Bish's RV vs.
Camping World
Two giants. One Overland Road. A data-driven comparison of Meridian's biggest RV dealers to help you decide which one deserves your business.
- Two Giants, One Choice
- Pricing Philosophy
- Inventory and Brand Selection
- Long-Term Perks: Diamond Club vs. Good Sam
- Service Department Reality Check
- Sales Experience
- The Proximity Advantage
- Which Dealer is Right for You?
They're Literally Next Door to Each Other
If you're shopping for an RV in Meridian, Idaho, you've probably noticed something unusual: Bish's RV and Camping World sit side by side on Overland Road. This proximity creates a rare opportunity for Treasure Valley buyers, but it also raises a real question: which dealership should you choose?
This is not a takedown of either dealer. It's a data-driven comparison designed to help you decide based on your priorities. We analyzed hundreds of customer reviews, pricing structures, and service policies to give you the full picture.
No-Haggle vs. Traditional Negotiation
Low Price is the Price
No-haggle model with freight and prep included. The price you see online includes all fees so there are no surprises in the finance office.
Traditional Negotiation
The sticker price is a starting point. Freight and prep fees may appear as separate line items during the final paperwork.
Bish's "Low Price is the Price" Policy
The price you see online at Bish's typically includes freight and prep fees. This matters because many dealerships add these as separate line items during signing. One customer described it directly: the price quoted includes all fees so there are no surprises when you sign your purchase documents.
Bish's also offers a 72-hour return guarantee on in-stock RVs. If you're not satisfied within 72 hours, you can return or exchange it. Custom orders may be excluded, so verify the details with the dealer.
Camping World's Traditional Negotiation Model
Camping World uses the car-dealership approach: the sticker price is a starting point. This can work in your favor if you're comfortable negotiating, but it also means dealer fees like freight and prep may appear late in the process. Add-on pressure in the finance office is more commonly mentioned in Camping World reviews than Bish's reviews.
Volume vs. Specialization
Bish's RV of Meridian
Camping World Meridian
Jayco Specialist
One of Idaho's largest Jayco dealers, with deep stock and manufacturer pricing leverage on Jayco units. Also carries Alliance RV, Brinkley, Forest River, and Keystone.
Widest Brand Selection
Carries Keystone, Forest River, Heartland, Winnebago, and more, plus 100+ used units on the Meridian lot and a large on-site accessories retail store.
Camping World: The Widest Net
With 203 locations nationwide, Camping World carries top brands including Keystone, Forest River, Heartland, and Winnebago, plus a massive retail store for gear and accessories. If you need a very specific floor plan or want to browse camping gear in one trip, Camping World's sheer volume is hard to beat.
Bish's: Deeper on Fewer Brands
Bish's focuses on deeper relationships with fewer manufacturers. Their Jayco inventory is their strongest card. They also carry Alliance RV, Brinkley, Forest River, and Keystone in smaller quantities. If you know you want a Jayco, Bish's volume dealer status likely means better pricing leverage than a general dealer.
- You want a Jayco (180+ in stock)
- You prefer Alliance RV
- You want a local dealer relationship
- You need a rare floor plan or bunkhouse
- You want to browse gear in one trip
- You want the widest brand selection
Diamond Club vs. Good Sam
Bish's Diamond Club
Included free with every purchase. Members receive free annual winterization (worth $150 to $250 per year in Idaho), free annual inspections, and a $30 per hour discount on labor rates. Over 10 years of ownership that is $1,500 to $2,500 in real savings for Idaho owners who would be winterizing anyway. You can read about the Diamond Club on Bish's website.
Camping World's Good Sam Program
Good Sam is a paid membership at $29 per year focused on fuel and propane discounts, access to thousands of campgrounds nationwide, and RV ProCare savings on parts and service. It is not automatically free with purchase. Some RVs include a complimentary 1 to 3 year membership, but this varies by unit. Good Sam is a stronger value for frequent cross-country travelers than for buyers who primarily camp and service locally.
The Reality After the Sale
This is where customer experiences diverge the most. Both dealers have fans and critics in the reviews, but the patterns are distinct.
Bish's Service Highlights
Multiple reviews name specific technicians, which is usually a sign of a service department that earns repeat customers. The RVFix Program is a notable differentiator: a free one-year membership that lets you troubleshoot issues via video call before bringing the trailer in. One customer reported resolving their issue in five minutes without a service visit.
Camping World Service Highlights
Camping World's biggest service advantage is geographic. If you break down in Montana, Wyoming, or anywhere with a Camping World location, you have a familiar service network available. For buyers who travel extensively cross-country, this is a real practical benefit. Priority scheduling for customers who purchased from them is also a consistent feature in reviews.
What to Expect in the Showroom
Bish's Approach
Reviews consistently describe Bish's sales team as low-pressure. The no-haggle pricing model removes a layer of tension from the process. One customer described their salesperson as patiently working hard to find the exact trailer they wanted without pressure. The underlying philosophy at Bish's leans toward fitting buyers to the right RV rather than selling the unit with the best margin.
Camping World Approach
Camping World's experience varies more by salesperson. Some buyers report exceptional service. Others describe more pressure, particularly in the finance office around add-ons like extended warranties, tire protection, and paint protection packages. This is not unique to Camping World but is more consistently mentioned in their reviews than in Bish's. If you are comfortable negotiating, this variability can work in your favor.
Use Their Location Against Them
Here is the part most buyers miss. Because Bish's and Camping World are literally next door to each other, you have rare leverage that buyers at isolated dealerships do not.
The Side-by-Side Strategy
- 1Get a written quote from Dealer A including all fees and add-ons
- 2Walk it next door to Dealer B and ask: "Can you beat this?"
- 3Repeat if necessary before committing
One buyer reported that Camping World initially offered $10,000 less for their trade-in than Bish's. After showing the Bish's quote, Camping World matched it. That is $10,000 recovered by walking 100 yards.
Which Dealer is Right for You?
Choose Bish's RV if...
Choose Camping World if...
The "Best of Both" Approach
Many savvy buyers do this:
- 1Test drive models at Camping World (larger selection to browse)
- 2Get written out-the-door pricing from both dealers
- 3Choose Bish's for the purchase if pricing is competitive, to lock in Diamond Club benefits
- 4Use Camping World's retail store for accessories and gear going forward
Neither Bish's nor Camping World is perfect. Both have strengths and weaknesses. The biggest mistake you can make is choosing a dealer based on emotion instead of data. Get quotes from both. Hire an independent inspector. Read your contracts carefully. And remember: they're next door to each other. You have all the leverage.