Then I started trying. And it turns out making friends on the road is easier than making friends in normal life. Way easier. Heres why and how.
Campground Conversations
The barrier to talking to strangers at a campground is basically zero. Walk your dog past someones site, compliment their rig, ask if they know where the good hiking is nearby. People at campgrounds WANT to talk. They're relaxed, they're on vacation (or living their best life), and they love sharing tips.
My go-to opener: "Love your setup — how long have you been on the road?" Works every time.
Apps and Groups
Solo Female Traveler Network on Facebook. Campendium forums. iOverlander community. These arent just for finding campsites — theyre for finding people. I've met up with 4 different women from the Solo Female Traveler group at various campgrounds. All planned through the app.
Camp Hosts and Volunteers
Stay at state parks and national forests with camp hosts. They are font of local knowledge and usually happy to chat. I've had camp hosts invite me for coffee, recommend secret swimming holes, and check on me when I was alone at a remote site.
The Campfire Effect
Light a campfire and sit outside. People gravitate toward campfires like moths. I cannot tell you how many times a neighbor has wandered over with "mind if I join you?" and we end up talking for three hours.
The truth about solo travel is that you're only as alone as you want to be. The community finds you if you let it.
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The part about safety is SO important. I wish more people took it seriously.
Sharing this with our RV group on Facebook. More people need to hear this.
At our age comfort matters and these suggestions really help with that.
Tammy Jo and I do things a little different but hey thats what makes it fun!
The community aspect of RV parks has been such a surprise blessing for me.