Airshows are exciting events to experience with an RV! Many airshows offer on-site camping, so you can see impressive feats of flight, daring performances, and usually some vintage planes or cars up close. Since these are often multi-day events, RVing at the show allows you to easy access to all of the fun and events.
Here are some of the top airshows for camping in 2024-2025.
The Best Airshows by Region
Here are the best airshows for camping across the U.S.A.
Airshows in the South
Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo – Lakeland, Florida
The Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo takes place from April 5-10, 2022 in Lakeland, Florida and it’s 7 days of spectacles. Watch the incredible airshow performers, admire the historical and modern planes during the fly-bys, learn something new at the educator workshops, and stop by all the exhibitors. Park your rig at their campground to make it easy to get back to relax after all the fun. The campsites are on a first come first serve basis and are dry camping. Water, showers, camp store, porta-potties and dump stations are available on site.
Camping at Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo
Park your rig at their campground to make it easy to get back to relax after all the fun. The campsites are on a first come first serve basis and are dry camping. Water, showers, camp store, porta-potties, and dump stations are available at the campground. There are also planned events in the evenings.
JB Charleston Air & Space Expo
The Joint Base Charleston Air & Space Expo will take place on April 25, 2026. The airshow showcases lots of different aircraft with performances, demos, and displays. You can see aerobatics and precision maneuvers and check out vintage and modern aircraft on the ground.
Camping at JB Charleston Air & Space Expo
Camping is now allowed at the Charleston Airshow. There is a campground at Joint Base Charleston for retired military members, 100% disabled veterans, DoD ID card holders, and active duty military members. You can also camp at several top campgrounds in Charleston.
Airshows in the Midwest
EAA AirVenture – Oshkosh, Wisconsin
EAA AirVenture is one of the biggest and best airshows in the country. This Oshkosh airshow runs from July 22 – July 28, 2024 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Watch some of the world’s best aerobatic performers during the day and night airshows, ride in a historic WWII bomber, learn something new at the daily forums and workshops, and enjoy aviation-themed movies at the outdoor theater.
Camping at EAA AirVenture
Make the week even better by booking a camping spot right on-site. EAA members can camp at the Camp Scholler campground. Campground amenities include two grocery stores, free public Wi-Fi hotspots, shower facilities, an RV pumping station, and portable pumping services.
Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival – Battle Creek, Michigan
Celebrate the 4th of July with plenty of planes and fireworks at the Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival. This show takes place in Battle Creek, Michigan from July – 7, 2024. Enjoy both the day and nighttime airshows, fireworks displays, music, hot air balloons, a carnival, and plenty of vendors. You can also see the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Demonstration Team perform.
Camping at Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival
Self-contained vehicles can camp right at the Battle Creek Executive Airport so you’ll be as close as possible to all the events. Pets are allowed at the campground, and guests are allowed to have one RV and one vehicle at their site. These are boondocking accommodations, but there is pumping available for $30. Guests can also purchase five-gallon filled water jugs to refill their tanks.
Duluth Air and Aviation Expo – Duluth, Minnesota
The Duluth Air and Aviation Expo takes place in Duluth, Minnesota from July 5-6, 2025. Watch airshows by the United States Navy Blue Angels, the Air National Guard, Jon Melby, Susan Macy, and other aerial performers. There are also many historic and modern planes to view.
Camping at the Duluth Air and Aviation Expo
Camp right on-site with a weekend camping pass. Passes must be reserved in advance, and all spots are dry camping. Everyone staying at the campground must also have a pass to the air show.
Dayton Air Show – Dayton, Ohio
This year the Dayton Air Show takes place at Dayton International Airport from June 22-23, 2024. Watch the U.S. Navy Blue Angels airshow, as well as the U.S. Air Force F-16 Viper Demo Team, U.S. Army Golden Knights, Tora! Tora! Tora!, and others. Back on the ground you can also watch the air show parade, visit the kids area, take a look at the vendors, or even take a helicopter ride.
Camping at the Dayton Air Show
While there’s no overnight parking for RVs or campers, there is designated parking for your RV during the day. You can find campgrounds in Dayton that will accommodate you for the show.
Cleveland National Air Show – Cleveland, Ohio
The Cleveland National Air Show is a great way to celebrate Labor Day, with dates running from August 31 – September 2. You can watch the Blue Angels and a variety of other aerial performers. On the ground, you can see vintage aircraft, a Tuskeegee Airmen display, a Kiddie Koncourse, and much more
Camping at the Cleveland National Air Show
There is no RV or trailer camping or parking at the air show. However, there are plenty of campgrounds around Cleveland. There is a place for rideshare drivers to drop off passengers, or you can drive your tow vehicle to the airshow.
Chicago Air & Water Show – Chicago, Illinois
The Chicago Air & Water Show is the largest free show of its kind in the U.S. Lakefront views make this an impressive show to watch as a spectator! The U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights will headline this show. The airshow is August 10 & 11, 2024.
Camping at the Chicago Air & Water Show
There is no designated airshow parking or camping, and there is no public beach parking the weekend of the airshow. Attendees can get discounted parking at Millennium Park Garages. You can find several RV campgrounds in Chicago where you can set up camp and venture to the air and water show each day. Chicago can be a difficult city to navigate and park an RV in. Your best bet is to leave your rig parked at the campground and take public transportation, a rideshare, or your tow vehicle (although you’ll still have to find parking near the show).
Airshows in the West
Airshow of the Cascades – Madras, Oregon
Taking place August 23-24, 2024 in Madras, Oregon is the Airshow of the Cascades. This airshow has plenty of aerial performances as well as air planes, vintage planes, and even a car show to view on the ground.
Camping at the Airshow of the Cascades
Dry camping is allowed at the airshow for tents, trailers, and RVs. There are several different campsites to choose from including pull-through and back-in spaces that give you close access to all the shows and events. Campfires are prohibited.
Pacific Airshow – Huntington Beach, California
Coming up October 4-6, 2024 is the Pacific Airshow in Huntington Beach, California. It’s more than an incredible airshow, there’s also a music festival, boat race, and plenty of amazing aerobatic demonstrations from military and civilian display teams.
Camping at the Pacific Airshow
The airshow offers camping packages at the Huntington Beach RV Campground, with water and electric hookups. There is also a dump station on-site. You can reserve sites online ahead of time.
National Championship Air Races and Air Show – Reno, Nevada
If you’re a fan of air races, head to Reno, Nevada October 4-6, 2024 for the National Championship Air Races and Air Show. You can see demos from the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels and the Canadian Royal Air Force Snowbirds. The Air Force F-16 Viper Demo Team and several civilian pilots will also showcase their skills and their aircraft.
Camping at the National Championship Air Races and Air Show
There are several parking areas for RV camping. It’s dry camping but they offer water trucks and sanitary pump trucks every day and you can stay for the entire weekend. You can also look for RV campgrounds in Reno if you’d like more amenities.
Miramar Air Show – San Diego, California
The Miramar Air Show will be September 27-29, 2024. Channel your inner Maverick (this is where he trained in Top Gun, after all!) at this largest military air show. There will be immersive experiences, aircraft and other displays, military demonstrations, and civilian aerobatic acts.
Camping at the Miramar Air Show
There is no on-site camping for the air show, although you can park your RV or trailer for the day while you enjoy the show. There are lots of campgrounds in San Diego where you can stay, however.
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta – Albuquerque, New Mexico
Ok, so this last one isn’t exactly an airplane show…but how about hot air balloons? The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a favorite of RVers, and for good reason! This festival takes place October 5 – 13, 2024 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It’s the biggest balloon festival in the world with over 500 hot air balloons of all shapes and sizes. Watch the balloons take to the sky during the day and even light up the night. There are also skydiving performances, fireworks, photo contests, and a chainsaw carving competition.
Camping at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
RV camping is available on-site. There are sites for dry camping and sites with 30 amp and water hookups. Reservations are required and sell out quickly for this popular event.
If you can’t get reservations on-site, there are lots of other campgrounds in Albuquerque where you can stay during the festival.
Other Great Airshows Around the Country
There are many other awesome airshows across the U.S., and a quick Google search for “airshows near me” can help you discover lots of shows to visit. If you don’t mind parking your rig at a nearby campground or RV park and making a short drive to the event, here are a few other impressive airshows to explore.
- Fort Lauderdale Airshow – Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Fort Wayne Airshow – Fort Wayne, Texas
- OC Air Show – Ocean City, Maryland
- Spirit of St Louis Air Show – St Louis, Missouri
- Tampa Bay Airfest – Tampa Bay, Florida
How to Camp at an Airshow
If you’ve never camped at an airshow there are a few things to remember to make it a great time.
Make Reservations
There are a limited number of campsites at these shows, and they often sell out fast. So make a reservation as soon as possible to lock in a spot. Weren’t able to secure an RV spot on site? Check the local area for other campgrounds. While it won’t be the same as staying at the event, it’s usually not very hard to find RV parks or campgrounds nearby that are an easy drive away.
Prepare to Dry Camp
Often camping at events like these is dry camping. If you’re lucky you’ll have electric hookups, but there’s no guarantee you’ll have water or sewer hookups. Some events like the EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, WI offer sites with water and electric hookups and even have pumping services and grocery stores on site. But other events are your standard dry camping experience with no hookups or amenities.
So come prepared! Empty your gray and black tanks and fill your freshwater tank before you arrive. It’s also a good idea to make a grocery run beforehand to stock up on food before you park. Also, be sure to take a look at any campground rules and regulations for the show.
Need a rig to get you to some of the top airshows? RVshare has an excellent selection of trailers and RVs available to rent. And if this is the first time you’re dry camping, be sure to check out our dry camping tips for beginners to make your trip a success!
