Life on the road as a full-time RVer offers freedom, but it can also be lonely. Whether you’re looking for casual friends, travel buddies, or a sense of belonging to a community, it is possible to connect with others even when you don’t have a sticks-and-bricks home.
I have been a full-time RVer for the past couple of months. Admittedly, the feelings of isolation don’t bother me that much. I like spending time by myself, and I’m not one to put a lot of effort into making new friends.
But now that I’ve found an RV park where I would like to spend the next few months, it’s time to step outside of my comfort zone. I am going to put myself out there and create a circle of friends to spend my free time with.
It’s hard to hear about the friends that others have made while traveling and not feel out of the loop.
If you’re feeling the same pull toward community, this guide will show you exactly how to find it.
Finding Communities
One of the easiest, lowest-stakes ways to connect with other RVers is online. You can start meeting fellow RV travelers even before you hit the road. You’ll already have friends before you go.
Social Media Groups
There are several social media platforms with groups where you can meet fellow RVers. Here are a few to try:
- Facebook Groups: This is one of the most active hubs for RV communities. Try 50+ Single RVers Connection, Single Rv’ers Having Fun, Singles Camping, or just enter singles RV groups into the search bar and see what interests you!
- Instagram & TikTok: Follow hashtags like #solorv, #rvlife, and #vanlife. You can make friends by commenting on posts and chatting with others.
- Reddit: There are several Reddit communities geared towards solo RV travelers. Check out r/GoRVing, r/solotravel, or r/VanLife for advice and to chat with other single travelers.
RV Forums & Websites
Another great place to meet fellow travelers online is in RV forums or by checking out websites for RVers. Here are a few to try:
- iRV2 Forums: You’ll find community discussions along with technical conversations about RVs and RVing.
- Wandering Individuals Network: This group helps members meet up to travel and make friends. There are several regions to choose from so you can pick the area where you want to camp.
- Meetup.com: Search “RV” or “camping” in the areas where you’re camping to see if any groups are meeting together.
Organized RV Clubs & Memberships
If you want a more structured way to meet people, with a lot of the planning already taken care of, consider an RV club or a membership to a group.
| Club/Organization | Best For | Key Benefits | Cost |
| GENERAL RV CLUBS | |||
| Escapees RV Club | Solo travelers, full-timers | SOLOS sub-group for singles, mail forwarding, discount parks, rallies | ~$100/year |
| Good Sam Club | Discount seekers, social events | 10% camping discounts, roadside assistance, regional rallies | ~$29/year |
| Harvest Hosts | Unique camping experiences | Free overnight stays at farms/wineries, meet hosts | ~$99/year |
| Boondockers Welcome | Boondockers, budget travelers | Free stays on private land, local connections | ~$50/year |
| BRAND-SPECIFIC CLUBS | |||
| Airstream Club International (WBCCI) | Airstream owners | Regional + international rallies, caravans, technical support | ~$80/year |
| Winnebago Travato Owners Group | Winnebago Travato owners | Model-specific advice, meetups | Free (Facebook) |
| Forest River Owners’ Group | Forest River owners | Forums, regional rallies | Free (online) |
| Other brand clubs | Various brands | Check manufacturer websites for official clubs with rallies | Varies |
| IDENTITY-BASED GROUPS | |||
| RVing Women | Women RVers (solo or not) | Women-only rallies, mentorship, safety tips | ~$75/year |
| Rainbow RV | LGBTQ+ community | Inclusive rallies, safe spaces, found family | ~$25/year |
| National African American RVers Association | Black RV community | Cultural connection, group travel, representation | Varies |
| Military Veterans RV Groups | Veterans & active military | Shared camaraderie, veteran-friendly resources | Varies/Free |
| Fulltime Families | Families homeschooling on road | Educational resources, family-friendly rallies | ~$100/year |
On-the-Road Meetups
There are also things you can do in person while you’re on the road to meet new people. Head to RV rallies or gatherings of groups like the Quartzsite RV Show. This is billed as “The Largest Gathering of RVers in the World,” so there’s a very good chance you can make some RV friends here. Escapees Escapades also hosts regional rallies throughout the year that you can attend, while Xscapers has meetings for younger (under 50) travelers.
You can also attend planned events at the campground where you’re staying. A lot of campgrounds will have happy hours, potlucks, group hikes, or other organized events. If you want to stay in one spot for a while, you could work or volunteer at the campground – for example, as a campground host. That allows you to meet people pretty much every day!
If you work remotely, you can also get out of your rig and head to spots in the town where you’re staying to work. Check out a new coffee shop, library, or co-working space and see if you can meet new people.
Integrated Community
If you’ll be staying in one spot for a longer period of time, you may want to check out community spaces and meet people there. Along with libraries and coffee shops, check out local farmers’ markets or dog parks to chat with new people. Look for YMCAs or local rec centers that have a drop-in price and join a class or hit the pool.
You can also look for short-term volunteer opportunities in a town. Habitat for Humanity, local food banks, state parks, and other community spaces might be thrilled to welcome you as a volunteer.
Finally, look for services at houses of worship where you can participate. Many churches, synagogues, mosques, and other places host social events after services and will greet you with open arms.
Tips For Success
Of course, knowing where to find people to talk to and actually talking to them are two completely different skills. Here are a few tips for meeting new people, if chatting up strangers doesn’t come naturally to you.
- Ask for recommendations: Ask for their favorite campsite or campground nearby, or restaurant recommendations, or advice on the most fun/educational/best thing to do in the area. People love to share their opinions and expertise!
- Compliment their RV: RVers love talking about their setup. Ask questions about what they have or say something nice about it.
- Offer to help: If you see someone who obviously needs help with a task, lend a helping hand. A lot of campsite setup and other chores are definitely easier with some assistance.
- Have a conversation starter: Sit outside your rig at a campfire so you can strike up conversations. Bring a deck of cards or easy game that you can invite a new friend to play. Or mix up some drinks or snacks to share with your campground neighbors.
Safety Considerations
If you’re thinking about all the warnings from your mother about not talking to strangers, they’re not an unreasonable consideration. Meeting someone new does, unfortunately, carry some risk and you want to be safe. Here are some ideas:
- Meet in public: Meet in town at a coffee shop, at a park visitor center, or in another public space.
- Meet in a group: Don’t meet a new person one-on-one, especially if you’re going hiking or doing another activity that might be secluded.
- Trust your gut: Don’t worry about being polite – if something feels off, disengage and leave.
- Video call first: If you’re meeting friends online for the first time, talk via video a few times. This doesn’t take the place of other precautions, but it can help you get a feel for a person.
- Don’t share sensitive information: When you first meet someone new, don’t share where you’re staying, financial details, or other sensitive info.
Managing Expectations
Not every interaction is going to result in a new bestie or a love match, and that’s okay. Your friendships with some people may be temporary. RV life is transitory, and if your friendship centers around outdoor activities or in-person meetings, it may taper off once you’ve both moved on.
Also, you’re not going to click with everyone you meet. Don’t force it, and just know that putting yourself out there doesn’t mean you need to have a lasting relationship with the other person.
You might also have to be the initiator – it’s possible no one else is going to organize a meetup. You can be the one! Organize a potluck at a campground, or a group hike, or an outing to a local community theater.
When you move on, you can follow your new friends on social media or get a cell number to text and stay in touch.
It does take some effort to form relationships with others when you’re on the road. But with some practice and courage, you might discover that your efforts are very rewarding.
