Two stores serving Athens

Shopping for an RV from Athens and Limestone County

Johnston RV Center does not have a lot inside Athens, but the Decatur store is a short trip south on US-31 or I-65. For most Athens and Limestone County families, that makes Decatur the natural first stop. The Cullman store is farther down I-65 and is worth the drive when the floor plan you want is parked there. You can read more about each store on our Decatur RV dealership page and Cullman RV dealership page.

Johnston describes itself as a small family business, and both stores keep sales, service and parts at the same address. Across the two lots, the inventory in October 2026 was built mainly around towables. Travel trailers made up the large majority, with fifth wheels, toy haulers and destination trailers behind them, and new units well ahead of used ones.

What Johnston RV has on the ground

Combined Decatur and Cullman inventory, October 2026. Each card links to the live listings for that RV type.

Pick the RV that fits how Athens families camp

Before you look at photos, decide what kind of camping you will actually do. Most of the Athens buyers we talk with fall into one of these groups, and each one points to a different kind of RV.

Travel trailers and campers near Athens

Travel trailers are where most Athens buyers land, and the Johnston inventory gives you a lot of them to compare. Start with travel trailers near Athens or the wider campers near Athens page, then narrow by brand.

• Forest River Rockwood, from the compact Mini Lite and Geo Pro to the roomier Ultra Lite. See Rockwood near Athens.
• Forest River Cherokee, including the Grey Wolf and Wolf Pup family layouts. Johnston describes itself as “Alabama's #1 dealer of America's best-selling camper brand, Cherokee.” Browse the Cherokee lineup.
• Prime Time travel trailers, including the Avenger. See Prime Time near Athens.
• Shasta and East to West, two more brands Johnston carries. Browse Shasta near Athens and East to West near Athens.
• Every Forest River unit in one place: Forest River RVs near Athens.

A practical note from the sales floor. Athens families often buy for the trips they hope to take and then spend most weekends an hour from home. If that sounds like you, a mid-size trailer that sets up in twenty minutes will get used far more than a long rig that takes an afternoon to level. If you are planning extended trips, put storage, tank sizes and a comfortable bed higher on the list than towing weight.

Fifth wheels, toy haulers and destination trailers

Couples who travel for weeks at a time often move up to a fifth wheel for the private front bedroom and steadier towing. Compare fifth wheels near Athens from lines like Riverstone, Sandpiper and Arctic Wolf. If you haul ATVs or dirt bikes, look at toy haulers. If you plan to keep a camper parked at one site for the season, destination trailers give you more room and house-style furniture.

New or used: an honest comparison for Athens buyers

Most of Johnston's inventory is new, but both stores carry pre-owned units, so you can compare them on the same visit.

Browse new RVs and used RVs across both stores, or check used units in Decatur first since that store is closest to Athens. On any pre-owned unit, ask for service records and look for soft floors near the door and bathroom, staining around roof vents and slides that drag. If budget leads the decision, start with RVs under $20,000 and the deal of the week.

RV Warranty Forever for Athens owners

Every new and qualifying pre-owned RV from Johnston includes RV Warranty Forever at no added cost. It covers 100% of parts and labor on listed components, with no deductible, for as long as you own the RV. Covered systems include brakes, suspension, the water system, kitchen appliances, LP gas, heating and the coach air conditioner.

Because the Decatur service department is so close to Athens, many owners simply book the annual visit there and let the shop handle the repair order.

Service, parts, financing and trade-ins

The Johnston service and parts center works on all RV makes and models, not just units it sold. That includes wheel bearing and generator service, roof sealant inspections, slide-out and awning work, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, refrigerator and water heater repair, winterization and de-winterization, pre-purchase and insurance inspections, and upgrades such as solar, lithium batteries, inverters, backup cameras and Starlink. Service is open weekdays from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM and Saturday mornings until noon.

The finance department works at the dealership and lists repayment schedules of up to 15 to 20 years, with the option to roll parts, service and extended protection into the loan depending on the amount. You can start the online credit application from home. Our advice is to compare offers by total cost rather than by payment alone, and to put enough down that you are not owing more than the RV is worth for years.

If you already own an RV, the trade-in and consignment page offers a trade quote within 24 hours, a cash offer with no purchase required, or consignment where Johnston handles photos, marketing, showings and storage.

Mistakes Athens buyers can skip

• Driving to Decatur without calling first. Units sell, and a quick call confirms the one you want is ready to walk through.
• Shopping by sleeping capacity instead of checking where each person actually sleeps.
• Choosing a trailer at the very edge of your tow rating, then feeling every hill and crosswind.
• Forgetting storage. Check driveway length, neighborhood rules and covered storage before delivery.
• Skipping the annual maintenance that keeps Warranty Forever active.
• Not recording the delivery walkthrough. You will want that video the first time something confuses you at a campsite. Pet owners can also start with the pet-friendly RV list.

Serving Athens, Madison, Huntsville and North Alabama

Along with Athens and the rest of Limestone County, Johnston RV Center serves buyers from Madison, Huntsville, Decatur, Hartselle, Cullman, Arab, Albertville, Jasper, Oneonta, Gardendale and Birmingham. Both stores are listed on the locations page, and the full RV inventory shows every unit at both lots.