What do you think, are RVers friendlier than the general public as a whole?
We hear it all the time from our readers — “Oh, RVers are so friendly. You make so many friends.” The RV Industry promotes this idea, too, in its advertising and public relations.
We’re curious what you think and welcome your comments.
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Altough i do think rvers are generally friendlier than the general public, I think your responses would show a direct relationship with the geographical areas of the responders. People in some parts of the country are considerably more helpful and outgoing than other parts. The farther from home you wander, the more apparent it becomes.
In the 30 years of camping, my family has experienced very friendly and helpful RV’ers. There have been times I needed small repairs and my RV neighbor would come to help and offer advice. Other times, suggestions on where to visit family friendly attractions. Generally speaking, each camping trip has been insightful and rewarding. We enjoy our time camping and look forward to the next “greatgetaway”.
We’ve found that RVers are much friendlier than the general population. I think about riding an elevator where eye contact isn’t made, let alone a conversation. While RVing we have made long distance friends just by starting a casual conversation while taking a walk. We’ve learned about the best places to camp by waving as we walk past a campsite and start talking. Some French Canadians tried to communicate and visit with us last winter in Florida when they liked our solar patio torches. Life is good.
It all depends on what part of the country you are in!
I think they are friendly but I also think that trend is changing. Just like our society in general, the folks in campgrounds are becoming less outgoing. I don’t know all the reasons but I suspect part of it is from the social media and internet. People no longer sit and talk, they just use social media and talk in sound bits. Just go into a restaurant and count the number of people with a phone in their hands. Just my 2 cents worth.
Chuck, you mentioned downloading an e-mail for the first time in your RV and how camping has changed since then. You are spot on. Once we started bringing electronics on-board we started to lose that friendliness with our fellow campers. I’ve been camping since I was a small boy. We didn’t sit inside behind a screen playing a game or watching a movie. We didn’t even bring a TV along. We were out and about having fun with fellow campers. Today you are lucky if your camping neighbor says hello as they leave their RV to get in their vehicle to go somewhere.
Thoughts from the corner of Hither-N-Yon: Over time, we’ve been in various parts of the country and have seen lots of ‘attitudes’ in play in the “RV World.’ It can depend on a number of factors and runs the gamut of “RV Snobs” to ‘Good Old Folks’ (and everything in between). From work camping in Lander, Wyoming – to military campgrounds, Elks facilities, various public parks to owning lots in Mission, TX-Bowling Green, FL, Polk City, FL – we may not have seen it all, but we’ve ‘seen a lot.’ Just looking at each end of the spectrum, the typical RV-Snob probably paid a lot for the biggest, fanciest rolling palace loaded with things they had/have in previous lifestyle….the average ‘good old foks’ are happy having what they need and some of what they want, but of course have a little envy of the flash/glitter of the 45 foot Prevost (or whatever) nearby – one thing about it, usually doesn’t take long to tell who is friendly and who isn’t… I watch some of the TV shows where people are looking at RVs trying to decide which one to buy–listening to their comments, on what’s in the unit can be telling, listening to their comments on their preferences can be an indicator as well–but one thing for sure, don’t make snap judgements – we’re all just people, and helping each other is a good thing–whether you’re rv-ing or not. (note: in RV, someone can usually always ‘move’ if not compatible with neighbors – not always that easy in sticks/bricks set up)
Good points, Karen – We were in a nice resort in CA & a gent by himself (he was prob 55ish) came over 2 ask what I was doin (resin casting, outside on table). He was so nice but never stopped talking! I TRIED 2 listen (felt sorry cuz he was alone), but by 3rd day, found myself looking 4 excuses 2 go back inside…
A lot depends upon where you are. Just last month we suffered a high speed blowout of a trailer tire while in rural Texas. No one was hurt, but for a few hours we were stranded on the side of a 70 mph road with no shoulders. While awaiting help from AAA, I can’t tell you how many good people stopped to offer help and advice. The friendliness and helpfulness of so many good Texas folks was both heartwarming and very welcome, and one of those folks is what led us to a wonderful RV repair dealer in Marble Falls that went above and beyond in helping us get back on the road quickly. The dealer, after we called and explained out plight, remained at his shop hours after normal closing hours to wait for us to arrive. Despite a huge number of RV’s awaiting work, he took our trailer to the top of his list and had us fully repaired and ready to go within one day. In this case, the non RV people were far and away the most helpful I have ever encountered. But I’m not so sure I would have had the same experience in my own backyard of the Midwest.
Are RVers more friendly? This question needs to be in context. A great deal of RVers have taken themselves out of the rat-race of the world. Either they are taking a vacation or they have retired. Without the pressures of a work-a-day life and more time in that particular day in the park/wilderness they have a greater ability to be engaged with others. So I do not believe that the person who is in an RV is a friendlier person, I simply believe they have the atmosphere that frees up their lives to choose to make and be a friend.
BLT…you are so right…it’s always context. We’ve encountered the entire spectrum of attitudes and reactions to our greetings in the 21 years we’ve been part-time RVing. Fortunately, those who are friendly are more numerous than the opposite.
I wonder if society itself hasn’t changed overall not just RVers or campers. Before TV & air conditioning people would sit on their front porch/stoop and talk with neighbors etc. But with TV & air conditioning in virtually every home, very few actually sit out on the porch and converse unless their is a power failure in the neighborhood then you’ll actually see your neighbors sitting outside and lo and behold they converse!
As RVers we have been around the lower 48 states twice, traveled much of Canada a few times and to Alaska once. That is a lot of different campgrounds all over North America.
To draw a comparison, walking down a strange street in many of the cities we have visited we would say hello to strangers. Half the time we would get a hello back and half the time we would not get a response. Walking around any campground we have attended at any time of day or night and saying hello to total strangers would get a hello back every time.
That is our experience. I am sure there are other situations. However we believe RVers are much more friendlier.
Probably nicer while rv’g. Same as people are nicer in church until they drive out of the parking lot.
sad but true…
We spent the summer in the upper midwest. We found the RVers friendly. The folks in towns and shopping areas seemed friendly also. We all live in contentious times but we are more the same that we are different. People seem as friendly as you are, if you are wary they are, if outgoing (or even a smile) most will smile back and engage in conversation.
about friendlier rv’ers, you need to be more specific. couples (older-younger, with/without kids), singles (male/female). being a single male, I’ve found the friendliness a lot less than others.
Hi Gerald – Sometimes YOU have 2 make the 1st move (“Hi, how u doin?” or maybe, “Need help w/anything?”); it’s hard 4 me as well, & I’m married!
As far as “groups” go, I can’t speak for others, but we find retired couples w/NO kids (or grandkids in tow, 2 worry about entertaining or running off!) 2 b the friendliest, most helpful & most fun!
I generally find RVers to be pretty friendly, but I have had many good exchanges with folks in store lines, parking lots, or at doors. It’s been my experience if you are open and friendly with others, they’ll reciprocate in kind. A smile and eye contact go a long way.
For the most part I find RVs friendly and easy to talk with. You never know what anyone has gone thru over the day so we are all entitled to a bad day or two.
In general most people are friendly anytime. Could it be a combination of, close quarters, less secure accommodations and generally being more relaxed that contributes to the “friendliness” of RVers?
Not friendlier, just out and around their camp site and campground a lot more.
I find that retired RV’ers can fall one of two ways off the friendly fence:
Either they’re relaxed and happy to be retired, or
They’ve become jaded, and cranky.
Generally though … much friendlier than generations behind us.
(But isn’t that normal….?)
I look forward to BEING one of the relaxed and happy group.
Much of the friendly level depends on the type RV, the north vs the south, and your level of friendyness.
I lived on a sailboat for many years and found the sail people then to be type B’s and the powerboaters type A’s. I think in many cases it’s the same for the Rv’s.
RVers appear friendlier, as we encounter one another more intimately than when we are out in the general public. As RVers, we already have a commonality to share, stories to share and an environment that fosters community and desire to care for each other. In the general public, we have no idea why the other people are there, what their intentions are, if there is any shared interests or if there is some nefarious intent. We tend to not engage strangers in the general public, and even if we acknowledge someone, we often get little or no response as the encounter is often ‘just in passing’. As RVers, we likely will not be in a rush, will likely encounter each other during our visit and may well need their advice, suggestions, or assistance, or perhaps we will be able to offer the same to them. Camping fosters greater opportunity to practice civility in an environment of less stress. You may find the letter the apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesians, offers good suggestions. God Bless!
Very well stated; thank you!
I answered somewhat friendlier to your poll question, because I averaged it out. But I do find that RV’ers are much more likely to lend a helping hand, even without being asked.
While I’ve found most other RVers to be helpful and socially friendly, it seems like when I’m in an RV park next to a newer class A with my old class C, they’re not so inclined to be. A few have even been snobby.
Years ago I felt the same way Bob, but now we have a Class A and are full-timers. We’re the most friendly in the park sometimes. My thoughts are used to be only the rich, elite people could afford the Class A’s and yes some were very snobbish! Now a days the retired/full -timers are buying the big rigs because its our home. Hope to meet you on the road someday so we can prove to you we aren’t snobs and share a cold beer with ya!!
That would be cool. Just staying close to home (northeast NY) until this Covid epidemic has passed. I took several short boondocking trips and really got to enjoy the local environment.
Yes we’ve found the same thing. We have a smaller yet very nice Class C but those big rig owners, with 4-5 slides and an expensive tow vehicle won’t even give us the time of day – yes very snooty. Younger RV’ers certainly don’t want much to do with us old folks, but then I don’t want to be around any little kids either. My hubby and I treasure our RV living, we feel very fortunate to be able to live this life and some snotty Class A owner certainly isn’t going to lessen our enjoyment. We make the most of our time and just laugh at people who can’t even smile at someone, boy they must be really unhappy.
I find most extremely friendly and helpful, now the one thing I will add is… you meet a lot of one time friends!!!
In my experience older RVers definitely are, the newer ones not as much.
One of the things I’d hoped for when we started our full time RV living six years ago was to make some lasting new friends. Folks from all over the country, friends we could visit occasionally or even travel with. And Yes RV’ers are friendly but as far as making any lasting friendships, that hasn’t happened.
I’ve camped and hiked for forty years and its ever been thus, RV’ers are open for discussions, talks gatherings, campfire chats, musical entertainment….we don’t discuss the politics and religions much at all.
Traded Class C for Class A & no diff in way treated, cept for 1 incident…
Went coast to coast & find NEARLY all RVers r friendly/helpful so we behave same – DH saw guy having difficulty backing, so ran over to help; couple very appreciative.
Covid gettin bad last Mar,
had 2 evacuate frm a State Park Only few hrs to lv, 1 slide decides not 2 close! Pushing w/all our mite, 3 gents run over & help; NO WAY 2 of us could have gotten that slide “in!”
Will admit tho, older/retired folks r friendliest/most helpful; (we’re 60, retired @ 55) perhaps cuz they r relaxed/no sched 2 adhere 2?!
On last trip, young couple w/nice Class A pulled in site next to us. I waved & said, “Welcome to neighborhood!”
Gal in doorway, turns around & walks back into rig! Shocked, (never happened b4!), so I said in louder voice, “Or not, I guess?!”
We LOVE RVing, will prob go full time! All in all, we feel RVers are much friendlier than gen public.
Have found so many wonderful friendly people. Just smile and it opens up a conversation
I started to say that nah, people are people, and respond to how you treat them…but then I started recalling all the times, out of the blue, another fellow RVer, totally unsolicited, has helped even when we didn’t look like we needed help.
We were on a secondary road somewhere in NC and were looking at the map, and out of my drivers window I saw someone waving at me. I looked over, slid open my window and waved back.
These two folks in a pickup truck asked if we needed any help? I said, no, just looking at the map. They said, “oh, okay, we’re RVers too and wanted to make sure you were okay.”
Wow…that was totally amazing. Completely out of the blue they were wanting to help.
Another instance: In Florida there was a couple who heard that we were heading back to Spokane offered their RV site in Hilton Head, NC for a week for free! And has given me very much needed advice on our new to us DP we just bought.
So yeah..I’d say YES, RVers are very kind and friendly!