🚌 Build Community On The Road: Tips For Making Friends As A Full-Time Vanlifer
Living life on the road offers unparalleled freedom, but it can also feel isolating at times. The good news? The vanlife community is vibrant, welcoming, and eager to connect. Whether you're seeking new friends, shared experiences, or a sense of belonging, here are some top ways to build meaningful connections as a full-time vanlifer.
🌄 1. Stay at Van Life Campgrounds (VLCs)
Van Life Campgrounds (VLCs) are purpose-built communities designed for nomads like you. These spaces offer more than just a place to park—they provide amenities such as hot showers, co-working spaces, communal kitchens, and organized events like movie nights, communal dinners, and bonfires. Each VLC location also includes access to a dedicated discord community, allowing you to stay connected with the nomads you met onsite, organize meet-ups, and join caravans between VLC locations .
🏕️ 2. Camp Where Vanlifers Naturally Gather
Certain spots are vanlife magnets. Places like Sedona, AZ, Moab, UT, Slab City, CA, or Baja, Mexico attract vanlifers for their beauty, freedom, and chill vibes.
Try This:
Use apps like iOverlander, Campendium, and The Dyrt to find free campsites that are vanlife favorites.
Stay open to casual chats at trailheads, campgrounds, or while filling up on water.
🎪 3. Attend Vanlife Gatherings and Events
Vanlife events are one of the best ways to find instant community. These gatherings are filled with like-minded travelers, creative workshops, shared meals, and van tours.
Top Events to Check Out:
Descend on Bend (OR)
VanFest (UT)
Skooliepalooza (AZ)
Open Roads Fest (ID)
Show up, say hi, and don’t be afraid to fly solo—plenty of others do!
📱 4. Use Social Media Intentionally
Social platforms aren’t just for pretty sunset photos—they’re powerful connection tools. Join Facebook groups and be proactive about starting conversations.
Where to Plug In:
Facebook groups like “Vanlife – Community & Support”, “Vanlife Pride”, or “Women on the Road”
Search Instagram hashtags like #vanlifemeetup, #vanlifefamily, or #vanlifeusa to see where people are and actually reach out to them!
Reddit: Subreddits like r/Vanlife offer a space to ask questions, share stories, and connect with fellow travelers.vanlifedaily.com
Engaging actively in these communities can help you build connections and find support on the road.
📲 5. Try Nomad-Centric Apps
There are entire platforms designed to help nomads connect. A few must-download apps:
Sekr: Shows events, campsites, and nearby travelers
CrossRoads: Let’s share and see the routes of your nomads friends on a map
Boondockers Welcome & Harvest Hosts: Stay with locals and meet other travelers
🕯️ 6. Stay Put a Little Longer
Sometimes you’ve gotta slow your roll to build deeper friendships. If you click with someone or a group, consider staying in that area longer.
Bonus Idea: Volunteer through WWOOF or Workaway—you’ll live and work with others, often forging long-term friendships along the way.
🌄 7. Say Yes More Often
That neighbor who invites you to a sunset hike or fireside hang might be your new best road friend. It’s easy to default to “solo mode,” but saying yes can open doors to connection.
🌟 Final Thoughts
Building community as a full-time vanlifer enriches your journey and provides a support network on the road. By staying at VLCs, attending gatherings, engaging online, utilizing dedicated apps, volunteering, and being authentic, you can cultivate lasting friendships and a sense of belonging. Remember, the road is vast, but the vanlife community is even bigger.
📬 Stay Connected with Van Life Campgrounds
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