New to RV Rallies? Start with a Family RV Association Convention

Meagan Butler • June 9, 2025

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.

Learning Opportunities at FRVA Rallies

You can learn a lot about RVing online, but there’s nothing quite like sitting in a seminar with a pro who can answer your questions in real time.



Whether you’re troubleshooting a power issue, thinking about upgrading to lithium batteries, or just want to figure out how to keep your tanks from smelling funky, there’s a session for that.

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

July 16 - 19, 2025

If you’ve been thinking about attending a rally, this is your sign to go.

The next Family RV Association International Convention & RV Expo takes place July 16–19, 2025, in Gillette, Wyoming.


You can register for the full event or grab a day pass - either way, you’re invited to join the fun.

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

Other blogs you might like...

By Kirsten McCormick December 11, 2025
Picture this: Ask your teenager what gifts they received last Christmas. Now ask them about their most memorable adventure. Which question sparks more enthusiasm and detailed stories? The truth is, most physical gifts—even those met with initial excitement—often end up collecting dust, breaking, or being outgrown as interests change. But experiences? They become part of who we are, weaving themselves into the fabric of our memories and shaping our character in lasting ways. 
By Jennifer Schillaci December 10, 2025
Surprising Symptoms, Honest Conversations, and Life on Wheels
By Amanda Pelser December 9, 2025
How Homeopathy Supports the Body During Colds and Flus
By Jennifer Aggio December 4, 2025
Let's talk about the thing nobody wants to talk about—but every RVer deals with: RV tank problems . Foul odors. Clogged black tanks. Inaccurate sensors. Slow drainage. The dreaded poop pyramid. Sound familiar? Here's what most RVers don't realize: your onboard tank flush system isn't enough . Those built-in sprayers don't penetrate buildup, remove struvite stones, or scrub away mold and sludge that accumulates over time. That's where professional RV tank cleaning comes in—and that's where Tank Rangers steps up. Tank Rangers is a nationwide RV tank cleaning service with nearly three dozen locations across the country, offering professional hydro-jetting for both black tanks and gray tanks. Whether you're dealing with sensor issues, stubborn odors, or just want preventative maintenance, Tank Rangers provides mess-free, thorough cleaning that gets your tanks back to factory condition. In this guide, we're covering why professional tank cleaning matters, what happens during service, common RV tank myths, DIY maintenance tips, and how to find Tank Rangers near you. Want to hear the full story? We sat down with founder Gabe on our Community Spotlight podcast episode! 
By Jennifer Skinnell December 3, 2025
AT&T Stadium
By Jennifer Schillaci December 2, 2025
Escapee's C.A.R.E. Program, Traveling with a Purpose & Lasagna Love
By Jennifer Schillaci December 1, 2025
From Motorhomes to Movement: How FMCA’s Quiet Shift and FRVA’s Bold Vision Are Reshaping The RV Community
By Jennifer Schillaci November 27, 2025
What RVers Really Want for Christmas
By Jennifer+ Aggio November 21, 2025
Picture this: You're waking up in your RV at a beautiful national park, sipping your morning coffee with a view of the mountains. You spend a few hours greeting campers, answering questions, or doing light maintenance around the campground. The rest of your day? Exploring trails, meeting fellow RVers, and enjoying free camping with full hookups. Oh, and you're getting paid for it.  That's workamping. And if you want to land one of these positions for summer, you need to start applying the fall prior. Here's the reality: the best workamping and camp hosting jobs for are being posted and filled months in advance. National parks, state parks, and popular private campgrounds hire 3-6 months in advance. This guide covers everything you need to know to find and land a workamping position: what it is, when to apply, where to find jobs, how to get hired, and what to ask before accepting. The clock is ticking. Next season’s positions are being filled right now. Let's get you on the road to your best workamping season yet.
By Jennifer Schillaci November 20, 2025
Cultivating a Heart of Thankfulness in a Hard Year
Show More