Some might think that the road and wide open spaces could get lonely. But the truth is, RVing can actually be the opposite. Most people know that traveling in an RV can bring freedom and adventure, but are surprised to find the community that is also out there. Everyone tends to be much more willing to chat and socialize when traveling. So whether you’re a rookie RVer or a veteran, finding friends while traveling in an RV isn’t as hard as you may think.

In fact, as a full-time RVer, I’ve met some of my best friends on the road just in my first year! But you don’t have to RV full-time to find community—it’s available for weekend warriors too. So if meeting new people is one of the many benefits you hope to gain from RVing, I’m here to help!

Tips for Finding Community While Traveling in an RV

At the Campground or RV Park

When you pull up to your site, it’s not uncommon for other campers to immediately welcome you, strike up a conversation, or even help you back your rig in! Better yet, if you have any issues with your RV, you’re sure to find help from a fellow RVer somewhere in the campground or park. These examples are not only a portrayal of the RV community and typical campground etiquette, but also turn out to be a great way to connect with people.

The best way to meet other people in the park is to spend your time outside sitting in your camping chairs or walking around. While outside, be friendly to your “neighbors” at the park and strike up conversations. Ask them how they like their particular type of RV, if they have any suggestions for activities, or maybe invite them to a campfire. You’ll be amazed at the connections you make and stories you’ll hear. You’ll likely find yourself saying “what a small world.” It’s ironic, but no matter how far you travel from home, you’re bound to find commonalities with the people you meet.

Many RV parks and campgrounds also host various social gatherings and will post a calendar of events. We’ve seen everything from BINGO nights, to karaoke, to potlucks. These gatherings can be a great ice breaker and help you naturally interact with other campers.

While Exploring

Whether you’re on the lake fishing, at a local tourist attraction, or hiking along a trail, you’re surrounded by people who enjoy similar activities as you. What a perfect way to connect with someone! Offer to take their photo for them, ask them where they’re from, or give them any tips for the area that you’ve discovered.

Guided tours are also a great way to meet people. You’re typically in small groups with travelers who are expecting to mingle with other travelers. The shared experience of a tour helps bond people, and depending on the activity, there is typically a lot of time for conversation. Some tours even provide meals or transportation, which is great a great opportunity for chatting to pass the time!

You can also strike up conversations with the locals. When interacting with locals at businesses or at the park or beach, for example, ask for suggestions on things to do and places to eat. Then you can eventually move the conversation towards getting to know each other. We’ve had locals offer to show us around or meet us at a fun local joint the following day. You just never know! But if nothing else, you’ll get great recommendations for exploring the area.

Online

It’s called social media for a reason! It was designed for people to engage and connect with one another and it’s an incredible tool for doing just that, of course, along with finding funny cat videos and viewing endless amounts of photos of your friend’s kids and meals. In fact, Facebook and Instagram have been my favorite resource for meeting friends while RVing.

Facebook has groups for every topic. Search for camping and RVing groups and request to join them. Check out some of the past discussions or start your own post and you’ll instantly be connected with people. On Instagram, you can follow other RVers and engage with them. Sometimes you’ll see that you’re in the same area and can meet up. Or, you can search for photos from the destination you’re in, see who else is there, then reach out via private message or comment on their photo.

I’ve had lots of people message me, and have messaged other travelers as well. I’ve met up with RVers at breweries, restaurants, and parks and every time I do, we immediately have something in common that we can talk about. We’ll chat for hours about our favorite spots, tips for our RVs, or laugh about the struggles we’ve on the road, and typically I leave with new friends who I continue to keep up with on social media.

At Events

There are several events for RVers of all types that take place all year long and all across the country. From RV shows and rallies to conferences, to festivals and everything in between, you’re sure to find something that interests you. All of these events are organized with the same goal in mind: to bring people together through a shared interest! 

Many of the popular RV clubs and memberships organize a variety of fun rallys and caravans. Depending on the event, you can often get everything from your route, nightly stays, entertainment, and food all organized for you. You just show up, make friends, and create memories! Check out Good Sam’s event list, by clicking here.

An important thing to remember about meeting people while traveling in your RV is remembering to stay in contact. So, depending on your experience with them, don’t forget to give people your card, ask them to connect on social media, or swap phone numbers! Maybe you can plan to cross paths again, or you’ll have someone to visit in another part of the country.

One of the greatest benefits of RVing is not only seeing new parts of the country, but connecting with people as you travel. The more people you meet, the more you gain and the more memorable your adventures are. I hope these tips will help you meet new people on your next RV trip, build lasting relationships, and make new memories together.