard, Greensboro, North Carolina 27403
- Dates: January 4th-7th, 2024
- Contact: 336-317-5538
- Tickets: General Admission (age 13+) $9
- Discounts: Save money on your tickets by purchasing in advance through the NCRVDA website. Servicemen and women score an additional discount on Thursday and Friday. All ticket sales are nonrefundable and must be used for the appropriate date.
NCRVDA Show Information: Charlotte Show
Hankering for a trip to Charlotte? This show gives you the perfect excuse to make it into a full-on weekend getaway. Not only do you score a free “Be Back” pass to attend the show multiple days, but you’ll also have the chance to check out other Charlotte camper favorites — like the NASCAR Hall of Fame, for instance, which no RVer should miss. You’re also an easy drive from beautiful backwoods camping in the Uwharrie and Pisgah National Forests… not to mention the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, of course!
- Location: Park Expo & Conference Center in Charlotte, North Carolina 800 Briar Creek Road, Charlotte, North Carolina 28205
- Dates: January 26th-28th, 2024
- Contact: 336-317-5538
- Tickets: TBA, website
NCRVDA Show Information: Both Raleigh Shows
After you’re done meandering this show, which is held at the official state fairgrounds, check out other Raleigh attractions like Pullen Park or the town’s many fascinating museums. They don’t call the area between Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill the Research Triangle for nothing!
- Location: North Carolina State Fairgrounds in Raleigh, North Carolina 1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, North Carolina 27607
- Dates: February 15th-18th, 2024 and August 22nd-25th, 2024
- Contact: 336-317-5538
- Tickets: TBA, website
5. The Mountain RV, Boat, and Recreation Show
Looking for a camping show that offers a little bit extra? This expo includes RVs and boats — so if you’ve ever been curious about taking your adventures out on the water, you won’t want to miss it!
Why You’ll Love Mountain RV, Boat, and Recreation Show
2024 will be the Mountain RV, Boat, and Recreation Show’s 25th show. You’ll be greeted by a huge array of RV dealers and outdoor adventure equipment sales reps, not to mention regular automotive vendors as well. In short, it’s one of the largest vehicle shows in western North Carolina, and it’s perfect for the open-minded and outdoorsy traveler who wants to learn even more about new ways to take on the world.
Mountain RV, Boat, and Recreation Show Information
- Location: WNC Agricultural Center in Fletcher, North Carolina 1301 Fanning Bridge Road, Fletcher, North Carolina 28732
- Dates: February 2nd – 4th 2024
- Contact: Use this form to contact the show coordinators.
- Tickets: $5 per person. Free for kids 12 and under.
As you can see, North Carolina has no shortage of excellent opportunities if you’re looking to explore an RV show and find your next adventure vehicle. No matter which part of the state you call home — or where in its vast stretches of lovely landscape you’re planning on traveling — there’s an event going on sometime soon that will help you become a better, more well-equipped camper.
Enjoy your stay in the Tar Heel State, no matter where its diverse beauty takes you. (We know you will if you’re going by RV!)
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