5 Fun Florida RVer & Van Life Events in Early 2026

5 Fun Florida RVer & Van Life Events in Early 2026
Check out these great opportunities to connect with like-minded campers!

By: Morgan Field

I’m Morgan Field, a van lifer traveling in my 2019 Winnebago Travato 59K with my furry pup-pilot, Teddy. One of my favorite parts of life on the road is finding community, and few things feed the soul like van life and RV gatherings. Florida has quietly become a hub for self-contained RVers, vanlifers, skoolie crews, and nomads—offering mild weather, open landscapes, and a welcoming, adventurous crowd.

To help you plan your season, here’s a guide to some of the most anticipated RV and van life events in Florida from January through April. (For more RVer events, check out which ones the Winnebago team will be attending in 2026 here!)

*Note: Be sure to check each event’s website for details on costs, inclusions, and logistics before planning your trip!

1. Florida RV SuperShow in Tampa

January 14–18, 2026

If you’re dreaming, upgrading, or planning your first rig, the Florida RV SuperShow is a perfect way to kick off the season. This massive event brings together manufacturers, dealers, and industry experts, showcasing everything from compact camper vans to luxury rigs and the latest gear. It’s all about education, comparison, and inspiration.

Ideal for anyone who wants to:

• Look for your first RV or van
• Compare layouts, systems, and builds side-by-side
• Upgrade your current rig
• Speak directly with manufacturers and suppliers

Even seasoned RVers attend to stay current on tech, trends, and mods. Beyond the exhibits, there are opportunities for vendor happy hours, networking, and on-site camping. The Winnebago team will be there, so be sure you drop by to say hi!

Costs & Details: Day passes start at $13 online (each paid entry is valid for a second day), and day parking is available at pre-sale rates of $10 for cars or $20 for RVs. Note that overnight parking isn’t allowed in the general parking lots. See Florida State Fair campgrounds for camping options.

Are you new to RVing? Check out these tips for beginners. Plus get tips from other owners for purchasing your first RV in this video.

Can’t make it this year? Keep it on the radar for next year, or check out RV shows closer to home by searching in your local area. 

2. VanFest LIFTOFF in Melbourne, FL

February 5–9, 2026

VanFest LIFTOFF is a vibrant gathering for nomads who thrive on community, creativity, and hands-on experiences. For four days and nights, campers of all kinds—vans, skoolies, cars, tents—settle in for an epic festival-style experience with some sprinkles of expo-style learning.

Days are filled with workshops, vendor expo hours, fitness classes, rig tours with “best in show” voting, and skill-building sessions. Evenings spark connection with live music, talent shows, trivia, bingo, silent discos, and playful space-themed parties. Extra points if you bring your glow sticks and alien cosplay!

Lance Wilkinson, VanFest’s curator extraordinaire, said: “This is the event to escape the winter, come together, celebrate each other, inspire the next generation of nomads, and celebrate freedom however you define it.”

Sarah and Paul from PS Adventures added: “VanFest was our first vanlife festival we ever attended, and we've been hooked ever since. We had so much fun socializing that we nearly forgot to eat! We look forward to these events every year because it really brings this amazing nomadic community together—to share stories from our travels, learn from each other, and make new friendships. Just don’t forget to bring quick and easy meals!”

Costs & Inclusions: Grab a day pass ($12.41 early bird) or camp the full weekend ($168). There’s even a combined VanFest + 3-day Skoolie Swarm camping pass option for $214.23. Aside from porta-potties, this is a fully self-contained event—no hookups, utilities, or water—so come prepared. (Note: The team is offering a discount code to GoLife readers, simply use “Winnebago” at checkout.) 

3. 9th Annual Skoolie Swarm in Melrose, FL

February 20 – March 2, 2026

Nearly everyone I spoke to described Skoolie Swarm the same way: it feels like a family reunion.

Picture this: your metaphorical aunties have planned a full lineup of fun activities for you and your “cousins.” We’re talking costume kickball, line dancing, potluck dinners, movie nights, bingo, and bonfire. It can feel a little awkward at first if you arrive not knowing anyone, but the magic happens when you lean in. 

Small groups gather around card games, mahjong, dominoes, or impromptu music jams. Some campers even host live music from decks built on top of their buses. Show up like the long-lost cousin, pick an activity that sparks your curiosity, and jump right in.

Costs & Inclusions: Pricing starts at $10 for a day pass, $40 for a single night, or up to $360 to camp for the full 10 nights and 11 days. All camping is fully self-contained—no hookups for water, electric, or sewer—but you will have access to a commercial kitchen and bathhouse. 

4. Peace Love & Vans in Dade City, FL

March 6–9, 2026

Peace Love & Vans has earned a reputation as one of the most incredible vanlife gatherings in the country—people drive from all over the U.S. to enjoy this three-day festival in Withlacoochee River Park. The event blends stunning natural surroundings with a packed schedule of morning yoga, daily workshops, stargazing, nature hikes, incredible music, rig tours, contests, raffles, food trucks, and more.

Attendees gather together for frisbee, bags, live music, campfires, and s’mores—sharing conversations and moments that stay with you long after the weekend ends. Extra points if you show up in your grooviest ’70s getup!

For many, the real magic is in the connections formed. Jeff Chandler, a Winnebago Travato traveler, drove from California to attend the event and describes it as a turning point: “Peace Love & Vans became part of a much bigger journey for me. I had just retired and had never taken a long solo trip before, so driving across the country felt like both an adventure and a soul-searching journey. I arrived not knowing a single person and left with more than fifty new friends. I had such an incredible time that I’m coming back this year—and I’ve even signed up for the Colorado event in June. I love my van tribe and can’t wait to reunite with everyone.”

Costs & Registration: Tickets start at $10 for a day pass, with weekend camping passes ranging from $159 to $199. Camping options require fully self-contained setups—whether that’s a car, van, skoolie, tent, etc.—there are no available hookups for electric, water, or sewer. Porta-potties and water stations are available, though it’s smart to bring your own drinking water just in case. Check the FAQs on the event website for all the important details before you go.

Can’t make the Florida weekend? You can still join the fun in Colorado, June 12–15!

5. Winnie B’s National Rally in Daytona Beach, FL

April 6–10, 2026

Open to Winnebago Class B and Compact Coach owners, the Winnie B’s National Rally offers something distinct. Rather than big festival energy, this gathering centers on intimacy, shared understanding, and meaningful connection—bringing together people who live, travel, and problem-solve in similar rigs.

This year’s rally takes place in a truly memorable setting: camping inside Daytona International Speedway. With paved parking, access to power and water, and in-field views of Lake Lloyd, the environment is both comfortable and relaxed, making it easy to settle in and spend real time connecting.

Jay Grant, VP of Rallies and a seasoned Winnebago Travato traveler, said that at its core, Winnie B’s is truly about the community. Workshops, games, and group activities like trivia, bingo, or the occasional impromptu jam sessions happen organically, offering structure without feeling overprogrammed.

That sense of belonging is echoed by attendees like Tabi Westbrook, who travels in her 2023 Winnebago Travato 59K: “I couldn’t have begun to estimate how invaluable being part of the Winnie Bs and attending rallies would become! Not only was I taught the deeper ins and outs of my rig, I was welcomed into a vibrant group. While the RV knowledge is helpful, the community is the best part.”

Costs & Inclusions: Camping is $400 per rig, with an additional per-person rally fee ($50 for Winnie B’s members or $75 for non-members). Campsites include electric and water, but note that there is no sewer dump available on-site.

Can’t make the rally? You can still join the Winnie Bs for a $10 annual membership and stay updated on meetups and events throughout the year.

Check out other events organized by Winnebago owner groups here!

Choosing the Right RV or Van Life Event for You

Each gathering offers something different—from inspiration and learning to celebration and connection.

The Hocking Adventure Bus family, a family of six traveling full-time in their converted school bus, said: “What we love about events in general is they are an opportunity for us to meet new people, learn new things, and have a LOT of fun! If you want to find community on the road, events are a great place to start.”

Whether you’re new to the lifestyle or a seasoned van lifer, Florida’s winter and spring calendar has something for every type of traveler.

Lifetime friends, laughter, and inspiration await—hope to see you out there!

—Morgan & Teddy (Follow along on Instagram @themorganfield or on Facebook)