If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to camp with hundreds of other RVers, take a class on lithium batteries, browse aisles of RV gear, and end the day with live music or a themed happy hour, a Family RV Association rally might be exactly what you’re looking for.

Family RV Association (FRVA) hosts some of the most well-rounded RV gatherings in North America. These multi-day events combine education, entertainment, and community, and they welcome every type of RVer, from full-timers to weekend campers.

You don’t need a motorhome or to have years of experience to join in. You don’t even need to own an RV. If you’re curious about the RV lifestyle, want to feel more confident using your RV, or just want to meet people who love RVing, this is the place to start.

What Makes FRVA Rallies and Conventions Stand Out?

FRVA rallies aren’t your typical campground meetup. They’re immersive, multiday events designed to help you get more out of your RV, no matter your experience level.

Here’s what you’ll find at a typical FRVA rally:

·     Real-world classes on solar, towing safety, plumbing, tank care, and more

·     Lifestyle seminars on trip planning, full-timing, campground cooking, quilting, pickleball, and more

·     A vendor expo with RV gear, gadgets, upgrades, and even on-site service

·     Social events like happy hours, dances, chapter parades, and morning coffee and doughnuts



The atmosphere feels like part festival, part workshop, part RV family reunion. The best part? Everyone is welcome.

Do You Need Experience to Attend an RV Rally?

One of the biggest misconceptions about Family RV Association’s RV rallies is that you have to be an expert or own a high-end motorhome to attend. FRVA rallies are made for all RVers and RV types.

If you’re still learning how to dump your tanks or level your trailer without frustration, you’re not alone, and that’s exactly what makes these events so helpful. You can attend seminars, ask questions, and get hands-on advice from both professionals and experienced RVers who’ve been there.



And if you’re not ready to camp for the whole event? Many FRVA conventions offer day passes, so you can drop in, check out a few sessions, explore the vendor hall, and see what the buzz is about.

Popular seminar topics often include:

·     RV driving and safety

·     Solar power and electrical systems

·     Tank care and plumbing

·     Campground cooking and RV organization

·     Connectivity, Wi-Fi, and RV tech

·     Boondocking and pet travel

·     Solo RVing and full-time lifestyle tips

Some conventions also offer add-on workshops like RV Driving and Towing, where new RVers (or anyone who wants a refresher) can get hands-on training before the main event kicks off.

RVing Solo? FRVA Rallies Are Perfect for Independent Travelers

Thinking about attending a rally on your own? You’ll find plenty of opportunities to meet people, from casual morning coffee meetups to group activities and friendly chats between seminars.

FRVA has a new Solo RVers Facebook group for members who travel alone, making it easy to introduce yourself and find familiar faces before the event even begins.

Looking for even more community? FRVA’s Singles International chapter has been bringing solo RVers together for over 40 years. Members coordinate caravans, host meetups at rallies, and support each other both on the road and throughout the year.

What First-Timers Can Expect at an FRVA Rally

Family RV Association celebrates first-timers!

Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your first rally:

·     Arrive early. At FRVA’s international conventions, first-timers are scheduled to arrive a day before the crowd to get settled and explore the grounds.

·     Wear your first-timer ribbon. It’s a badge of honor and a signal to other members that you’re new and may appreciate a friendly hello or a helping hand.

·     Attend the orientation. The first-timer session is both informative and a great way to meet other newcomers before the schedule picks up.

·     Check out the First-Timer’s Guide and Q&As. FRVA posts helpful videos before each rally. You can find them on FRVA’s YouTube or Facebook — live or recorded.

·     Bring a tote or small wagon. You’ll want it for vendor hall freebies, seminar handouts, and daily essentials.

·     Wear comfortable shoes. There’s a lot to explore, and you’ll be doing more walking than you might expect.



·     Consider wheels. FRVA offers free shuttles and tram service, but bringing your bike or renting a golf cart can make getting around quicker and more fun.

If you’re a first-timer, don’t worry about having it all figured out. Everyone starts somewhere, and everyone remembers what that’s like.

Fun Extras That Surprise First-Time RV Rally Attendees

FRVA rallies come with extras that often catch people by surprise:

·     Trams and shuttles make navigating the fairgrounds easier

·     Surprise giveaways pop up at sessions and vendor booths

·     Friendly volunteers help answer questions and make newcomers feel welcome

·     Off-site activities offer a taste of the host city

·     Photo booths, raffles, and contests add extra fun

These extras aren’t the main event, but they’re often what people remember most.

Register for the Next FRVA RV Convention in Gillette, WY

Not a member yet? Visit Family RV Association to join and start planning your next adventure.