The Pennsylvania Recreation Vehicle and Camping Association (PRVCA) started in 1968, when John Serro, a travel trailer industry pioneer, had the vision to recommend a separate organization for recreation vehicle dealers. At his urging, the Pennsylvania Manufactured Housing Association (PMHA) developed PRVCA as a sister organization to promote the industry and monitor legislative and regulatory issues. The groups eventually split into the two separate groups they are today.
The associations held their first combined show in 1968 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show with 89 RVs on display. In 1970, PRVCA held its first show exclusively with RVs. In 1980, at the request of manufacturers, the association hosted two RV shows to accommodate a date change from February to September. The change brought more attention to the show and the exhibit number grew from nearly 89 RVs in one exhibit hall to more than 800 units in seven exhibit halls. PRVCA exceeded its space allotment and 325 vehicles were located outside.
By 2005, PRVCA moved the show to the Giant Center in Hershey, Pa., where it occupied 943,000 square feet and hosted more than 28,000 attendees. Despite the challenges of a Recession from 2007-2009 and Hurricane Irene in 2011, the show continued to attract attendees and officially became known as America’s Largest RV Show in 2008. In 2012, the show rebounded and reached the more than one million square feet milestone in 2015. In 2019, the show covered 1,056,068 square feet with 1,500 RVs on display. A total of 55,639 consumers attended the show.
PRVCA promotes Pennsylvania’s RV and camping industry through its “Open House” advertising campaign in the spring. It also works to educate both the industry and consumers. PRVCA members can attend free hands-on training and webinars, while consumers can learn more about RVing through the many education programs offered at the show. In addition, the association advocates for the industry and keeps members up to date on the latest legislative and regulatory changes.
As RVing and camping grow, PRVCA’s board and staff continue to stay in touch with industry trends, technology and regulations to provide the latest information to the industry and consumers.
In 1970, PRVCA held its first show exclusively with RVs.
In 1980, at the request of manufacturers, the association hosted two RV shows to accommodate a date change from February to September. The change brought more attention to the show and the exhibit number grew from nearly 89 RVs in one exhibit hall to more than 800 units in seven exhibit halls. PRVCA exceeded its space allotment and 325 vehicles were located outside.
In 1990 the Pennsylvania RV & Camping Show's attendance reaches 17,500
By 2005, PRVCA moved the show to the Giant Center in Hershey, Pa., where
- It occupied 943,000 square feet
- Hosted more than 28,000 attendees.
Despite the challenges of a Recession from 2007-2009 and Hurricane Irene in 2011, the show continued to attract attendees and officially became known as America’s Largest RV Show in 2008
In 2012, the show rebounded and reached the more than one million square feet milestone in 2015.
In 2017, attendance increased by 11.2 percent reaching a record 64,000 people!
In 2019, the show covered 1,056,068 square feet with 1,500 RVs on display.
- The Association has grown to over 370 members.
- 361 Technicians trained during the year