Top RV Clubs for Socializing and Building Friendships on the Road

Besides exploring scenic landscapes and embracing the freedom of the open road— the true joy of living the RV lifestyle is the incredible people you meet along the way.

Escapees RV Club…https://escapees.com/

Founded in 1978, Escapees RV Club is one of the largest and most well-known organizations for RVers of all lifestyles—full-timers, part-timers, and even those who RV recreationally.

While it offers a wide range of benefits such as mail forwarding and educational resources, the heart of the club lies in its strong sense of community.

It’s not just about discounts and resources; it’s about meeting others who share a love for the RV lifestyle.

Events: Escapees offers a variety of social events throughout the year, designed to bring members together for fun, learning, and camaraderie:

• Escapades: These are large, week-long rallies held annually, featuring seminars, workshops, and fun social gatherings. Escapades are ideal for networking and making new friends.
• Hangouts: Designed for smaller groups, Hangouts focus on outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and sightseeing, making them perfect for those who prefer a more active, adventure-oriented experience.
• Convergences: Organized by Xscapers (a subgroup of Escapees), Convergences are more informal gatherings tailored to working-age RVers. Events can include happy hours, potlucks, group hikes, and even professional networking sessions.

Social Perks: Escapees offers local chapter events and BOF (Birds of a Feather) groups, which are interest-based meetups. These gatherings can be based on anything from hobbies like photography and geocaching to lifestyle choices like solo RVing or traveling with pets. This variety makes it easy to find a niche community within the broader Escapees family.

Pros & Cons:

• Pros:
  • Escapees’ inclusive culture encourages friendship and support among members, making it ideal for solo RVers or those new to the lifestyle.
  • The wide variety of events ensures there’s something for everyone, from large rallies to smaller, interest-based meetups.
• Cons:
  • With a large number of attendees, the bigger events like Escapades can feel overwhelming for those who prefer intimate gatherings.
  • Membership dues can be higher than other social clubs, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious RVers.

Xscapers…https://escapees.com/

Xscapers is a subgroup of the Escapees RV Club, specifically designed for younger, working-age RVers, digital nomads, and families on the road. Founded in 2015, it aims to serve a growing community of RVers who balance work, travel, and adventure. Unlike some traditional RV clubs, Xscapers embraces a more laid-back, modern approach, making it popular among RVers seeking vibrant social events alongside networking opportunities.

Events: Xscapers events are known for their unique, informal vibe, often focusing on outdoor adventures, social gatherings, and professional growth:

• Convergences: Xscapers’ signature events, Convergences, are held throughout the year across the country. These week-long gatherings are packed with activities such as group hikes, potluck dinners, bonfires, and happy hours. There’s a strong focus on community building, with plenty of opportunities to bond over shared experiences and interests.
• Skill-Sharing Workshops: Many Convergences include skill-sharing sessions where RVers can learn from each other. Topics range from RV maintenance to building a remote business—making it perfect for those who want to learn while socializing.
• Spontaneous Meetups: Beyond Convergences, Xscapers also organize smaller, informal meetups that encourage RVers to come together for activities like stargazing, music jams, or game nights.

Social Perks: Xscapers is not just about socializing; it’s about building a lifestyle that supports work-life balance on the road. Members often form strong bonds through the club’s casual atmosphere and shared experiences. Since many Xscapers are digital nomads, there’s also a strong sense of collaboration, with members sharing tips on freelancing, remote work, and travel-friendly business ventures.

Pros & Cons:

• Pros:
  • Xscapers offers a friendly, casual atmosphere that makes it easy to meet like-minded people, especially younger RVers or those still working while on the road.
  • The club’s events are adventure-oriented, with a focus on outdoor activities and social engagement, making them perfect for active RVers.
  • The integration of skill-sharing and professional networking makes Xscapers a good fit for digital nomads or remote workers.
• Cons:
  • The fast-paced nature of some events may not appeal to RVers seeking a slower, more relaxed pace.
  • Since it’s part of the larger Escapees organization, Xscapers membership typically requires joining Escapees, which may be a consideration for those looking for a standalone club.

FMCA (Family Motor Coach Association) https://www.fmca.com/

Founded in 1963, the Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA) began as a club exclusively for motorhome owners but has since expanded to welcome all types of RVers. With a mission to enhance the RV lifestyle through education, resources, and—importantly—social engagement, FMCA is one of the most well-established RV organizations. It’s renowned for its dedication to building a supportive and active community among RVers.

Events: FMCA is known for hosting a variety of events that promote social interaction and community bonding, including:

• National Conventions: FMCA hosts two large conventions each year, each attracting thousands of RVers from across the country. These events feature educational seminars, entertainment, vendors, and organized social gatherings like potlucks, game nights, and happy hours.
• Chapter Rallies: The heart of FMCA lies in its regional chapters, which organize smaller, more frequent rallies throughout the year. These events offer more intimate settings for RVers to build lasting friendships.
• Special Interest Gatherings: FMCA members can also join special interest chapters, which host events based on specific hobbies, travel interests, or even professions. From photography groups to pet lovers, there’s a chapter for everyone.

Social Perks: FMCA’s chapter structure creates a sense of community at both local and national levels. Whether you’re looking to connect regionally or at large national events, FMCA makes it easy to find a circle of friends. Many FMCA chapters also host events like caravan trips, where members can travel together to popular destinations or explore scenic routes as a group.

Pros & Cons:

Pros:

• FMCA’s extensive network of chapters provides excellent opportunities for RVers to form regional and national connections.
• The large conventions offer a chance to meet thousands of fellow RVers while also enjoying educational sessions and entertainment.

FMCA is known for its warm, family-like atmosphere, making it welcoming for new members.

Cons:

• While the large national events are great for meeting people, they can feel more formal and less laid-back compared to smaller club gatherings.
• Annual dues, while reasonable given the range of benefits, may be higher than some smaller social-only RV clubs.

Good Sam Club Chapters…http://goodsam.com

The Good Sam Club is one of the largest and most well-known RV clubs in North America, boasting over 1.5 million members. While it’s often associated with discounts and services, Good Sam is also home to hundreds of regional chapters that emphasize social interaction. These local chapters offer RVers a chance to make friends in their area and enjoy regular meetups, rallies, and fun events throughout the year.

Events: Good Sam Club Chapters are primarily focused on fostering a sense of community among members, with a variety of social gatherings:

• Regional Rallies: Each chapter hosts its own rallies, which can include potluck dinners, games, campfire socials, and day trips to nearby attractions. These rallies are more intimate than national events, making it easy to form close bonds.
• State Samborees: Held annually, Samborees are larger state-wide events where multiple chapters gather for a few days of socializing, entertainment, and activities. Samborees typically include group meals, contests, vendor exhibitions, and even talent shows.
• Volunteer Activities: Many Good Sam chapters engage in local community service, such as park cleanups or charity fundraisers, providing members a way to give back while building relationships with fellow RVers.

Social Perks: Good Sam Chapters are highly localized, meaning you can find a chapter near your home base or where you travel most frequently. This makes it easy to stay connected year-round, even when you’re not on the road full-time. Chapters often have a family-like feel, with members frequently meeting outside of rallies to share meals, go on caravan trips, or attend local events together.

Pros & Cons:

• Pros:
  • The chapter system offers a more personal experience, with regular get-togethers that foster strong friendships.
  • Samborees and regional rallies provide opportunities for more substantial social interaction and the chance to meet members from other chapters.
  • Local volunteer activities make it easy to connect over shared goals, creating a strong sense of community.
• Cons:
  • Activity levels vary by chapter, so some may be more active than others, depending on member involvement and regional interest.
  • Some RVers may find the larger, organized events like Samborees a bit formal compared to the laid-back gatherings offered by other clubs.

Harvest Hosts…https://www.harvesthosts.com/

Harvest Hosts is a unique membership network that offers RVers access to over 4,000 host locations across North America, including farms, wineries, breweries, museums, and other unique destinations. While it’s primarily known for providing one-of-a-kind overnight camping experiences, it also has a strong social component. Members often interact not only with the hosts but also with other RVers staying at the same location, creating a natural opportunity for socializing.

Events: While Harvest Hosts doesn’t organize large rallies or formal events like other RV clubs, its unique host locations often become impromptu social hubs:

• Wine Tastings & Brewery Tours: Many members gather at wineries and breweries for tastings, tours, and group meals. These settings are perfect for making friends over a shared appreciation of local wine or craft beer.
• Farm Tours & Market Days: Stays at farms often include opportunities for RVers to join farm tours, enjoy farm-to-table meals, or help with simple farm tasks, fostering camaraderie among travelers who share a love for local food and agriculture.
• Group Dinners: While not organized by Harvest Hosts itself, members frequently arrange spontaneous group dinners or potlucks, taking advantage of the scenic backdrops at host locations. Whether it’s a BBQ at a ranch or a picnic at a vineyard, these casual gatherings encourage connection.

Social Perks: The true social aspect of Harvest Hosts lies in the intimate settings where RVers meet. Staying at a host location not only allows members to enjoy unique experiences but also makes it easy to strike up conversations with fellow travelers and hosts. These experiences create memorable interactions and opportunities to form lasting friendships. Harvest Hosts also has an active online community where members can share tips, stories, and recommendations.

Pros & Cons:

• Pros:
  • Harvest Hosts’ locations provide RVers with picturesque settings that naturally encourage social interaction, making it easy to connect with other travelers.
  • The diversity of host sites means members often bond over shared interests, whether it’s wine, craft beer, agriculture, or art.
  • The casual, spontaneous nature of the meetups ensures that social interactions feel organic, with no pressure to attend formal events.
• Cons:
  • Stays are generally limited to one night (unless otherwise allowed by the host), so deeper relationships may require follow-up interactions or future meetups.
  • Harvest Hosts does not organize formal club events or rallies, so RVers looking for more structured social activities may need to combine this membership with other RV clubs.

Boondockers Welcome https://www.boondockerswelcome.com/

Boondockers Welcome – a division of Harvest Hosts – is a unique RV community that connects travelers with hosts who offer free overnight stays on their private property. It’s a grassroots network of RV enthusiasts, where members can experience the hospitality of local hosts while enjoying a safe, free place to park. This setup fosters natural social interactions between travelers and hosts, as well as between guests when multiple RVers stay at the same property.

Events: While Boondockers Welcome does not organize formal events, its locations often serve as hubs for spontaneous social gatherings:

• Meet & Greets: One of the most common social interactions in the Boondockers Welcome community is the simple meet-and-greet. Hosts often welcome travelers with friendly conversations, sharing local tips, travel stories, or even a meal together.
• Shared Meals & BBQs: It’s not unusual for hosts to invite guests to share a meal, host a BBQ, or enjoy drinks around a campfire. These informal gatherings provide RVers a chance to build relationships in a more personal setting.
• Small Group Meetups: In some areas, hosts encourage group stays where multiple RVers can park on the same property. These setups often lead to small group activities, like potluck dinners, music jams, or outdoor games, creating a communal atmosphere.

Social Perks: Boondockers Welcome is known for its friendly, personal touch, with many hosts eager to connect and share local knowledge. It’s a perfect choice for RVers who enjoy meeting locals and learning about the area they’re visiting from people who live there. The community is also active online, with members sharing stories, tips, and recommendations through forums and social media groups.

Pros & Cons:

• Pros:
  • Boondockers Welcome offers a more personal experience compared to traditional campgrounds or RV parks, as it encourages interaction with hosts who share an interest in the RV lifestyle.
  • The one-on-one interactions often lead to deeper connections, making it an excellent choice for RVers who value more meaningful social encounters.
  • The platform is ideal for solo travelers, providing a sense of security and companionship while on the road.
• Cons:
  • While most stays are welcoming, the level of social interaction depends on the host’s preferences; some may be more social than others, while others may simply offer a place to park.
  • Stays are typically short (usually one or two nights), so longer-lasting relationships might require planning additional visits or staying in touch online.

RVing Women…https://www.rvingwomen.org/

It’s a welcoming space that encourages women of all ages and backgrounds to embrace RVing confidently while building friendships along the way.

Events: RVing Women organizes a wide variety of events, each designed to create strong bonds among members while promoting skills and confidence in RVing:

• National Conventions: The club holds annual national conventions where members can come together to learn, socialize, and have fun. These conventions typically feature workshops, seminars, group meals, and entertainment, providing an excellent opportunity to meet fellow female RVers from across the country.
• Regional Rallies: Throughout the year, RVing Women’s regional chapters host smaller rallies in different parts of the country. These events include social activities like potlucks, happy hours, game nights, and even group tours of local attractions.
• Chapter Meetups: Each chapter holds regular meetups, which can range from casual camping weekends to organized caravans. These gatherings allow members to develop deeper connections with other women in their area, fostering a sense of community and sisterhood.

Social Perks: RVing Women is built around the idea of providing both community and empowerment. It’s a place where members can share travel tips, safety advice, and personal stories, creating a network of support both online and in person. Members benefit from not only the friendship but also the encouragement to try new things, whether it’s backing up an RV solo or discovering new destinations. The club also maintains active online forums and social media groups, where members can stay connected even when not attending events.

Pros & Cons:

• Pros:
  • RVing Women offers a safe, welcoming environment for female RVers, especially solo travelers, who can connect with like-minded women and make lasting friendships.
  • Events are focused on both socializing and skill-building, with plenty of workshops on topics like RV maintenance, safety, and personal security—designed specifically for women.
  • The chapter-based approach makes it easy to find local gatherings, ensuring a sense of community even when not traveling.
• Cons:
  • Membership is restricted to women, which may not be suitable for mixed-gender travel groups or couples who want to join events together.
  • Some regions may have fewer chapter events than others, depending on the size and activity of the local membership.

Final Thoughts

Connecting with fellow RVers is one of the most rewarding parts of the RV lifestyle, and joining a social RV club can make those connections even easier.

Whether you’re a solo traveler looking for community, a couple eager to meet like-minded adventurers, or a family wanting to build friendships on the road, there’s an RV club that fits your needs.

From formal rallies and workshops to spontaneous meetups and shared meals, these clubs offer a wealth of opportunities to make lasting memories and friendships.

While the clubs mentioned here are some of the largest and most popular, there are also many smaller, specialized clubs that cater to different interests and activities.

These niche groups can add an extra layer of excitement to your travels by connecting you with people who share your hobbies and interests.

To find a specialty group type the following into Google: RV club + _____________ (whatever you enjoy doing)

As you explore your options, consider what type of social experience you’re looking for—whether it’s large gatherings, intimate local meetups, or casual encounters at unique destinations.

No matter which club you choose, the camaraderie you’ll find can make your RV journey even more enriching.

Safe Travels !