Rent an RV for Overland Expo Across North America Overlanding adventures
Overland Expo brings together thousands of 4x4 enthusiasts, adventurers, and overlanders for multi-day celebrations of vehicle-based exploration. With five major shows spanning the continent, attending often requires travel and accommodation. Renting an RV transforms your expo experience into a full adventure, offering flexible base camps and the opportunity to network with fellow overlanders.
Whether you are exploring new gear, attending educational workshops, or connecting with the overlanding community, an RV lets you arrive in style and stay comfortably near the action. No hotel search, no daily commutes, just pure expedition preparation and community immersion.
Ready to make Overland Expo an unforgettable adventure?
Overland Expo Overview
Overland Expo is North America's premier gathering for overlanders, 4x4 enthusiasts, and adventure travelers. With five regional shows held throughout 2026 (SoCal in March, West in May, PNW in June, Mountain West in August, and East in October), the expo brings hundreds of vendors, expert presenters, and thousands of attendees together for education, inspiration, and community building. Each event spans multiple days and draws people from across the continent, creating accommodation demand that often exceeds local hotel capacity.
Each expo location offers vehicle demonstrations, skill-building classes, gear showcases, and networking opportunities that can't be missed by serious overlanders. An RV base camp near the expo venue gives you the flexibility to attend dawn-to-dusk sessions, host impromptu meetups with other attendees, and take advantage of early-morning or evening exploration of the surrounding region.
Why RV Travel Works for Overland Expo
Expo attendees often plan to stay for multiple consecutive days to maximize learning and networking. An RV provides the perfect home base that keeps you independent, comfortable, and ready for early mornings and late-night conversations with fellow adventurers.
Overlanders know the value of self-sufficiency and flexibility, which makes RV travel the ideal fit for expo attendance.
- Mobile Base Camp
- Park near the venue and use your RV as mission control for the entire event. No daily hotel check-ins, no taxi lines, just expedition preparation.
- Community Connection
- Meet fellow overlanders in RV parks and parking areas. Share tips, compare rigs, and build relationships that extend beyond the expo.
- Flexible Schedule
- Attend sessions, workshops, and demonstrations on your own timeline. Skip back to your RV for rest or meals whenever you need.
- Storage for Gear
- Safely store purchases, new equipment, and swag from exhibitors without worrying about limited hotel room space.
- Cost Savings
- Rent an RV for the multi-day event at a fraction of what hotels charge during peak expo weekends.
- Learning Laboratory
- Use your RV as a hands-on classroom. Practice what you learn during seminars and workshops right on your rig.
Find the perfect RV for your expo adventure and start planning today.
Overland Expo Locations and Logistics
Overland Expo operates five regional shows throughout 2026: Overland Expo SoCal (March 14-15) in Costa Mesa, California; Overland Expo West (May 15-17) in Flagstaff, Arizona; Overland Expo PNW (June 26-28) in Redmond, Oregon; Overland Expo Mountain West (August 21-23) in Loveland, Colorado; and Overland Expo East (October 23-25) in Arrington, Virginia. Each venue draws 5,000 to 15,000 attendees and features 200+ exhibitors and vendors.
Parking logistics vary by location, but many expos allow RVs to park on-site or nearby. Arriving a day or two early gives you time to scout the venue, set up camp, and acclimate before the main event starts. Late checkout options often allow you to debrief with other attendees on the final evening, making RV rentals especially valuable for maximizing your expo experience.
Where People Stay for Overland Expo
Attendees have several accommodation options: hotels in nearby towns (which often sell out or charge premium rates), tent camping at local public campgrounds (dependent on weather and availability), or RV rentals that provide comfort, autonomy, and the ability to stay immersed in the overlanding community. RV travel is increasingly popular at expos because it aligns with the overlanding lifestyle and philosophy of self-reliance.
Unlike hotels with rigid checkout times, RV rentals let you stay as long as you need. Many attendees use their rented RV as a rolling base camp to explore the region around each expo venue, extending their trip into a full adventure rather than a single-event visit. This flexibility, combined with onboard amenities and the ability to host gatherings, makes RV travel the preferred choice for serious expo attendees.
Which RV Type Works Best for Overland Expo?
Different RV types offer different advantages depending on your travel style and preferences.
- Motorhomes
- Class A, B, and C motorhomes provide spacious living, easy vehicle access, and independence from campground hookups. They are ideal for travelers who want freedom and all-in-one mobility.
- Travel Trailers
- Towable trailers with full amenities let you detach and explore the expo region during the day. Perfect for minimalist setups and fuel efficiency.
- Campervans
- Compact and nimble campervans are ideal for solo travelers or couples attending the expo who want easy maneuvering and parking in tight festival areas.
Choose your ideal RV type and reserve your adventure today.
Camping Options Near Overland Expo Venues
- 20-45 min from venue
Costa Mesa, California (SoCal Expo)
Southern California offers diverse camping options from beachside RV parks to inland campgrounds. The region is well-equipped for RV travel with abundant hookups and services.
- 15-30 min from venue
Flagstaff, Arizona (West Expo)
High-altitude Arizona offers scenic dispersed camping and formal RV parks surrounding Flagstaff. Cooler temperatures provide relief from desert heat.
- 10-25 min from venue
Redmond, Oregon (PNW Expo)
Central Oregon features excellent RV camping with stunning forest and high-desert views. Multiple private parks and public land options nearby.
- 15-30 min from venue
Loveland, Colorado (Mountain West Expo)
Rocky Mountain region with premium mountain views and well-maintained RV parks. The area offers cool summer temperatures and scenic exploration opportunities.
- 20-40 min from venue
Arrington, Virginia (East Expo)
Virginia Piedmont offers pastoral settings and established RV parks with Southern charm. Close to Blue Ridge Mountains and local attractions.
Discover campground details and amenities for each expo location.
How People Plan Overland Expo with an RV
Successful expo attendees typically plan in phases: First, they book their RV and campground well in advance (expos sell out quickly). Second, they arrive 1-2 days early to settle in, scout the venue, and connect with other early arrivals in the RV parking area. Third, they attend sessions and explore the expo grounds during primary event hours. Finally, they spend the evening connecting with new friends, attending informal meetups, and discussing their plans for future overlanding adventures. Many attendees stay an extra night after the main event to debrief and explore the surrounding region.
Planning tips: Check the expo website for on-site RV parking availability and hookup details. Reserve your RV early (ideally 2-3 months ahead). Book a campground nearby as a backup. Connect with other attendees online before the event to arrange meetups or group dinners at your RV site. Consider timing your travel to explore the region before or after the expo.
Practical Tips for Attending Overland Expo with an RV
Arrive with a Full Tank: Fill water and fuel before reaching the expo to ensure you have utilities available if on-site parking fills quickly. Scout Parking Early: If parking is first-come, first-served, arrive the night before or very early the morning of opening day to secure a good spot. Maximize Power: Use your RV's generator or hookups carefully during peak hours; expos draw high power demand. Pack an Extra Extension Cord: Set up outdoor gatherings with string lights, chairs, and conversation areas to attract fellow overlanders. Bring Business Cards or Contact Info: Sharing details with people you meet creates networking opportunities that extend beyond the expo. Plan Your Schedule: Download the expo agenda beforehand and plan which sessions matter most so you don't waste time deciding. Explore the Host Region: Use your RV's mobility to visit local attractions, scenic drives, or trailheads during downtime. Empty Your Tanks Before Checkout: Know the location of dump stations before your final day to avoid rush-hour congestion.
FAQ: Attending Overland Expo with an RV
- Can I park my RV on-site at Overland Expo venues?
Many Overland Expo locations offer on-site RV parking for attendees, but spaces are limited and fill quickly. Check the specific expo's website for parking details, hookup availability, and reservation procedures. Some venues operate first-come, first-served parking, so arriving early is crucial.
If on-site parking is full or unavailable, nearby RV parks and campgrounds are typically within 15-30 minutes of each venue. Having a backup plan ensures you always have a comfortable place to stay.
- What RV size should I rent for Overland Expo?
RV size depends on your group and comfort preferences. Solo travelers or couples often prefer compact Class B motorhomes or campervans for easy parking and maneuverability. Families or groups of 4+ benefit from Class A motorhomes or travel trailers with separate sleeping areas.
Consider the parking constraints at your chosen expo location. Smaller RVs are easier to park in tight festival areas, while larger rigs offer more amenities and storage for expo purchases. Most attendees find Class B or small Class C motorhomes to be the ideal balance.
- How far in advance should I book my RV for Overland Expo?
Book your RV 2-3 months in advance, especially if traveling during peak seasons. Overland Expo dates vary widely (March through October), so availability depends on which location you choose. Early booking ensures you get your preferred RV type and price.
Booking early also allows you time to arrange any additional services like GPS systems, road trip insurance, or specialized equipment you might want for the journey.
- Can I host a gathering or meetup at my RV site during the expo?
Most RV parks allow attendees to gather at their sites, and many expos encourage this community building. Setting up chairs, a picnic table, and perhaps some outdoor lighting creates an inviting space for fellow overlanders to connect. Some attendees organize casual dinners or evening sessions to share tips and experiences.
Check your campground rules about guest gatherings and noise levels, and be respectful of your neighbors' sleep schedules during late-night discussions.
- What should I do if the expo venue has no available RV parking?
If on-site parking fills up, nearby RV parks and public campgrounds always have availability. Research and book backup options within 30 minutes of the venue well in advance. This ensures you never arrive without a place to stay.
The small commute from a nearby campground to the expo grounds is well worth the convenience and peace of mind. Many attendees prefer the quieter environment of a dedicated RV park to the busy festival atmosphere anyway.
- Can I explore the region while attending Overland Expo?
Absolutely! One of the biggest advantages of RV travel is flexibility. Rent your RV and use it as a base for exploring the region before, during, or after the expo. Each location offers unique landscapes: California's beaches, Arizona's red rocks, Oregon's forests, Colorado's mountains, and Virginia's Blue Ridge scenery.
Plan excursions during less busy expo hours or extend your trip by a day or two before checkout. Many attendees transform their expo trip into a full regional adventure.
- What are the peak attendance times at each Overland Expo?
Each expo typically opens on a Friday morning and closes on Sunday evening. Friday afternoon and all-day Saturday see the heaviest attendance. If you want a less crowded experience, arriving Thursday evening or attending early Friday morning gives you more breathing room.
Sunday mornings are often quieter as many attendees pack up and leave. If you are staying through Sunday, plan to explore the venue in early morning hours before the final sessions and before the exit rush.
- Are there any restrictions on RV types or sizes at Overland Expo venues?
Size restrictions vary by venue and parking area. Some expos have dedicated RV parking for rigs under 35 feet, while others accommodate vehicles up to 40+ feet. Check the specific expo location's parking guidelines before booking your RV.
If you are unsure about size compatibility, contact the expo organizers directly. They can provide detailed parking maps and restrictions so you can choose an appropriately sized RV for comfortable parking.
Your Overland Expo adventure awaits. Rent your RV today and join thousands of overlanders at North America's premier gathering.