Instagram Facebook Pinterest Youtube Twitter Tiktok
SIGN UP FOR EMAILS
or
Register

Ultimate List of Van Life Events, Gatherings, and Festivals

What are Van Life Events?

If one is ever curious about the nomadic community, you only need to attend one van life event to get a taste of the culture. Even events that are pegged as “#vanlife” events are always open to all nomadic travelers.

Everyone is welcome, from weekend warriors car camping to families living full time on the road in their converted school bus (called “skoolies”). The number one goal for every van life event is to build community around the nomadic lifestyle.

There are a variety of van life events, gatherings, and festivals. Some are sponsored and charge a fee to join in on the fun. There are typically vendor booths promoting things from new aftermarket gear, van builds, food, music, and workshops led by well-known influencers. Often there is live music, yoga sessions, and even group arts and crafts lessons.

Builders may be available to help with your projects, mechanics sometimes offer up services, and at some point, there’s always a group planning a potluck of sorts.

For the ultimate list of van life gatherings and events happening this year, read on!

Table of Contents

2023 Van Life Events, Gatherings, and Festivals

This list is a great starting point for van life events happening in 2022. While you can use apps like Sēkr or join van life Facebook groups to find even more gatherings, festivals or events, this list includes the most highly-attended and longest-recurring events to date!

Are you ready to find an event near you?

If you do not see an event on our list, please click the button below to submit information about the gathering! We’ll add it to the list ASAP.

ADD AN EVENT TO OUR CALENDAR

January 2023

  • January 13 – 16: Van Jam Campout / San Diego, Jacumba Hot Springs
    •  Partnered with the Colony to host the first ever ‘Van Jam’ at @stay.nomadic
  • January 21: Pre-Party on Bahía de Concepción / Escapar a la Baja, Cuatro
    • Located on the southern end of beautiful Bahía de Concepción, 35 minutes south of Mulege, and 2/3rds of the way to Escapar a La Baja from the US/MX border, Playa Buenaventura is a gorgeous beach with about 35 campsites with hot water, showers, bathrooms, limited wifi, and of course the finest bar & restaurant in all of Baja: The ARGGH!! Bar. 
  • January 21 – 31: SkooliePalooza / Ehrenberg, AZ
    • Welcome to the Official SkooliePalooza. We are an inclusive community primarily surrounding Skoolie and Bus life (and we even love on the Vanlifers). Our #1 rule is: Be Nice. Join us on your Skoolie Adventure!
  • January 28 – February 26: Xscapers Mexico Winter Home Base / Bella Vista, Puerto Penasco
    • Xscapers Mexico Winter Home Base – Puerto Peñasco, Mexico – SOLD OUT Concha Del Mar Campground & RV Park – January 28th – February 26th, 2023 The Xscapers are bringing back the Winter Home Base and we are headed back to Rocky Point.  Join your hosts Nicole and Jen in Puerto Peñasco, Mexico for a month.

February 2023

  • February 1 – 6: Escapar a la Baja, Cuatro / Playa Tecolote, Baja California Sur
    • A vanlife and overlanding event / festival / gathering. Come for the community, creativity, and for the best road trip of your life. Register to join the WhatsApp Group and let them know how they can help you with your trip!
    • Instagram: @thejournaloflosttime
  • February 3 – 6: The Florida Vanlife Gathering / Dade City, FL
    • Vanlifers and nomads coming together to connect with each other, learn from vendors and workshop leaders, and just have fun.
    • Instagram: @florida.vanlife
  • February 9 – 12: Truck Camper Adventure Quartzsite Rally / Quartzsite, AZ
    • This outdoor camping event will be held at the Roadrunner Wash Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Area, 6 miles south of Quartzsite. All types of truck campers are welcome at this event, including slide-in campers, truck toppers, chassis-mounted campers, and camper shells as well as those who own DIY and vintage restored campers. Sorry, no other types of RVs will be allowed.
    • Instagram: @truckcamperadventure 
  • February 13 – 15: Xscapers Winter Blast 2023 / Lake Havasu, AZ
    • Xscapers Winter Blast 2023 Lake Havasu City Rodeo GroundsFebruary 13th – 20st, 2022 Join your fellow Xscapers for a low-key gathering in Lake Havasu where we have snagged a designated park area for the 2023 Western Winter Blast at the SARA Park Rodeo Grounds in Lake Havasu City, AZ. 
  • February 17 – 19: Vanlife Summit / Virtual Event
    • The Van Life Summit will teach you everything you need to know about starting vanlife and living the most fulfilling life on the road – you’ll learn from over 30+ van life experts – all from the comfort of your own home and computer.
    • Instagram: @project.vanlife
  • February 18 – 27: Sixth Annual Skoolie Swarm / Melrose, FL
    • This is just a chance to come and relax with the skoolie community. One attendee recently said, “It’s like a family reunion with only the good cousins!” You do not have to have a bus to join us at the skoolie swarm. You just have to have the skoolie spirit. Practice your offgrid skills. Just like at previous Swarms we will have epic potluck dinners, community breakfasts, kickball games, costume party, Informative talks, movie nights and more.
  • February 24 – 26: Van Life Pride / Quartzite, AZ
    • For queer or love queer folx (ally) who are really into camping, this gathering is for you!
    • Instagram: @vanlifepride

March 2023

  • March 3 – 5: Southeast Overland & Outdoor Expo / Starke, FL
    • The Southeast Overland & Outdoor Expo is the first of its kind event in Florida, bringing exhibitors, vendors and the overland and off-road community together to one venue. You can expect interactive and informative seminars, educational classes, on-site multi day camping, an off-road course to test your skills, vehicle displays, vendor booths, food trucks and raffles. Day passes and weekend passes are available.
  • March 3 – 5: Borrego Bonanza / Borrego Springs
    • Come join this casual, slightly organized gathering of vanlifers and other nomads in the Southern California desert. Make new friends. Enjoy campfires under the stars. Bring a dish for the Friday night potluck. Bring your mat for yoga. Pack a fun lit up outfit for a Saturday night desert dance party.
  • March 11 – 12: Tiny Fest California / San Diego, CA
    • TinyFest California Is Coming 
      Back To The Del Mar Fairgrounds. Come and meet tiny home builders and van conversion specialist, talk with homeowners who have “gone tiny”, enjoy the expert speaker presentations, vendor interactions, live music, entertainment, and awesome vibe at TinyFest California.
  • March 17 – 19: A Roam of Our Own / Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park – La Quinta, California
    • The Journal of Lost Time is hosting their first woman only van life gathering in Southern California. This event has a 200 ticket capacity and each ticket will include a camping spot, access to toilets and showers at the park.
  • March 26 – 29: Descend on Lost Sierra / Lost Sierra, CA
    • Private camp land access in California’s Lost Sierra. Luxury amenities include porta potties, hand washing stations, and relatively level ground to park your rig. Live music & live humans, being. Daily maker’s market. Morning yoga led by Dr. Molloy.
    • Instagram: @descendonbend

April 2023

  • April 21 – 22: Moore Overlanding and Off-Road Expo / Springfield, MO
    • The Midwest’s #1 Adventure Travel Consumer Show. Attend courses to broaden your knowledge. Learn from others, and discuss ideas in our open forums. Want to know how to pack that first aid kit? What equipment is essential? How to use that navigation app? Stay tuned as we grow our seminar list to help get you on the right track!
  • April 15 – 22: Xscapers Arizona Wine Country Convergence 2023 / Sonoita, CA
    • Xscapers Arizona Wine Country Convergence Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds – Sonoita, AZApril 15th, 2023 – April 22nd, 2023 Join your hosts Dave and Jacqueline Hudson for a laid-back convergence in beautiful Sonoita, AZ.  This is a small event with plenty of opportunities to connect with your fellow Xscapers. The week will be filled with winery hops, multiple live music performances, a local brewery take over, and plenty of other fun activities to participate in.   
  • April 19 – 23: RendezVan Mt. Bachelor / Mount Bachelor, Oregon
    • RendezVan is van life gathering to celebrate the growing camper community that visit Mt. Bachelor each spring. This five day event includes camping, skiing, live music, lawn games, local breweries and morning yoga.
  • April 20 – 23: Back to Baja / Rancho Grande, Bahia Gonzaga
    • We hosted the ultimate van life festival in the middle of the Baja desert.  Over 300 vans and overland rigs joined us for four days and three nights of live music, excursions, incredible food, and unforgettable experiences. This year is going to be even bigger, better, and this time on the beach!  You don’t want to miss this.  Get your tickets now!
  • April 21 – 22: Moore Overlanding & Off-Road Expo / Springfield, MO
    • Mixing the adoration for driving with a definitive test of exact route, the S2M Rally tests your abilities and encourages you to learn new skills. It’s anything but a race for speed, however an exceptional and requesting occasion dependent on the components of headings, stowed away designated spots, time, and distance utilizing guides, compass, and a professionally created road-book to guide you through the experience.
    • Instagram: @mooreexpo
  • April 20 – 24: Weird Wild West / Bisbee, AZ
  • April 29 – 30: Adventure Van Expo / San Juan Capistrano, CA
    • The show will feature built-out Mercedes Sprinters (mostly) 4×4 rigs, accessories, and more.
    • Instagram: @adventurevanexpo

May 2023

  • May 13 – 14: Adventure Van Expo / Sonoma, CA
    • Come check out a full weekend of over 50 vendors including incredible van builds, open house vans, vans, and more vans!
    • Instagram: @adventurevanexpo
  • May 19 – 21: Overland Expo West / Flagstaff, AZ
    • Overland Expo® is the premier overlanding event series in the world—no other event offers the scope of classes taught by the world’s leading experts alongside a professional-level trade show that brings together all the camping and vehicle and motorcycle equipment and services you need to Get Outfitted. Get Trained. Get Inspired. Get Going.
    • Instagram: @overlandexpo
  • May 19 – 21: Overland Expo West / Flagstaff, AZ
    • Overland Expo® is the premier overlanding event series in the world—no other event offers the scope of classes taught by the world’s leading experts alongside a professional-level trade show that brings together all the camping and vehicle and motorcycle equipment and services you need to Get Outfitted. Get Trained. Get Inspired. Get Going.

June 2023

  • June 10 – 11: Adventure Van Expo / Cable, WI (Adventure Series)
    • The show will feature built-out Mercedes Sprinters (mostly) 4×4 rigs, accessories, and more. Come out and meet the builders, network with vanlifers, check out all kinds of cool workmanship and things maybe you’ve never seen, learn something new.
    • Instagram: @adventurevanexpo
  • June 15 – 18: Wind River Rally / Hudson, Wyoming
    • The Wind River Rally vanlife and overlanding gathering from The Journal of Lost Time, and will be held in Hudson, Wyoming in beautiful Wind River country Wyoming on June 15th – 18th, 2023. Gates open at 3 PM!
  • June 17 – 18: Adventure Van Expo / Hood River, OR
    • This show will feature custom built-out Adventure Vans which can typically be found on the Mercedes Benz Sprinter platform and production models such as the Winnebago Revel. The weekend of van community activities are family friendly and open to all ages.
    • Instagram: @adventurevanexpo

July 2023

  • July 5 – 9: 50th Annual National Truck-In / Sterling, Colorado
    • All vans are welcome! There is a judged van show, games and activities for both kids and adults, live music, seminars, vendors and more. The vanners will come in for up to a week and camp. Some just in their van, some with camp trailers and some in tents. 
  • July 7 – 9: Overland Expo PNW / Redmond, OR
    • See the world’s leading experts alongside a professional-level trade show that brings together all the equipment and services you need to get outfitted.
    • Instagram: @overlandexpo
  • July 8 – 9: Adventure Van Expo / Evergreen, CO
    • Open house vans, DIY contest, live music, food trucks and camping! We return to Colorado for our 6th year and this time it will be rolling to beautiful Evergreen CO! Join us for a family-friendly weekend open to all ages celebrating the van life community and the opportunity to view over 50 van vendors.
    • Instagram: @adventurevanexpo
  • July 20 – 23: Holy Toledo / Toledo, Oregon
    • The Holy Toledo! vanlife and overlanding rendezvous will be held on the Yaquina River & Bay in Toledo.
  • July 29 – 30: Adventure Van Expo / Topsfield, MA
    • NEW this summer we are rolling to Topsfield, MA. Join us for a family-friendly weekend open to all ages celebrating the van life community and the opportunity to view an array of van vendors and overland products.
    • Instagram: @adventurevanexpo
      •  

August 2023

  • August 10 – 13: CampNation Expo / Hollister, CA
    • Description: the ultimate gathering for camping and travel enthusiasts. No matter how you roll.
    • Instagram: @campnationexpo
  • August 25 – 27: Overland Expo Mountain West / Loveland, CO
    • Overland Expo MTN West offers more than 300 session hours of incredible programs. No other event features a gathering of so many overland legends, authors, and experts. Overland Expo MTN West offers more than 300 session hours of incredible programs—that’s 150+ different classes, slideshows, demonstrations, and activities—brought to you by 100+ instructors and presenters from around the world.
    • Instagram: @overlandexpo
  • August 25 – 27: Badlands VanFest / Drumheller, Canada 

September 2023

  • September 1 – 4: Descend on Bend / Oregon Outback 
    Map coordinates: 43.3937281,-121.2112945
    • Descend on Bend needs no overview. Some would argue this is the ultimate van life gathering. Just be there.
  • September 2 – 3: Adventure Van Expo / Ogden, Utah
    • Join us for a family friendly weekend open to all ages celebrating the van life community and the opportunity to view an array of van vendors and overland products. In addition to all of the great van builds the event will feature live music, food and local brews all weekend long.
    • Instagram: @adventurevanexpo
  • September 9 – 10: New England Overland Rally / Thompson, CT
    • The official 2nd annual rally! Stay tuned for news on new vendors, live music acts, food vendors, educational components, show vehicle competition classes, and updates to the off-road course.
    • Instagram: @neoverlandrally
  • September 14 – 17: Van Wild Colorado / Montrose, Colorado
    • “VanWILD is a three day immersive experience focusing on bringing together our amazing van community for a weekend of awesome outdoor action centered around USING your van!” Weekend activities include fly fishing, enduro moto rides, mountain biking, river surfing and more.
  • September 16 – 17: Adventure Van Expo / North Lake Tahoe, CA
    • Those looking to show off their custom builds are encouraged to sign up for the DYI Contest where they will have their rigs viewed by hundreds of event goers and rated by van build experts. Looking to buy or sell? Expect to find roof racks, bumpers, solar panels, interior storage, water filters, window coverings, beds, bedding, and 4×4 recovery items….and of course coffee cups, t-shirts and more!
    • Instagram: @adventurevanexpo
  • September 21 – 24: Vanquinox / Grandjean, Idaho
    • Intimate gathering in the Sawtooth Mountains surrounded by pristine rivers, natural hot springs, alpine lakes, geothermal swimming pool, live music, and good times.
    • Instagram: @vanquinox.idaho
  • September 21 – 25: Northwest Nomads / La Pine, Oregon
    • A jam packed camp-out full of live music, informative workshops, raffles, community pot lucks and a ton MORE! Created to make a safe and welcoming atmosphere for everyone. Inspired by the unforgettable community of nomads we’ve met throughout our travels.
  • September 22 – 24: Revel-Mode Van/Rocky Mountain Adventure Rally / Moab, Utah
    • Previously known as the Revel-Mode Van Rally, the Rocky Mountain Adventure Rally will be held in Moab, Utah. More information to be released on this van life gathering.
  • September 29 – 30: Big Iron Overland Rally / West Mineral, KS
    • Big Iron is a 3-day weekend camp out and concert experience at the Big Brutus historic landmark!
    • Instagram: @mooreexpo
  • September 30 – October 1: Adventure Van Expo / Bend, OR (Redmond Expo)
    • Join us for the Bend area Adventure Van Expo featuring everything from niche rigs and custom crafted vans to production models. The show will feature custom built-out Adventure Vans which can typically be found on the Mercedes Benz Sprinter platform and production models such as the Winnebago Revel. The weekend of van community activities are family-friendly and open to all ages.
    • Instagram: @adventurevanexpo

October 2023

  • October 5 – 8: The Pilgrimage / South Royalton, VT
    • The Pilgrimage is one of the largest gatherings of like-minded off-road and overland enthusiasts in the Northeast. Our participants come from all over the US and drive all sorts of vehicles ranging from Brand New Defenders to early American 4x4s.
    • Instagram: @thepilgrimage.vt 
  • October 6 – 8: Overland Expo East / Arrington, VA
    • Offering more than 150 different classes, slideshows, demonstrations, and activities brought to you by 100+ instructors and presenters from around the world.
    • Instagram: @overlandexpo
  • October 7 – 8: Adventure Van Expo / Chattanooga, TN
    • Spend the weekend and use the camping area as your base to play in the Chattanooga, Tennessee area!
    • Instagram: @adventurevanexpo
  • October 12 – 15: Moonlanding 1 / Sky View, New Mexico 
    • The Moonlanding 1 vanlife and overlanding gathering will be held at Sky View Park & Campground in New Mexico on October 12th – 15th, 2023.
  • October 12 – 15: OCRV & Van Lifestyle Show / Ocean City, MD
    • The OCRV & Van Lifestyle show is the most adventurous, riveting, and educational RV’ing lifestyle event in the Maryland & Delaware region — all while staying at Maryland’s favorite beach town. Visitors can expect to be amazed by the latest high tech equipment available for their RVs as well as other transporting vehicles – including trucks! Among the show’s offerings are a variety of workshops on how to enjoy one’s outdoor space and tips about maintaining your RV and what it takes to get into vacation mode; as well as campground tours, on-site demonstrations, and bayside cruises. If you’re looking forward to discovering new ways that your family can travel around and explore the region— look no further than 2023 OC RV SHOW.
    • Instagram: @ocrvshow
  • October 14 – 15: Adventure Van Expo / Big Bear Lake, CA
    • Family-friendly weekend! Join us for this major weekend open to all ages celebrating the van life community and the opportunity to view an array of van vendors and overland products.
    • Instagram: @adventurevanexpo
  • October 20 – 22: 7th Annual James River Roof Top Tent Rally / Gladstone, Virginia
    • We’re excited to partner with our friends James River State Park on the 2023 Roof Top Tent Rally! Click here to be notified when registration is live!
    • Instagram: @blueridgeoverlandgear
  • October 27 – 30: C.H.A.S.M. Fest ’23 / Lake Havasu, AZ
    • Camping. Health. Arts. Sports. Music. The destination festival for the active, creative and adventurous modern nomad.

November 2023

  • November 2 – 5: Vanarky in the Ozarks / Ozark, Arkansas
    • The 5th Annual Vanarky was held at Byrd’s Adventure Center along the Mulberry River. All types of campers are invited to this van life gathering including those who want to sleep in tents. Attendees can expect live music, workshops and even a community chili dinner.

December 2023

  • No December events to list yet! Stay tuned.

KNOW OF AN UPCOMING EVENT?

2024 Van Life Events, Gatherings, and Festivals

February 2024

  • February 16 – 19: 2nd Annual Vantopia Gathering / Dade City, Florida
    • Presented by Vanlife Outfitters, at Withlacoochee River Park. We created a tiny village full of groovy, amazing people in our first year. Both vanlifers and van-curious coming together to create a beautiful and memorable weekend. It felt like more than just a gathering. The sense of connection and community shared throughout the little village we created made us rethink our name and came up with something better: Vantopia Florida.

3 Things to Consider When Choosing Your Van Life Event

How do you choose which van life event or gathering is suitable for you with so many options? There are many things to consider, but here are a few of the top things we consider when making plans to attend a van life event:

Are you building your van?

If you are planning on your build-out or are in the process of building a van yourself, you may want to go to a van life event that showcases finished builds and allows for you to speak to the builders.

Are you promoting a business?

Do you have a business that you think can benefit the van life community? You’ll probably want to attend a more formal event with space for vendors. Sometimes you can get into events for free by showcasing your van or volunteering for the event.

Looking to make like-minded friends?

You’re probably more likely to make great connections at a casual gathering than a formal expo. Frequently people host tiny van life gatherings that don’t require permitting just to get to know more people like them. This is where social media comes in great for ad-hoc impromptu gatherings. Van life festivals are also typically more relaxed and celebratory than formal events.

No Van? No Problem! Rent a Van to Attend Your Next Van Life Event!

Most van life events allow anyone to join in, regardless of your mode to get there. The only ask is to be kind and respectful, and leave no trace. But if you want to experience an event in a van and you don’t have one yet, you can simply rent one! Take a look at our extensive nationwide directory to find the perfect van rental for your van life event!

5 Steps to Finding Your Van Rental

Our directory quickly filters van rental companies by region, state, and/or vehicle model. We have personally connected with each company and thoroughly vetted their offerings to ensure that what you see is what you get.

If you’re looking to find a van to rent, follow these five easy steps:

1. Click here to find rental companies near you

2. Select the region from the drop-down menu on the left

3. Select your preferred van type from the drop-down menu to the right

4. Cruise through van rental company listings

5. Click on the title of a van rental company to view their profile OR click “go to “website” to head directly to their site

It’s that simple. Now all that’s left is for you to share where you’re going! Drop us a comment below with what van life events you are going to! Did we miss one? Contact us, and we’ll be happy to add it to our listing.

Hosting a Van Life Event, Gathering, or Festival in 2023 or 2024? Let us know so we can help get the word out!

We know van life events take quite a bit of planning ahead of time. If you’re hosting a future gathering, odds are you have your dates locked in. Send us the details and we’ll get it added to our upcoming yearly calendars (no matter how early in advance!) 

SUBMIT YOUR EVENT

Previous Events, Gatherings, and Festivals

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

SHARE THIS POST

SHARE THIS POST

Recommended For You

ABOUT US

At Explore VanX™ we live what we do. We’re a group of outdoor enthusiasts, overlanders and vanlifers with a goal of helping people find their outside. Through our marketplace and directory, we’re working to connect businesses to people within the nomadic community, creating an open platform to support vehicle-based lifestyles, camping and adventures.

FOLLOW US

Instagram Tiktok Facebook Pinterest Youtube Twitter

QUICK LINKS

Builders

Rentals

Insurance & Loans

DIY & Aftermarket

SIGN UP FOR EMAILS

Find your Outside, Inc. ©2023

Terms of Use | Privacy Policy

Find your Outside, Inc. ©2023
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy

Submit an Event, Gathering, or Festival

Event Name *
Event Date(s) *
Event Location (City, State) *
Event URL *
Event Description *

Be the FIRST to know about van life updates!

First Name
Last Name
Email *