National Book Festival
The National Book Festival is one of the country’s leading literary events. Everyone from bestselling authors and passionate readers to poets and illustrators comes together for a full day of book signings, conversations, and interactive activities. Hosted by the Library of Congress, the 2026 National Book Festival will take place on August 22 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. Traveling by RV is a convenient way to explore the country's capital while enjoying one of the nation's largest celebrations of reading and storytelling. This festival is ideal for families, educators, lifelong readers, and writers; anyone who enjoys discovering new authors and books will have a great time here.
ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT
The National Book Festival features author talks and book signings, with panel discussions throughout the day. Explore themed areas dedicated to specific genres, and attend presentations by acclaimed writers. The event is a favorite annual tradition for readers across the nation who come to participate in interactive exhibits designed to promote literacy and lifelong learning.
ON-SITE AMENITIES
Throughout the convention center, you'll find everything from on-site eateries to food vendors and book sales to seating areas and ADA restrooms. Information booths will tell you about the festival, literature, and authors. Visit the Accessibility & Information station for ASL help, braille programs, tactile maps, Quiet Room details, and other ADA-related support.
LOCATION
The Walter E. Washington Convention Center is located at 801 Allen Y. Lew Place NW, Washington, D.C. It's in the heart of downtown D.C., so it's easily accessible via public transportation and major highways. The venue is close to many major attractions, including Capitol Hill, the National Mall, and many Smithsonian museums. There's no shortage of historic landmarks to visit. Rent an RV in Washington to explore countless opportunities beyond the festival itself. Spend your extra days exploring museums and monuments, Georgetown and other neighborhoods, or the scenic areas along the Potomac River. Expect parking challenges in downtown Washington. Leaving your vehicles at a campground and using the Metro rail service to access the city is usually a good plan. An August festival means summer weather, when the capital is usually hot and humid. Temperatures commonly reach the upper 80s and 90s. Stay hydrated, and plan indoor activities during the hottest hours. Knowing how to keep bugs out of your RV is also helpful.
RVING AT THE EVENT
Several RV-friendly options are within a reasonable distance of downtown D.C. As a festival attendee staying in an RV, you can combine your visit with sightseeing opportunities throughout the capital area.
Where to Camp Near National Book Festival
Compare campground listings and RV parks before heading to Washington, D.C. Cherry Hill Park in College Park, Maryland, is a very popular option, given its proximity to downtown and access to public transit. Other possibilities for camping close to the city include Bull Run Regional Park in Virginia and Greenbelt Park. It doesn't matter whether you're using a pop-up camper or a travel trailer; the convention center doesn't provide overnight RV camping. Most visitors to the National Book Festival stay at campgrounds outside the city and access the event using public transportation, rideshare services, or nearby parking facilities.
RV Rental Tips for National Book Festival
August is one of the capital's hottest months, making reliable air conditioning essential. Review basic RV maintenance tips before the trip so your a/c is ready. If you're planning a family trip, a larger motor home provides space and comfort everyone can appreciate, but couples or solo travelers often find smaller RVs easier to navigate. Book your RV and campground in advance. Washington attracts visitors year-round, but summer is a peak travel season in the region. Full-hookup campsites can provide more comfort during warm weather.
HOW TO GET THERE
Getting to the National Book Festival is fairly simple by Metro, Amtrak train, car, rideshare or on foot. The venue is located near the Mt. Vernon Square/7th Street-Convention Center Metro station on the Green and Yellow lines, and Gallery Place-Chinatown on the Red Line is about a five-minute walk away. From Baltimore: Take I-95 South or the Baltimore-Washington Parkway. From Charlotte: Take I-85 North before connecting to I-95 North. From Philadelphia: Take I-95 South. From Pittsburgh: Take I-70 East. Then, connect to Washington-area highways. From Richmond: Take I-95 North.
PARKING
Downtown Washington has lots of parking garages, but pricing and availability vary by location. Union Station Garage at 30 Massachusetts Ave NE can accommodate smaller RVs like Class B camper vans, with a height limit of 13 feet via the oversized-vehicle entrance. Verify that oversized-vehicle parking accommodations are available in advance and make reservations if possible.
TICKETS & PRICING
The National Book Festival is open to the public, free of charge. The Book Festival's FAQ says that no-cost entry tickets might be required, but more information about ticketing will be available closer to the date of the event. Follow the Library of Congress's Bookmarked Blog for official festival announcements and updates.
WRAP UP
The National Book Festival presents a unique opportunity to celebrate literature in the country's capital while enjoying a memorable RV experience. This festival delivers something for readers of all ages, whether you're eager to hear from bestselling authors or discover new books. Before and after the festival, you can spend time exploring Washington's monuments and museums. Travel by RV to extend your trip, experience more of the region, and enjoy the flexibility of bringing your accommodations with you. With countless nearby attractions and a full day of literary programming, the National Book Festival is an excellent destination for anyone looking to combine learning and reading with travel and adventure.
3-Day RV Itinerary for National Book Festival
• Day 1: Arrive at your campground to get settled in. Plan a day exploring the capital's monuments, one of the Smithsonian museums, or the National Mall when creating your Washington, D.C. RV itinerary. • Day 2: Block out the full day for the National Book Festival to hear author talks, get your books signed, and participate in various literary activities. In the evening, take a stroll along the waterfront or enjoy dinner in one of Washington's historic neighborhoods. • Day 3: Visit additional attractions before starting home, ranging from the Library of Congress or Arlington National Cemetery to Georgetown or Mount Vernon. Consider a longer RV trip if you want to explore more of the Mid-Atlantic region's charm and history.
Do you manage this event?
Work with RVshare to provide housing for staff, vendors, artists and executives. Earn additional revenue by creating unique VIP/GA turn-key packages for your attendees.
Interested in becoming one of our Corporate and Festival Partners? Fill out the form here.