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Factor
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What to Check
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Weather Readiness
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Even “warm” winter spots get cold at night. Bring insulation, propane, and condensation control.
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Ground Conditions
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Expect mud or soft sand — pack leveling blocks and traction mats.*
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Access Roads
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Double-check route closures or rough terrain on BLM land.
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Facilities
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Verify water, dump, and bathroom availability. These can be closed in the winter months.
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Event Style
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Some events are quiet community hangs, others are high-energy festivals - choose the ones that suit you best.
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Registration
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Many gatherings sell out or require pre-registration.
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Backup Plan
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Have a safe spot to boondock nearby if weather shifts or events change.
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Here’s your one-stop seasonal map for where to go and when to roll!
No large national gatherings announced yet — but regional meetups pop up in Facebook groups and regional nomad communities. Keep an eye on:
Quartzsite, AZ – early January 2026
A supportive community for solo women travelers. Expect workshops, safety talks, and women-only meetups.
Quartzsite, AZ – January 10–15, 2026
The granddaddy of nomad events! Free workshops, gear swaps, and a welcoming desert community hosted by Homes on Wheels Alliance.
Location TBD (Southwest US) – January 16–26, 2026
The ultimate school bus conversion gathering — full of creativity, workshops, live music, and incredible rigs. Registration opens early fall.
*Click the + icon to expand
Skoolie Swarm: The Shepherd’s Swarm
Melrose, FL – January 29 – February 4, 2026
A smaller, laid-back East Coast community event featuring buses, vans, and RV conversions. Family-friendly and community-focused.
Melbourne, FL – February 5–9, 2026
Van builds, vendors, games, and social nights — one of Florida’s best-organized vanlife events.
Melrose, FL – February 20 – March 2, 2026
The 9th annual multi-week “Swarm” brings together hundreds of converted buses, vans, and RVs for workshops, potlucks, and campfire hangs.
Steamboat Springs, CO – February 27 – March 1, 2026
A snow-covered bluegrass music festival where mountain town energy meets RV-friendly camping. (Bundle up!)
Peace Love & Vans
Dade City, FL – March 6–9, 2026
A colorful, creative Florida vanlife festival set along the Withlacoochee River — featuring live music, artisan vendors, and good vibes.
Winter Wonder Grass California (Palisades Tahoe)
Olympic Valley, CA – April 2026 (dates TBA)
End your winter circuit with another round of music, snow, and van-friendly adventure camping in the Sierra Nevadas.
Winter gatherings are more than events — they’re reminders of why we chose this life. Whether you’re boondocked in Quartzsite, jamming at WinterWonderGrass, or sharing stories at Skoolie Swarm, you’ll find the same heartbeat: freedom, creativity, and community.
So grab your mug of coffee, check your tires, and point your rig toward the warmth. The road — and your tribe — are waiting.
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Carolyn’s RV Life and Carolyn Higgins share her experiences, thoughts, opinions and ideas in this blog post and on this website for entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, instruction or guidance. Viewers/Readers should consult with professionals before pursing any actions or behaviors exhibited in this video. Carolyn’s RV Life or Carolyn Higgins cannot be held liable in the event of any accident or injury that may occur as a result of application of procedures and information provided in this video.
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