From niche to mainstream
A once-niche online community for van-dwelling and dispersed campers in the United States has crossed half a million registered members, according to its moderators. The community, which started as a small forum, now spans multiple social platforms and regional in-person meetups.
What's driving growth
Moderators point to a broader post-pandemic shift toward outdoor recreation and remote work flexibility as key drivers. The community has also become a resource for practical advice — route planning, vehicle maintenance, and etiquette around dispersed camping on public land.
A cautionary note
Alongside its growth, the community has also had to address overcrowding at a handful of popular dispersed-camping spots that went viral on social media, prompting some land managers to introduce permit systems.