In the early part of the year camping and RV shows are the most prevalent although some popular shows take place in the fall too. But in the Midwest where I live, most camping and RV shows take place in the first few months of the year. Here's my top 11 reasons why you should go to one, or even two or three!

1)It's a way to get your mind off winter, the cold, and the snow for a short time. While you're at the show, you'll be thinking of summer, sun, green trees, and campfires; not shoveling snow or wearing 12 layers of clothing in an attempt to stay warm.

2)You get to be around really nice people. People who camp and RV are, for the most part, really friendly and outgoing. While at a show last weekend I had people joking around with me and striking up conversations about camping and the campers we were both looking at. It's a fun environment.

3)Comparison shopping. At the larger shows there are literally hundreds various campers and RV to look at. You can go inside them, look around, and talk to the dealers about each one's pros and cons.

4)Discounts and Freebies. The dealers and exhibitors at the camping and RV shows want people to do business with them during the show and make it attractive by offering special show prices on their campers and RV's; and/or giving additional items with a purchase such as free upgrades, free gas, a free grill, free camping lounge chairs, etc. Most exhibitors have some sort of giveaway. It may be a drawing for a grill, nights of camping or may be free samples of food their selling. The show itself may give away prizes. The latest camping show I was at was giving away a brand new camper to one lucky prize winner.

5)Class A Motorhomes. Whether or not you own a Class A Motorhome now, plan to own one in the future, or think you'll never be able to afford that luxury, it's worth the price of your admission ticket to tour the luxury Class A motorhomes at the shows. I toured three at the last show I was at. The nicest one had a $400,000 price tag. It was gorgeous. I overheard one woman saying the kitchen was much nicer than the one in her home. I can understand why she said that. The kitchen area in that particular Class A motor home had solid cherry cabinets, solid surface countertops, and tile flooring.

6)The Seminars. Even if you aren't a camping enthusiast you may find the seminars offered at most of the shows to be of interest to you. The seminars are usually short in length, 30 minutes or less, but are packed with interesting information. The latest one I attended talked about some of the best vacation destinations in my state, the most scenic roads to drive, the best nature areas to visit, and some of the most unique and weirdest places in the state. I've lived in the state all my life and I didn't know about several of the places I was told about. I now have some new weekend getaway and vacation destinations.

Now that I've given you my six top reasons to attend a camper or RV show, get out there, go to one, and have a great time.