Why You Should Go To The Florida RV SuperShow

Thinking about RV life? Here’s why the Florida RV SuperShow (Jan 14-18) is perfect for beginners, no pressure, just possibilities.

The Tampa RV SuperShow: 5 Reasons It’s Perfect for RV Newbies

Okay, so I need to tell you about something happening in Tampa right now that has me genuinely excited, and I think you’re going to want to hear about it, too, especially if you are thinking about how to RV Full-Time.

The Florida RV SuperShow is happening January 14-18, and if you’ve been dreaming about the RV life but haven’t quite taken the plunge yet, this might be exactly what you need.

I know, I know. The idea of going to a massive RV show when you’re still figuring out if you even want an RV can feel a bit intimidating.

Like showing up to a party where everyone else seems to know what they’re doing, and you’re still trying to figure out where the bathroom is.

But here’s the thing: this show is actually perfect for people who are exactly where you are right now. Let me explain why.

Two people walk down a palm-lined street between rows of parked RVs at the Florida RV Supershow on a sunny day, with others visible in the background.

Image of an RV life starter checklist offer, featuring a sample checklist and a green arrow pointing toward a prompt to get your free, downloadable checklist for starting your simplified RV living journey.

1. You Can Actually Touch Everything at the Florida RV SuperShow (And Nobody Will Judge You)

Look, I’ve spent hours scrolling through RV listings online, and let me tell you, photos lie. They lie a lot. That cozy dinette? It’s actually uncomfortably small. That “spacious” bathroom? You’ll be doing yoga moves just to brush your teeth.

The only way to really know if an RV works for you is to climb inside, stand in the shower, sit on the toilet, and poke around.

At the Florida RV SuperShow, you’ve got over 1.3 million square feet of exhibit space to explore. That’s not a typo. More than 60 RV manufacturers are bringing their latest models, which means you can walk through motorhomes, check out travel trailers, peek into fifth wheels, and see if toy haulers are your thing, all in one place.

You can open all the cabinets, sit on the couches, test the bed, and figure out if you’re a “I need a full kitchen” person or a “microwave and hot plate will do” person.

And here’s what I love about these shows: everyone is in the same boat. Half the people there are just browsing and dreaming, and the other half are seriously shopping. Nobody knows which category you’re in, and honestly, nobody cares.

You’re free to ask all those “dumb” questions that aren’t actually dumb at all. Trust me, the person next to you is wondering the same thing.

2. The Education Is Actually Useful (Not Just Sales Pitches)

Here’s where this show really shines for newcomers. They’ve got a full schedule of daily seminars covering everything you actually need to know but probably haven’t thought to ask yet.

We’re talking practical stuff: RV safety basics, trip planning for beginners, taking care of your generator, and understanding chassis maintenance.

I’ll be honest with you. When I first started RV life, I didn’t even know what half of these things meant. Generator care? I figured you just… turned it on? Solar systems? Sounded expensive and complicated.

But the reality is, the more you understand about these systems before you buy, the better equipped you’ll be to choose an RV that actually fits your lifestyle and the less stressed you’ll be when something inevitably needs attention.

These seminars aren’t trying to sell you anything. They’re genuinely designed to help you become a more informed and confident RVer. Whether you buy your first RV next month or three years from now, this information is gold.

Take notes, ask questions, and don’t feel bad about not knowing things. We all started somewhere.

3. You Can Meet Real People Living the Life You’re Dreaming About at the Florida RV SuperShow

One of the best parts about the show? There’s a whole area dedicated to RV influencers and content creators (that would be me!) Now, before your eyes glaze over at the word “influencer,” hear me out.

These are real people who are actually living in RVs full-time or traveling extensively. They’ve dealt with breakdowns, figured out campground booking strategies, learned what gear is worth the money, and made all the mistakes you’re hoping to avoid.

This is your chance to have real conversations with folks who aren’t trying to sell you an RV. They can tell you what they wish they’d known before they started, what they’d do differently, and what’s actually as great as it seems in the photos.

You can ask about the hard stuff, too: what does it really cost, how do you handle bad weather, what happens when things break, is it lonely, how do you find community?

I genuinely think this is one of the most valuable parts of attending any RV show. The internet is great for research, but there’s something about looking someone in the eye and asking, “Is this actually doable?” and having them say, “Yes, and here’s how,” that makes it all feel real and achievable.

4. You’ll Get a Reality Check on What Everything Actually Costs

Let’s talk money for a second because this is usually the scariest part of starting your RV journey. RVs range from “I could maybe swing that” to “I’d need to sell a kidney” pretty quickly, and it’s hard to know what’s reasonable until you see actual price tags.

Walking through this show will give you a genuine sense of what different types and sizes of RVs cost, what features drive up the price, and where you might be able to save money.

You’ll also see the accessory exhibitors, and trust me, this is eye-opening. There are 250 accessory exhibitors at this show. That’s 250 companies selling everything from solar panels to fancy camping chairs to water filtration systems to backup cameras.

Some of this stuff you’ll realize you absolutely need. Some of it you’ll want but don’t need right away. And some of it, you’ll wonder who on earth actually buys.

But seeing it all helps you start budgeting realistically for not just the RV itself but all the things that make RV life comfortable and safe.

Plus, many exhibitors offer show specials and discounts. Even if you’re not ready to buy today, you’ll get a sense of what normal pricing looks like versus what a good deal actually is. That knowledge will serve you well when you do start shopping seriously.

5. It’s Actually Fun (And You Might Surprise Yourself)

Here’s my favorite part about the whole thing: it’s genuinely enjoyable. Yes, it’s educational, and yes, you’re there to gather information, but it’s also just fun to walk around and dream a little. There’s live entertainment, food vendors, and people-watching opportunities galore.

You might walk in thinking you want a big Class A motorhome and walk out realizing you’d be happier in a small travel trailer. Or maybe you’ll discover camper vans and realize that’s actually more your speed.

Or perhaps you’ll see a toy hauler and suddenly understand why people are so into them. The point is, you don’t have to have it all figured out before you go. The show will help you figure it out.

And if you’re going with a partner or friend, this is a great way to get on the same page about what you both want. Walking through actual RVs together and saying “this feels too cramped” or “oh, I could see us in this” is way more productive than arguing about specs online.

Practical Stuff You Need to Know About the Florida RV SuperShow

Alright, let’s get down to the details. The show runs from January 14-18 at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa. Hours are 9 am-6 pm Wednesday through Saturday, and 9 am-4 pm on Sunday. That gives you plenty of options for planning your visit.

Tickets are $15 for adults, and here’s a nice perk: that ticket gets you in for two days. So if you get overwhelmed on day one (which is totally normal), you can come back and take your time on day two. Kids under 16 get in free, which is great if you’re considering family RV life.

If you buy your tickets online in advance, you’ll save $2. Not life-changing money, but hey, that’s a fancy coffee.

Here’s something cool that I wish more RV shows offered: they have on-site camping available. It’s first-come, first-served, so you can’t reserve ahead, but if you already have an RV or want to rent one for the experience, you can stay right there at the fairgrounds. This is where we stay.

They’ve got water and electric hookups available. Imagine being able to walk to the show in the morning, take a lunch break in your own space, run and let the furbaby out, and then head back out for the afternoon sessions. Pretty convenient.

What You Should Bring (From Someone Who Learned the Hard Way)

A few practical tips if you decide to go:

Wear comfortable shoes. Seriously. You’re going to be walking on concrete and climbing in and out of RVs all day. This is not the time for your cute-but-painful shoes.

Bring a small notepad or use your phone to take notes. You’re going to see so many RVs that they’ll all start blending together by the end. Jot down model names, prices, and what you liked or didn’t like about each one. We have an RV Comparison checklist.

Take photos. Not of everything, but of the things that really catch your eye. When you’re comparison shopping later, you’ll want to remember why you liked that particular floorplan.

Bring a water bottle and some snacks, even though there are food vendors. You’ll save money and time.

Don’t feel pressured to make any decisions on the spot. This is an information-gathering mission. No matter how good a deal seems, you can walk away, think about it, and come back if you’re still interested.

The Bottom Line: Should You Go to the Florida RV SuperShow?

Look, I’m not going to tell you that attending this show will magically make you ready to buy an RV tomorrow. That’s not the point.

But if you’re seriously considering RV life, if you’ve been researching online for months, if you’re trying to figure out if this dream is actually achievable, then yes, you should absolutely go.

The worst-case scenario? You spend a day walking around, learning some things, and confirming that maybe RV life isn’t for you after all. That’s valuable information too, and it’s way better to figure that out before you’ve sunk money into something.

But I’m willing to bet that’s not what will happen. I think you’ll walk around, talk to people, sit in different RVs, attend a seminar or two, and walk out feeling more excited and more informed than when you walked in.

You’ll have a clearer picture of what’s possible, what you can afford, and what your next steps should be.

The RV community is incredibly welcoming to newcomers. We’ve all been where you are, standing at the beginning of something that seems both exciting and overwhelming. This show is your invitation to take that first real step from dreaming to planning.

And who knows? Maybe this time next year, you’ll be the one at the show talking to nervous first-timers and telling them, “Yes, you can do this. Here’s how.”

So if you’re anywhere near Tampa between January 14 and 18, or if you can make the trip, I genuinely think you should go. Bring your questions, bring your curiosity, and bring your dreams. Leave the pressure at home. This is just you, taking one step forward on a journey that could change your life.

And if you do go? I’d love to hear about it. What surprised you? What questions got answered? And what new questions did it raise?

Because that’s how we all learn and grow in this community, by sharing our experiences and helping each other figure this whole beautiful, complicated, wonderful RV life thing out together.

If you can’t make it, drop us a comment below and let us know what kind of RV you are thinking about, and we can do a short video walkthrough for you.