More Than Miles: Finding Your People on the Road

RV life is often described of as wide-open highways, bucket-list destinations, and the freedom to choose your backyard. But as anyone who’s spent time traveling knows, it’s the people you meet along the way who make the journey unforgettable.

In this episode of Learn to RV: The Podcast, the three of us dive into the magic and sometimes challenges of finding community on the road. From lonely seasons to rally friendships to those chance encounters that turn into lifelong bonds, here’s what we’ve learned about building connections in a lifestyle that’s always moving.

The Lonely Season

Jenn kicks things off with honesty: when her family first hit the road, they went two whole years before meeting another full-time family. They weren’t hiding away in the boondocks; they were at campgrounds and popular spots. But without intentionally reaching out, loneliness crept in.

It wasn’t until a chance encounter in Quartzsite, Arizona, where dozens of RV families pulled in next door, that her story shifted. Meeting Jennifer and that growing circle of families became a reminder that community often shows up when you least expect it.

Pro Tip: Don’t wait two years like Jenn. Be intentional. Say hello. Join the group meetup. Sometimes just introducing yourself opens the door to lifelong friendships.

The Power of Rallies

For Tasha, the story unfolded differently. Before her family even officially hit the road, they dove headfirst into an influencer rally in Florida. Though overwhelming at first, it gave them an instant circle of people who said, “Stick with us, we’ll show you the good fires.”

What started as an online connection turned into real-world friendships that continue to this day. The rally scene also introduced them to other RVers who answered tough questions about memberships, campgrounds, and how to make the lifestyle sustainable.

Pro Tip: Rallies, meetups, and brand gatherings can feel intimidating. But they can jumpstart your community and connect you with the right people.

Neighborhoods vs. Nomad Communities

When we compared our experiences in traditional neighborhoods with RV life, one thing became clear: the sense of connection feels different on the road.

• In neighborhoods, you may live next to someone for years and never know their name.
• On the road, you may meet someone for a week and end up with a lifelong friend.

Tasha shared how neighbors once looked at her like she had three heads when she brought them homemade cinnamon rolls. But on the road? Strangers offer cookies, tools, and friendship without hesitation.

Pro Tip: RV community often grows faster and deeper—because when you’re constantly moving, you become intentional about building bonds.

Creative Ways to Connect

So how do you actually find your people? Here are a few ways we’ve found community on the road:

• Join groups and clubs. From Escapees to Fulltime Families to Gathering of Nomads, there’s a fit for nearly everyone.
• Look at campground boards. Many post up volunteer events, potlucks, or local service projects where you can connect.
• Lean into brand pride. Alliance RVs have their “alligators,” Tiffin has turtles, Forest River has frogs—and those small symbols often spark conversations that lead to friendships.
• Say yes to the invite. Whether it’s a campfire, a progressive dinner, or bingo at a rally, these casual settings are where relationships are forged.
• Stay connected online. Messenger chats, Marco Polo, and even scavenger hunts in Facebook groups (yes, we’ve done that!) can lead to genuine friendships in real life.

Staying in Touch

The road takes us all in different directions. Some friendships are “see you in six months,” while others may go years before crossing paths again. The key is intentionality:

• Drop a message in a group chat.
• Send a quick video on Marco Polo.
• Reach out when you see a friend’s rig in your campground.
• Be the one to invite others over—don’t wait for someone else to make the first move.

As Jennifer put it: “To be a friend, you have to be friendly.”

Why You Need a Tribe

RV life isn’t easy. Breakdowns. Bad back road and Google maps that are definitely taking you out to pasture. Water mishaps. Some days just need the ear of a friend. A circle of people who get it and can help you get through those overwhelming moments.

Community is what makes this lifestyle sustainable. And often, it’s those people, like your kids’ new honorary grandparents, the new neighbors that offer easy campfire chats, or a dear friend who you can pick right up with years later, that makes every mile worth it.

Takeaway

Community looks different for everyone, and that’s okay. What matters is finding your people, whether that’s at a rally, through a Facebook group, at a work camping job, or around a campfire with strangers who become friends.

RV life is more than miles. It’s about the people who walk beside you, even if only for a season.

Want to hear the full conversation? Listen to this episode of Learn to RV: The Podcast, More Than Miles: Finding Your People.

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