If you’re active in the RV lifestyle, you’re probably familiar with RV Shows. The most popular ones are held every year in Tampa, Hershey, and Quartzite. But did you know there are other events called RV rallies designed to provide opportunities to connect with fellow RVers?
Although there may be a few RVs for sale at these events, the focus is to create a safe space to find other travelers like you. They either own the same RV brand, travel to the same parts of the country, or are in the same season of life.
Let’s take a look at ten of the best RV rallies in 2023, so you can make plans to attend and form connections while on the road!
What Is an RV Rally?
An RV rally, unlike an RV show, is centered on community. Usually, this community centers around the brand, like an RV rally for Airstream owners or an RV rally for Forest River owners.
Certain RV clubs will hold rallies for membership, like Escapees, Fulltime Families, and FMCA. No matter who hosts the rally, the purpose is the same: to connect with other RVers and meet like-minded travelers. These rallies can be extensive, covering a week full of seminars, potlucks, and special events.
Who Can Attend An RV Rally?
Some RV rallies are open to anyone. Others are only for members or owners. For example, Skooliepalooza is open to anyone who would like to attend, whether you have a skoolie or not. Alumapalooza is the same. You don’t have to own an Airstream to attend.
On the other hand, when rallies are sponsored by membership clubs for their members, only members can attend. For example, you must be a member of Fulltime Families to participate in any of the RV rallies throughout the year.
The 10 Best RV Events in 2023
Below is a wide selection of RV rallies ranging from member-only events to events open to everyone. There are dozens of other rallies held by all kinds of groups and manufacturers. So, if you’re looking for something specific, a quick Google search will provide opportunities for you to connect with other like-minded travelers.
1. 2023 International Rally by The Airstream Club
Location: June 24 to 30, 2023
Date: Rock Springs, WY
Price: $375 for an RV site, $125 per adult, $50 per child, $75 per youth
About: The Sweetwater Events Complex is a 400-acre property with multi-purpose buildings, 1,200 RV spots, an indoor arena, a stock car track, and more. During the rally, Airstream Club International members can mingle with one another and enjoy a vintage Airstream parade. They can also browse products from vendors, view Airstreams for sale, and more.
In addition, there are events just for kids, like an ice cream social, games, movie nights, and more. If you’re not ready to leave on July 1, a special Stay & Play package is available for as low as $20 per day.
This Event Is Best For: This RV rally is open to Airstream Club International members only. To register, you have to log in to your account. If you’re a member, the event is great for the entire family, as there are events for children and adults.
2. Xscapers Arizona Wine Country Convergence
Location: Sonoita, AZ
Date: April 15 to 22, 2023
Price: $225 to $325 for an RV site, $50 per adult, $20 per child (ages 10 to 17)
About: Held at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, this RV rally features a bus tour with several stops at local wineries, open mic night, live entertainment, a brewery takeover, a corn hole tournament, and more. Attendees also enjoy a lot crawl, which is a fan-favorite where members stroll around the lots grabbing snacks and drinks with fellow Xscapers.
This Event Is Best For: This event is only open to Xscapers. If you’re part of the Escapees RV Club, you can bring your whole family to this event in Arizona. For people who work remotely while they travel, Xscapers events are ideal because they usually don’t have activities during the working day.
3. Skooliepalooza 2023: the ungathering
Location: Ehrenberg, AZ
Date: January 23 to 29, 2023
Price: Free
About: The most laid-back RV rally on this list is Skooliepalooza. It’s a non-event focused on welcoming anyone who wants to come set up their RV in a particular area. There’s no cost because there are no special events or camping fees.
If you’re looking for an unstructured, unofficial RV rally where everyone is responsible for themself, this is the place. Note that each person is responsible for any permits to access the public land.
This Event Is Best For: This non-event is open to anyone, regardless of RV brand or type. If you want a schedule of events and hours of entertainment, this isn’t the RV rally for you. But if you’re a free spirit who just wants to connect with others with no timetable or expectation, check out Skooliepalooza.
4. Alumapalooza
Location: Jackson Center, OH
Date: September 5 to 10, 2023
Price: $545 for an RV site, $140 per adult. Kids 15 years and under are free.
About: Although Alumapalooza is at the Airstream, Inc. factory in Ohio, it’s open to anyone who wants to attend. Each year, attendees participate in seminars, enjoy live entertainment, take factory tours, and more.
There are door prizes, gifts, and unlimited opportunities to socialize and connect with other RVers.
This Event Is Best For: If you’ve ever considered purchasing an Airstream or hope to one day make the leap to Airstream ownership, this is a great RV rally to attend. You can take a factory tour and chat with Airstream owners about their experiences.
5. RVW National Convention
Location: Salem, OR
Date: September 16 to 24, 2023
About: RVing Women is an organization for women interested in the RV lifestyle. The chapter rallies and national conventions are only open to women aged 18 and older. Although you can attend a chapter rally before becoming a member, you have to be a member of RVW to attend a national convention.
At the convention, there are winery tours, food trucks, classes, vendor exhibits, and more. The women also gather to remember members who have passed away during the last year.
This Event Is Best For: For women who travel alone or caravan with other women, RVW is a great organization to be part of because of its dedication to the RVing experience for women. If you’re looking to connect with other women who also travel, the RVW National Convention is a great place to do so.
6. Escapees Escapade
Location: Tucson, AZ
Date: March 19 to 24, 2023
Price: $285 to $460 for RV site
About: Held at the Pima County Fairgrounds, the Escapees Escapade is a huge event sponsored by brands like Dometic, Winnebago, Battle Born Batteries, RV Life, and other top-name companies in the industry. Attendees can sit in technical and lifestyle seminars, workshops, and discussion panels.
There’s also live entertainment, door prizes, and plenty of opportunities to socialize. SmartWeigh is also one of the perks of being an Escapees member. This program offers the most accurate reading of your rig’s weight and provides one-on-one consultations.
This Event Is Best For: Open only to Escapees members, the Escapade RV rally is one of the most attended events in the country. From solo travelers to families to retirees, you’ll find people with which to connect.
7. FROG International Rally
Location: Goshen, IN
Date: August 13 to 19, 2023
Price: Not yet released
About: FROG is the Forest River Owners’ Group. This RV rally welcomes all Forest River owners across all RV classes, from travel trailers to Class A motorhomes. This event features lots of food, entertainment, and guided tours through Amish country and other northern Indiana attractions. Attendees can participate in seminars and shop vendors throughout the six days.
This Event Is Best For: FROG puts owners in contact with other owners of Forest River products. This connection through the brand creates community and helps with troubleshooting and answering questions.
It costs nothing to be a member of FROG. So if you own a Forest River RV, consider joining for free so you can attend the International Rally.
8. FMCA’s 106th International Convention & RV Expo
Location: Perry, GA
Date: March 15 to 18, 2023
Price: $250 to $720 for RV site
About: Held at the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter, the FMCA International Convention & RV Expo is similar to other RV rallies. It provides educational opportunities with seminars and workshops. There are fun events like entertainment and chapter gatherings. And attendees also have access to RV displays and exhibits.
This Event Is Best For: You don’t have to be a member of FMCA to attend this RV rally. However, you won’t be able to register online. You’ll need to call to get registered. You also don’t have to stay on-site with your RV. There are daily tickets available.
9. Fulltime Families Balloon Experience Albuquerque
Location: Albuquerque, NM
Date: October 2 to 15, 2023
Price: $600 for an RV site, $75 per person
About: Fulltime Families hosts events and gatherings throughout the year. This particular event at the Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque is one of the most well-attended.
There are daily activities scheduled at the Balloon Fiesta itself. However, Fulltime Families also sponsors kid’s themed activities such as a dance party, arts and crafts, education sessions with balloon pilots, and shared meal times. All Fulltime Families members are placed together in the dry camping area.
This Event Is Best For: You must be a member of Fulltime Families to participate in sponsored events. This is a great organization for traveling families who want to connect with other traveling families. Like RVW is dedicated to providing a positive RVing experience for women, Fulltime Families is dedicated to providing a positive RVing experience for parents and children.
10. GDRV National Rally
Location: Goshen, IN
Date: August 28 to 31, 2023
Price: $425 for RV site
About: Like Forest River and Airstream, the GDRV National Rally is for brand owners only. The rally fee includes four dinners and four breakfasts, live music, access to vendors and exhibits, and more.
There are also opportunities to chat with Don Clark and the GDRV team. Technicians will also be available to make minor repairs. Owners can request up to three repairs during the rally. After registering, you can purchase additional tours, including plant tours, museum tours, and Amish tours.
This Event Is Best For: You must attend the GDRV National Rally with a Grand Design RV. If you have a travel trailer, fifth wheel, or toy hauler made by Grand Design, you’re welcome and encouraged to register to connect with other Grand Design RV owners.
Why Should You Attend a 2023 RV Event?
Although many RV owners never attend an RV rally, it’s a great way to connect with other like-minded people. Whether you’re a retired couple, a solo traveler, or a single parent with children, RV events in 2023 will provide educational opportunities and entertaining activities.
They’re also great places to ask questions about the RV lifestyle and get troubleshooting help if needed.
Are RV Events Worth It?
RV events are so much fun! Depending on the specific event, there are activities for children and teens, and winery tours and late-night socials for adults. You can attend an event with a full itinerary or an event with no itinerary. The point is to connect with others. So find a place where you’ll fit in and be able to learn more and share more about the RV lifestyle.
Which 2023 RV rally are you most interested in?
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