I’m single, retired, and traveling solo in an RV. My goal is to see new places and experience new adventures. Along the way I’m discovering that RV camping alone doesn’t have to be lonely or boring. This is how I do it.
Since going full-time in my motorhome some months ago, I’ve learned the art of RV camping alone. In a nutshell, RVing by yourself means building new experiences. It means bringing solitude into your travels. And it also means occasional interaction in a stationary community. If you’re starting a full-time RV adventure with a tight budget, don’t worry. Traveling solo in an RV doesn’t have to bankrupt you.
These solo RV travel tips help you stay happier on the road without going broke.
Stay Connected When Traveling Solo in an RV
No solo full-time RVer should disconnect from the world entirely. Maintaining mental and physical health means occasionally engaging with society. After I started solo full-time RVing, I quickly gave up my TV. Many of the best free camping sites don’t have TV or cell coverage, so why bother? Internet access is limited too.
Being without internet and TV has transformed my inner peace. The skies seem clear and blue more often. You become relaxed and more self-aware.
The downside of not having a TV or internet you disconnect from the world. That’s not always a good thing when RVing by yourself. You quickly get left out of the loop on local, national and world events. Without local news, you miss out on happenings around you. It’s harder to discover hidden gems to explore.
The downside of being a hermit
The more you tune out society and current events, the more you isolate yourself from humanity. Does isolation feel comfortable to you? The life of a hermit may become your new persona. Keep turning inward and you’ll feel alone in a crowd. Your RV camping style will always feel like an outsider
It happens even if you’re parked at a free overnight camping spot like Walmart. There might be hundreds of people around you. But with no interaction, you are not only alone. You are a lonely solo full-time RVer.
Meet New People to Stay Balanced
Balance is the key to happiness as a solo full-time RVer. Know when to be alone. Make regular efforts to interact with the world.
For extroverted solo full-time RVers, meeting new people is fast and easy. But if you have a more reserved personality, just go slow when meeting people on the road. Finding balance becomes less of a chore.
Step out of your comfort zone to find that balance as a happy, solo full-time RVer.
Best RV Parks for Solo Full-time RVers
When you’re traveling solo in an RV, free overnight camping is a good way to stretch your monthly travel budget. But it’s a terrible way to make friends on the road. RVers come and go all the time when overnight parking at Walmart and other public places. You won’t have time to get to know anyone.
It’s far healthier to travel a bit, then get off the road and stay at a campground. Some destinations even have great resorts for solo RVers! Longer stays at resorts are cheaper than short ones. And campgrounds make it easy to meet people. You won’t annoy RV campground neighbors by saying hello. Most people want to hear your story and share theirs. RVers are usually outgoing and open to accepting new people into their group.
Here are a few tips to meet other solo RVers and make friends at campgrounds.
Why Single RVers Should Avoid Long-Term RV and Mobile Home Parks
RV parks with long-term residents can be safe places to stay. They can be clean, and well-managed. But there is a segment of people living in RV and mobile home parks who are only doing it for cheap place to live. They live like most people. They work all day and spend weekends on things they can’t do during the week. In many cases, long term residents don’t interact with short-term travelers. They are not travelers like you, and most most probably aren’t interested in your adventures.
Solo Full-timers Should Seek out Amenities in Parks
Many RVers think that when an RV park is billed as a “resort,” it’s just another way of saying that it’s expensive. But RV resorts are a good way to locate fun places to stay. Solo full-time RVers should choose resorts. The more amenities in RV resorts, the more people stay outside.
Amenities in RV parks make it easy to get to know your neighbors. Facilities like club houses, game rooms, pool tables, a swimming pool, and campfire pits bring people outside. Take a stroll around the park on any day. Meeting neighbors becomes a natural part of the experience.
The RV parks that go the extra mile and organize guest activities understand how to make campers happy. Events like pot lucks, campsite decorating contests, and holiday parties build great memories and create new friendships.
Get into the Community
Visit the Local Senior Center
If you are a boomer or older and staying in a mid-sized city, chances are there’s a Senior Center. These facilities keep older adults active and engaged with their community. Most senior centers also for those living or staying in the area. Just because your house has wheels does not disqualify you. They don’t care how long you will be there. The purpose of a senior center is to provide a place for older adults to gather. Many offer services like organized day trips, educational courses. Lots even have free meals.
Stop By a Church
Visit a local church. It doesn’t matter if it’s the same religious branch you belong to, or even believe in. Learning about other cultures and beliefs brings a whole new level of understanding into your life.
Eat Out
Explore any local or ethnic restaurants in your new area. I recently enjoyed Korean food for the first time with a new friend. We met while staying in a Texas RV Park. The two of us enjoyed stimulating conversation. We learned about each other. New cuisine full of new flavors and textures made for a wonderful afternoon.
Conclusion on Traveling Solo in an RV
Traveling solo in an RV can get lonely. If RVing by yourself means fast-paced travel, you will burn out before you know it.
Solo RVers should need to stop and spend time with people. Experience what each new town offers. Get out and connect with locals and society.
A better solo RVing experience starts with stepping out of your world and allowing others welcome you in theirs.
