RV Shows in February & March 2026: Dates, Locations, What to Expect, and How to Prepare

February and March are two of the most important months of the year for RV buyers and sellers. Dealers are positioning inventory for spring, buyers are finishing research, and RV shows offer a rare chance to compare many models in one place.

At RVbig, we help RV buyers and sellers understand real market demand before making a decision, and RV shows are often where that process starts.

🗓 Last updated: Feb 2026
✍️ Author: RVbig Editorial Team

🧭 Table of Contents

• Why February and March Matter for RV Shopping
• RV Shows in February and March 2026
• How to Prepare for Any RV Show (Quick Checklist)
• After the RV Show: What Most Buyers Miss
• How RVbig Helps Before and After a Show
• FAQ
• Final Takeaway

📈 Why February and March Matter for RV Shopping

For most buyers, this window is where research shifts into decisions:

• New inventory appears as dealers plan for spring and summer demand.
• Buyers can compare many floorplans and brands side by side.
• Regional preferences become obvious quickly (cold-weather builds, lightweight trailers, off-grid features).
• Sellers can gauge what kinds of units are drawing attention before listing.

If you go in with a plan, RV shows can shorten your timeline and improve deal quality. If you go in without a plan, they can create decision fatigue and impulse buys.

🗺️ RV Shows in February and March 2026

Below are major shows taking place in February and March 2026, plus what attendees typically encounter.

🏛️ Greater Philadelphia RV Show (Feb 26 - Mar 1, 2026)

• Dates: February 26 - March 1, 2026
• Location: Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, Oaks, Pennsylvania
• Best for: East Coast buyers who want broad brand comparison before spring

One of the largest RV shows on the East Coast, this event draws buyers from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland.

What to expect

• Strong presence from regional East Coast dealer groups.
• Mainstream family-focused inventory, including travel trailers, compact fifth wheels, and Class C motorhomes.
• Units often configured for Northeast campground constraints and storage realities.
• Lots of side-by-side comparison opportunities for buyers narrowing a shortlist.

❄️ Milwaukee RV Show (Feb 26 - Mar 1, 2026)

• Dates: February 26 - March 1, 2026
• Location: Wisconsin State Fair Park, West Allis, Wisconsin
• Best for: Buyers prioritizing durability, insulation, and practical ownership

The Milwaukee RV Show is a long-running Midwest staple, shaped by colder climates and functional buying habits.

What to expect

• Frequent emphasis on cold-weather and shoulder-season capability.
• Features like enclosed underbellies and stronger heating systems.
• Fewer ultra-light or minimalist builds than many coastal shows.
• Dealer conversations that focus on long-term reliability and ownership value.

💰 Springfield RV Mega Show (Feb 27 - Mar 1, 2026)

• Dates: February 27 - March 1, 2026
• Location: Ozark Empire Fairgrounds, Springfield, Missouri
• Best for: Buyers who want dense inventory and price comparison leverage

The Springfield RV Mega Show is known for a deal-focused atmosphere and concentrated model overlap.

What to expect

• Multiple dealers carrying similar or overlapping models.
• Strong representation of Midwest-built brands and regional manufacturers.
• Inventory often tailored for regional and local travel, not just long-haul touring.
• Many buyers arrive with a shortlist and use this show to tighten it quickly.

☀️ The Big RV Show (Mar 5 - 8, 2026)

• Dates: March 5 - 8, 2026
• Location: Cal Expo, West Sacramento, California
• Best for: West Coast buyers focused on efficiency, towability, and outdoor-first use

One of California's largest RV events, The Big RV Show reflects West Coast camping preferences.

What to expect

• Strong representation of lighter RVs, compact motorhomes, and half-ton-towable trailers.
• Many units marketed as solar-ready or off-grid capable.
• Floorplans designed around state parks, boondocking, and outdoor use patterns.
• Frequent buyer questions around weight ratings, power systems, and efficiency.

🌲 NYS Spring RV Show (Mar 5 - 8, 2026)

• Dates: March 5 - 8, 2026
• Location: New York State Fairgrounds, Syracuse, New York
• Best for: Northeast buyers preparing for summer trip planning

The NYS Spring RV Show is a key season opener across the Northeast.

What to expect

• Family bunkhouse travel trailers and mid-range fifth wheels are common.
• Dealer inventory positioned for early spring and pre-summer delivery.
• Many units configured for mixed seasonal conditions.
• For many households, this show marks the shift from research mode to purchase mode.

🌴 Ocala RV Show (Mar 5 - 8, 2026)

• Dates: March 5 - 8, 2026
• Location: Florida Horse Park, Ocala, Florida
• Best for: Buyers considering extended stays, seasonal use, or retirement-oriented travel

The Ocala RV Show benefits from Florida's climate and attracts a distinct buyer profile.

What to expect

• Strong Class A and Class C representation, plus destination trailers and park-model style units.
• Floorplans that emphasize airflow, shade, and outdoor living.
• Less emphasis on heavy cold-weather insulation than northern shows.
• High interest from snowbirds, retirees, and longer-duration travelers.

✅ How to Prepare for Any RV Show (Quick Checklist)

Before you go

1. Set a realistic all-in budget, not just purchase price.
2. Include insurance, storage, maintenance, accessories, and tax/fees in that budget.
3. Confirm tow vehicle limits or licensing requirements in advance.
4. Decide your objective: buy now, or build a shortlist for post-show comparison.
5. Make a short list of must-have features versus nice-to-have features.

While you are at the show

1. Take photos of spec sheets, floorplans, and option lists.
2. Ask for out-the-door pricing, not just headline discounts.
3. Compare at least three similar units to avoid tunnel vision.
4. Track key numbers consistently: weight, cargo capacity, tank sizes, MSRP, show pricing.
5. Take notes on dealer responsiveness and clarity, not just unit specs.

After the show

1. Step back and compare options without event pressure.
2. Re-check availability, fees, and financing structure after the show.
3. Avoid impulse purchases unless value is truly exceptional and terms are clear.
4. Revisit your budget with real numbers collected during the event.

💡 After the RV Show: What Most Buyers Miss

RV shows are excellent for hands-on comparison, but they are only one part of the decision process.

Many buyers use shows to:

• Learn the market
• Shortlist realistic options
• Understand feature tradeoffs in person

Then they finalize decisions after the show, when they can compare pricing and demand without urgency. That gap between seeing RVs and committing is often where the strongest decisions happen.

🤝 How RVbig Helps Before and After a Show

If a show helped you narrow your options, RVbig helps you pressure-test those options with real market responses:

• Buying next: Submit your requirements on RVbig Buy to compare dealer offers after you already know what you want.
• Selling first: Use RVbig Sell to understand current demand and compare dealer offers for your existing unit.
• Need financing clarity: Pair this with RV Financing 101 (2026).
• Replacing your RV: Also read How to Sell My RV Online (2026) for a cleaner transition plan.

❓ FAQ

Are RV show prices always the best prices of the year?

Not always. Show pricing can be competitive, but the best value depends on total terms, fees, inventory age, and financing structure.

Should I buy at the show or wait?

If the unit, terms, and timing clearly fit your plan, buying can make sense. If not, use the show for comparison data and evaluate offers calmly afterward.

What should I bring to an RV show?

Bring your budget range, tow-vehicle details, checklist of must-have features, and a note-taking system for side-by-side comparisons.

Is one RV show enough to make a decision?

Sometimes, yes. But many buyers benefit from using one show to shortlist and then validating pricing and availability with follow-up dealer quotes.

What do sellers gain from attending an RV show?

Sellers can see what inventory is attracting attention, identify feature trends, and better estimate demand before listing their own RV.

🚀 Final Takeaway

February and March RV shows can be a major advantage if you use them as decision tools, not pressure events. Compare intelligently, collect real data, and make final decisions after you have reviewed total cost and fit.

If you are ready to act after a show, start with RVbig Buy or RVbig Sell and compare real options with clearer market context.

Note: Event details can change. Always verify dates and venue information with official event organizers before travel.