If you’ve ever been there, it’s no newsflash: there’s a whole lot to love about Ohio.
There are few other states where you get such a variety of vacation options in just one region: you can explore world-class museums and enjoy top-notch dining at its urban centers in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Toledo, and Columbus, only to find yourself thoroughly out in the middle of nowhere in just an hour’s drive.
And by “the middle of nowhere,” we mean some of the most beautiful landscape the country holds. From the Hocking Hills’ multicolor fall foliage to the shores of Lake Erie, Ohio’s got so much to offer an RVer… not to mention some of the nicest people in the world. (It’s not just the geographical location that earns the state its nickname, “The heart of it all”!)
You already know why RVing is a fantastic way to see the state, or any part of the country. It’s convenient flexible, and lets you see everything you want to at your own pace. You don’t have to worry about being roped into rigid airline itineraries or dealing with rude service and staff at an abundance of overpriced hotels.
But if you’ve been traveling for a while, you might be looking to upgrade your Ohio RV rental… by purchasing a rig of your very own! Yes, it’s a big decision, but we have to say it’s one of the best ones you can make if you want to invest in adventure for you and your family.
Of course, purchasing an RV is a huge decision, not to mention quite an investment for most of us. How do you make sure you’ve got the right make and model for your travel needs?
Well, one great way to do so is to check out a few RV shows, where multiple RV dealers and related vendors gather under the same roof to offer you the opportunity to scope out tons of different products and ask all the questions your heart desires. And it just so turns out that Ohio is home to several fantastic RV show opportunities.
Here are our favorites.
1. The Ohio RV & Boat Show
This is one of the largest RV shows in the central Ohio area. In fact, the website lists the expo’s tagline as “The largest and longest-running show of its kind in Columbus, Ohio!”
Considering that 2024 will be its 44th year running, we don’t doubt that’s true, and the show certainly draws a crowd. In recent years, as many as 21,000 adventurous campers and outdoorsmen (and women) have attended.
Why You’ll Love the Ohio RV & Boat Show
The Ohio RV & Boat Show is way more than just a motorhome show — although with dozens of top-quality Ohio RV dealers represented, you’re sure to find a ton of great rigs to look through.
But if your adventurous heart has been wandering, don’t worry: You’ll also get to scope out ATVs, motorcycles, and boats of all shapes and sizes at this week-long expo. Hey, it doesn’t hurt to look, right?
That’s not all: “In addition to the Boat and RV dealers, you will find a slew of vendors selling related products like camping gear, equipment and even vacation rentals and campsites,” reads the show’s website. And although we already know how many wonderful RV Parks Ohio has to offer, it can never hurt to learn about even more great destinations.
Plus, you can feel good about your entry fee. Every year, the show donates a portion of its profits to a local charity. To date, they’ve contributed over $200,000 in charitable donations! Recipients include the Ohio Wildlife Center, which works to help save endangered and injured wildlife and also educate people on how to coexist peacefully with our furry and feathered friends.
The Ohio RV & Boat Show Information
- Location: The Ohio Expo Center 717 East 17th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43211
- Dates: January 5th-14th, 2024. See the website for further details.
- Contact: (614) 370-4399
- Tickets: Adults are $15, Children (6–13) are $3, and Children 5 and under are Free.
- Discounts: See the website for special discount days.
2. The All Seasons RV Ohio Super Show
Live in northern Ohio and wondering, “Where can I find RV shows near me?”
Well, we have good news for you — and it’s called the All Seasons RV Ohio Super Show, which takes place annually in downtown Cleveland, Ohio.
Why You’ll Love the All Seasons RV Ohio Super Show
All Seasons is one of the best-known RV dealerships in Ohio, and they offer both high-quality vehicles as well as service, parts, and accessories. They also have some great financing options if you’re not prepared to pay for an RV out of pocket in cash.
This year’s Super Show looks like it’s going to be a great one — you’ll be able to explore tons of different makes and models of travel trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers, and motor coaches too.
Here’s just a taste of what will be available at this travel trailer show:
- Open Range 3X, Roamer, Light and Ultralite Series 5th wheels & trailers
- Arctic Wolf 5th Wheels
- Cherokee travel trailers
- Grey Wolf light-weight trailers & toy haulers
- Wolf Pup ultra-light trailers
- Shamrock expandable travel trailers (hybrids)
- Micro-lite ultra-light trailers
- Sonic ultra-light trailers
- Sport Trek travel trailers
- SylvanSport Go – Camper and Utility Trailer Combo
Best of all, parking is FREE for this event! You can beat a lot of deals, but you can’t beat free.
All Seasons RV Ohio Super Show Information
- Location: The IX Center in Cleveland, Ohio 1 I-X Center Drive, Cleveland, Ohio 44135
- Dates: TBA, last year it was held September 7th-10th, 2023.
- Contact: 330-564-0222
- Tickets: TBA, but last year adults were $15 at the door.
3. The Cincinnati Boat, Sport & Travel Show
Presented by RAM — yes, as in Dodge RAM — this event is way more than a camper and RV show. It also features some of the highest quality motorcycles, ATVs, and trail bikes, not to mention boats of every shape and size you can imagine.
Of course, you’ll also find a vast array of different campers and motorhomes to check out, all available at special show pricing. What more could you ask for out of a camping show?
Why You’ll Love the Cincinnati Boat, Sport & Travel Show
Aside from offering dozens of different RVs and other sport vehicles and boats, the Cincinnati Boat, Sport & Travel Show show is simply a fun event for everyone who’s got an adventurous streak. For instance, you can participate in informative hunting dog seminars and learn more about extreme sports like rock climbing, spelunking, and whitewater rafting.
Cincinnati Travel, Sports and Boat Show Show Information
- Location: The Duke Energy Convention Center 525 Elm Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
- Dates: January 19th-21st and January 24th-28th, 2024
- Contact: 765-641-7712
- Tickets: Can be purchased in advanced or at the door. See this site for more information!
4. The Cincinnati-Dayton RV Show
With over 150 makes and models of RVs to choose from, all offered at special factory discount prices, the Cincinnati-Dayton RV Show is a great way to find your next recreational vehicle just in time for the sunny spring and summer travel months.
And even if you’re not in the market, the event offers a variety of camping seminars and entertainment that will keep the whole family smiling all weekend long!
Why You’ll Love the Cincinnati-Dayton RV Show
And if you’re looking to get into your dream rig as soon as possible, don’t worry: the dealers and exhibitors at the Cincinnati-Dayton RV show offer on-the-spot loan approval and a variety of financing options to fit your needs.
Although the 2020 vendor list has yet to be published, this is one of the most well-attended RV camper shows in Ohio, featuring RVs from all of the nation’s top manufacturers. Don’t miss it!
The Cincinnati-Dayton RV Show Information
- Location: The Dayton Convention Center 22 East 5th Street, Dayton, Ohio 45402
- Dates: February 16th-18th, 2024
- Contact: Contact Form
- Tickets: Adults are $12 and children (16 and under) are free! Parking is $5.
As you can see, there are plenty of fantastic opportunities to check out an RV or travel trailer show, no matter where in Ohio you call home (or are traveling through)!
At many of these shows, you could also get a taste of other adventure travel options, from sport bikes and motorcycles to ATVs, golf carts, and even boats. There’s plenty of adventure out there waiting for you, especially in a state with so many different types of landscapes to explore and conquer.
Finally, keep in mind that even if you’re not in the market for a new vehicle of any type, RV shows are a really fun way to spend a weekend, not to mention getting the chance to meet and connect with other RVers, campers, and outdoorsy adventurers just like you. With thousands of people all gathered together to celebrate the spirit of travel and adventure, it’s impossible not to make at least a friend or two.
No matter which of these RV shows you end up going to — or even if you miss them all in favor of heading to an RV show at another state — enjoy the chance to surround yourself with like-minded people who appreciate the simple beauty of going wherever the wind may take you.
(When you live in Ohio, that wind might not even need to lead very far from home!)
Psst — want to double down on your adventure? Check out some of the following RV road trip destinations and guides for Ohio!
- The Ultimate Guide to RV Camping in Ohio
- The Top 27 Bucket List Destinations in Ohio
- Boondocking in Ohio
- Top 10 Landmarks in Ohio
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.
