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The Women’s Rubber Tramp Rendezvous (WRTR) is a free annual gathering hosted by Homes On Wheels Alliance (HOWA) that creates a safe, welcoming space for women living or aspiring to live the nomadic lifestyle.
Whether you travel solo, with friends, or are just beginning your journey, this event is designed to help you gain confidence, skills, and community on the road, surrounded by supportive women who’ve been where you are.
What to Expect
The WRTR offers workshops, demonstrations, and discussions focused on the needs and experiences of women travelers. Sessions often include:
- Solo travel safety and situational awareness
- Vehicle setup ideas for small rigs and budget builds
- Basic maintenance, repairs, and DIY upgrades
- Health, hygiene, and self-care on the road
- Building community and finding support networks
This is a time to learn, share, and connect, no judgment, no competition, just women helping women find their freedom on wheels.
Camping & Location
The WRTR takes place in Quartzsite, Arizona, shortly before the main RTR. Camping is dispersed in nearby Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas, with plenty of open space for vans, cars, RVs, and tents. All setups are welcome, come as you are, in whatever rig you have.
There are no hookups, so plan to be self-contained with your own water, waste, and power setup.
Pets
Friendly, leashed dogs are welcome, and you’ll meet plenty of other four-legged travelers! Please be considerate of others and keep pets under control at all times.
Rubber Tramp Rendezvous (RTR)
The Rubber Tramp Rendezvous is open to everyone, whether you travel in a car, van, SUV, RV, bus, or something uniquely your own. If it has wheels and you call it home, you’re welcome here.
This is a free event hosted by Homes On Wheels Alliance (HOWA) to help new and experienced nomads learn, connect, and thrive in community. There’s no registration or ticket required, just show up, find a spot to camp nearby, and join in.
What to Expect
The RTR features a full schedule of presentations, demonstrations, and discussions covering the essentials of nomadic life:
- Living safely and comfortably in your vehicle
- Solar power, electrical systems, and off-grid setups
- Budgeting and earning income on the road
- Finding free campsites and staying legal while boondocking
- Building community, safety, and self-reliance
You’ll also find resource tables, volunteer opportunities, and spaces to connect with others who share the same independent spirit.
Camping & Location
The RTR takes place each January in Quartzsite, Arizona, a hub for nomads during the winter season. Camping is dispersed in surrounding Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas, allowing plenty of space for everyone. There are no hookups, so come self-contained with your own water, waste, and power setup. If you are not self-contained yet, please look into the many campgrounds in the area.
Pets
Friendly, leashed dogs are welcome, and you’ll see plenty of them around camp! Please be respectful of others, clean up after your pets, and keep them safe around traffic and crowds.
Please check the HOWA/RTR web page for more information
 Skooliepalooza 2026
 Skooliepalooza-The Ungathering After much deliberation, consideration, argument, feedback, and some AngryBalls the date is set. Skooliepalooza 2026: The Ungathering will be held January 16th – 26th, 2026! We are currently evaluating 4 locations and that announcement is set to be announced in the future.
We are looking forward to seeing everyone again. Let’s continue building the community with Intentional Connection, Sound Health, Holistic Wellness and Positive Creative Outlets.
The Ungathering Nomads: The Real Ungathering
One of the biggest nomad gatherings of the year. Same place. Same time. Every year. Pack it in, pack it out. Leave no trace!
Want to connect with nomads, vanlifers, off-grid adventurers, and creators?
Join the Nomad Syndicate community — on Facebook, Reddit, and Discord.
 Nomads in the Desert – Quartzsite
Join us for an unforgettable community celebrating all walks of life! Whether you’re curious about van life or a seasoned pro, everyone is welcome.
This is wild camping,  no toilets or showers . Boon-docking style Location coordinates :
33°39’27.0″N 114°10’31.3″W
Our Sound Camp will feature:
• Potato party
• community Van-life support
• Live music , music driven
• Multicultural , EDM / House Music
• Incredible DJs
• Onesie Party
• Gay Friendly
Want to get involved?
We’re looking for:
• DJs
• camping buddies
• Dancing people
• Volunteers
DM us if you’re interested in being part of the magic!
Details:
• Free to attend
• Leave No Trace: Let’s leave the desert better than we found it.
• Please leash your dogs and watch over them
Come to build community, connect, and embrace the freedom of the desert. See you under the stars!
 Nomads in the Desert 2026
The group isn’t publicly posting location, etc. so do your own research.
The Annual Van Aid Center Camp peer- support community event will take place near Yuma for easy access to supplies and materials.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1143628037911369/
2026 Free Entrance Days in the National Parks
Come experience the national parks! All National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone (other fees, including timed entry or reservation fees, may apply). Mark your calendar for these entrance fee-free dates:
February 16: Presidents Day (Washington’s Birthday)
May 25: Memorial Day
June 14: Flag Day/President Trump’s birthday
July 3–5: Independence Day weekend
August 25: 110th Birthday of the National Park Service
September 17: Constitution Day
October 27: Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday
November 11: Veterans Day
Beginning in 2026, free entrance on these days will be for US citizens and residents only. Nonresidents will pay the regular entrance fee and any applicable nonresident fees.
 Adventure Van Expo-Palisades Tahoe Adventure Van Expo-San Juan Capistrano, CA
Sat, Oct 4th, 2025, 10:00 AM – Sun, Oct 5th, 2025, 3:00 PM PDT
Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park at San Juan Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA
The show will feature built-out Mercedes Sprinters (mostly) 4×4 rigs, accessories, and more. Come out and meet the builders, network with vanlifers, check out all kinds of cool workmanship and things maybe you’ve never seen, learn something new. Vendors will be set up with accessories to buy for your van or rig. There will be talks on topics like solar. PLEASE NOTE: WE ARE PARTNERING THIS SHOW WITH THE SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO ROTARY, HALF OF THE GATE PROCEEDS WILL GO TO THIS GENUINE CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION.
Here’s a list of fun things to (besides AVE) whilst in SJC:
Mission San Juan: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g33022-d127321-Reviews-Mission_San_Juan_Capistrano-San_Juan_Capistrano_California.html
Los Rios Historic District (oldest street in Western US): https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g33022-d13875587-Reviews-Los_Rios_Historic_District-San_Juan_Capistrano_California.html
Old Barn Antique Mall: tons of stuff to browse. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g33022-d12315829-Reviews-Old_Barn_Antique_Mall_Inc-San_Juan_Capistrano_California.html
The Coach House, for concerts: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g33022-d3823383-Reviews-The_Coach_House-San_Juan_Capistrano_California.html
Caspers Wilderness Park: for hiking or biking or camping https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g33022-d4714856-Reviews-Ronald_W_Caspers_Wilderness_Park-San_Juan_Capistrano_California.html
San Juan Hills Golf Course (owned by one of the Rotarians): https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g33022-d219196-Reviews-San_Juan_Hills_Golf_Club-San_Juan_Capistrano_California.html
Going to the beaches in Laguna or San Clemente (fishing, surfing, tanning, etc).
Mountain biking everywhere. https://www.mtbproject.com/directory/8013695/san-juan-capistrano
Boating/whale watching in Newport or Dana Point.
Surf Museum in San Clemente: https://www.shacc.org/
Big businesses to tour: Rainbow Sandals, Oakley, Stance Socks, Vans
Steve Adam gallery (cool art, blowing up famous): https://steveadamgallery.com/
Adventure Van Expo-Palisades Tahoe Adventure Van Expo-Palisades Tahoe
Sat, Sep 20th, 2025, 10:00 AM – Sun, Sep 21st, 2025, 3:00 PM PDT
Palisades Tahoe, Olympic Valley, CA
Event Details
The show will feature built-out Mercedes Sprinters (mostly) 4×4 rigs, accessories, and more. Come out and meet the builders, network with vanlifers, check out all kinds of cool workmanship and things maybe you’ve never seen, learn something new. Vendors will be set up with accessories to buy for your van or rig. There will be talks on topics like solar.
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