With a state nickname like the “Green Mountain State,” you just know Vermont is perfect for RVers. With its lush, rolling landscapes and world-renowned fall foliage, this state is an ever-changing tapestry of adventure for the RVers lucky enough to call it home, or even just to visit.
You might find yourself exploring the shoreline of Lake Champlain or enjoying a swim or kayaking session along its surface, or maybe you’d rather take to the hilly woods in Smugglers’ Notch State Park. And don’t forget about quaint mountain towns filled with family-owned small businesses, boutiques, and restaurants, many of which are serving up breakfast hot with the very freshest, most authentic maple syrup you can find in the world.
To be sure, you probably don’t need much convincing that Vermont is a wonderful place to visit. And RVing is the perfect way to do so. When you travel in your RV, you never have to worry about figuring out which hotel offers the best value for your money or worry about when the sheets were last laundered — or how well the job was done. RVing offers all the privacy and luxury of your own space with the flexibility and liberation of road-tripping at your own pace and with all your favorite gear in tow, whether that’s outdoor adventure items like bicycles or skis or just all your favorite outfits.
RV camping also allows you to save money and experience the comfort of a home-cooked meal on the road. Because let’s face it, even with amazing maple syrup, you can’t eat every meal out and still feel happy and healthy.
There are plenty of wonderful campgrounds and RV parks in Vermont to visit, whether you’re looking for a remote, deserted landscape where you can kick back and relax or something more like an all-inclusive resort. And if you don’t already own an RV of your own, no worries: Vermont RV rentals are in ready supply, both through big, commercial rental dealerships and the peer-to-peer RV rental market right here at RVshare.
Renting an RV is a great way to experience the flexibility and affordability of the camping lifestyle without making the major investment of buying a rig of your own. But for many of us, RV camping is a special enough experience that we soon find ourselves craving it more and more often — often enough that paying rental prices over and over again just doesn’t make sense anymore.
If it’s happened to you, and you’ve been bitten by the camping bug, first of all: welcome! You’re in good company.
But as you know, purchasing an RV is no small investment. Even modest campers can cost tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the inclusions and features you desire.
That’s why camping shows are such a great opportunity for RV buyers, whether it’s your first time or your third. There’s no easier opportunity to visit and walk through so many different makes, models, and styles of RV in the same place and time.
At RV shows, area dealers all gather to display their latest and greatest rigs and to offer them on sale at surprisingly low prices. After all, there’s a lot of competition in a 50,000-square-foot exhibition space — more than at the average dealership floor, to be sure! That means you can find some incredible deals that will enable you to purchase your next vehicle with less financial strain and less stress.
And even if you’re not ready to buy right now, RV shows are filled with all sorts of other exhibitors and vendors all ready to help you make your next camping trip even better. You could learn about a new destination or a new tool or gadget you didn’t already know about, not to mention the simple joy of interacting with other outdoorsy folks like you.
So, ready to visit the best RV shows in the state of Vermont? Here are our recommendations.
1. The Yankee Sportsman’s Classic
Alright, so it’s not a motorhome show — but if you’re a hunter (or just an outdoorsy person who’s been meaning to give it a try), you don’t want to miss the Yankee Sportsman’s Classic, which has been a Vermont tradition for over a quarter of a century. The 2024 show will be its 31st annual!
Why You’ll Love the Yankee Sportsman’s Classic
“The more civilized man becomes, the more he needs and craves a great background of forest and wilderness.”
Quoted by the great poet Ellen Burns Sherman, this is the motto of the Yankee Sportsman’s Classic — and we couldn’t agree more. The organizers have set up the show to help bring you closer and reconnect you with nature in every way possible, not just through hunting and fishing.
For instance, you might start the day at a free seminar on tracking the elusive mature whitetail deer on bare ground, followed up by a presentation laying out everything you never knew you needed to know about ice fishing — but later on, you might find yourself meandering the thousands of square feet of exhibition space that will be filled with vendors and exhibitors hawking all sorts of outdoor goodies, from hunting gear and clothing to RV accessories and camping equipment.
Other exhibitors include the Boy Scouts of America and a variety of area campgrounds, lodges, hunting grounds, and resorts, so you’re sure to leave the show with a better idea about where your next trip will take you — not to mention the skills you need to take on a new outdoor adventure when you go. Plus, many of the hands-on activities and presentations are specifically designed with children in mind, so you don’t have to worry about boring Junior while you’re busy spending hours exploring all the latest outdoorsy gadgets!
All seminars, events, and extras are free for you to participate in under the cost of your entry ticket. So go ahead, let yourself explore!
Yankee Sportsman’s Classic Information
- Location: The Champlain Valley Exposition 105 Pearl Street, Essex Junction, Vermont 05452
- Dates: January 19th-21st, 2024
- Contact: [email protected]
- Tickets: Adults are $13, Children (3-12) are $5, and Children (under 3) are free.
As you can see, Vermont doesn’t have the largest selection of RV shows in the country… but it does have some reputable, high-quality dealers who regularly attend the well-loved shows it hosts.
For more details about other RV shows in your area, you can search for “RV shows near me” and check out RVshare’s archive of RV shows by state. Don’t forget, you’re in the northeast, which means you’re pretty close by to your neighbors! Be sure to check out RV shows going on in New Hampshire, New York, and Maine.
Psst — want to double down on your adventure? Check out some of the following RV road trip destinations and guides for Vermont!
- The Ultimate Guide to RV Camping in Vermont
- The Top 26 Bucket List Destinations in Vermont
- Boondocking in Vermont
- Top 10 Landmarks in Vermont
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.
