Quick answer
RVillage, the social network for RVers with about 500,000 members, closed on March 31, 2023, and its members were pointed to a Facebook group. Today RVers find community through Facebook groups and Reddit for discussion, Meetup for local groups, and community apps that put people and events on a map, such as RME and Crossroads. Sēkr, another option, has since closed too.
Key points
- Roadpass announced in March 2023 that RVillage’s website and apps would close on March 31.
- RVillage had about 500,000 members, according to RV Travel.
- Facebook groups and Reddit are the biggest replacements for discussion.
- For meeting in person, look for apps with events and location privacy controls.
What happened to RVillage?
RVillage was a social network built for RVers. Its founder, Curtis Coleman, sold it to Togo Group in December 2020. In March 2023 Roadpass announced that the RVillage website, mobile apps and support would shut down on March 31 (RV News (opens in a new tab)). RV Travel (opens in a new tab) reported about 500,000 members, who were pointed to a Facebook group. Neither article gave a reason.
What can RVers use instead of RVillage?
| Option | Good for | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Facebook groups | Big regional and rig-specific groups, gatherings, buy and sell | Busy feeds; posts are hard to find again and aren’t tied to where you are |
| Reddit (r/GoRVing, r/vanlife, r/RVLiving) | Questions, advice and trip reports | Anonymous, and not built for meeting up |
| Meetup | Local groups with recurring events | Free to join; some organizers charge dues |
| Crossroads | A free nomad community with events and a friend map | Invite-only; needs a 6-digit code |
| RME | Meeting travelers nearby, events, caravans and a Friends Map | Built around vanlife, and open to RVers, overlanders and car campers |
| Rallies and gatherings | Meeting people in person | Many are announced in Facebook groups first |
Is RME for RVers too?
Yes. RME was built by a vanlifer, but it is for anyone who lives or travels on the road: van dwellers, RVers, overlanders, skoolie owners and car campers. Caravans in particular suit RVers who like to travel in a group.
Caravans are dated routes other travelers can follow and join. The organizer chooses Open, Request (approve each person) or Invite only (with a code), and can show the route approximately until someone is approved.
Events on the Roam map can be filtered by Public, Friends, Attending and Mine, with Going, a waitlist and an event chat. Organizers can keep the exact pin hidden until a set time or share it only with people going, and can ask guests to agree to event rules before they join.
Friends Map shares your location only with mutual friends, at the level you pick: Ghost (hidden), Town (your general town), Approximate (a random point within 20 miles) or Precise. Precise can go to all mutual friends or only the friends you choose, for 2 hours, 8 hours, 24 hours or until you turn it off.
Roam spots, Trailprint, Events and Friends Map are included with a free RME account. The app shows the current plan details, so check there for anything that is still optional. Available on the App Store for iPhone and on Google Play for Android.
Frequently asked questions
When did RVillage shut down?
RVillage’s website, mobile apps and support closed on March 31, 2023.
Why did RVillage close?
The articles that reported the closure didn’t give a reason. Roadpass announced it, and members were pointed to a Facebook group.
What is the best RVillage replacement?
For discussion, Facebook groups and Reddit. For meeting people and joining events or caravans, a community app such as RME or Crossroads.
Is there an RV social app with caravans?
Yes. RME has caravans: dated routes others can follow and join, with Open, Request or Invite-only joining.
Sources
Sources and further reading are listed below. Research dates and any illustrative assumptions are identified in the article. Tell us at support@roammeetexplore.com if something has changed.
Disclosure: RME publishes this page. We make RME. Other apps, events and tours mentioned are run by their respective organizations. Check their current details before making plans.