Whether you’re packing up a pop-up camper for your first weekend getaway, navigating a Class A motorhome across state lines, or pitching a tent under a blanket of stars, one thing unites every member of Family Campers & RVers (FCRV): a deep love for the outdoors.
Finding great campsites is only half the adventure. The other half? Finding your community.
That’s where Family Campers & RVers (FCRV) comes in. As one of North America’s oldest and most welcoming member-owned camping organizations, FCRV is dedicated to bringing outdoor enthusiasts together, regardless of age, camping style, or equipment type.
If you’re looking to turn routine camping trips into lifelong memories and lasting friendships, here is why joining FCRV should be your next big adventure step.
Who Is FCRV?
Founded in 1949 (originally as the National Campers and Hikers Association), Family Campers & RVers (FCRV) is a non-profit, member-led community designed for anyone who loves the camping lifestyle.
Unlike single-brand RV clubs or commercial resort networks, FCRV welcomes all types of campers:
- Tent Campers & Vanlifers seeking low-key, nature-focused gatherings.
- Travel Trailer & Fifth-Wheel Owners looking for hassle-free group camping weekends.
- Motorhome Enthusiasts traveling across regions for large-scale rallies.
At its core, FCRV operates on a simple principle: Where strangers become friends and friends become family.
Built for Every Stage of Life
One of FCRV’s greatest strengths is its cross-generational appeal. No matter where you are in life, FCRV has dedicated programs and events tailored to your speed:
1. Families & Young Adventurers
For parents and guardians, camping is a powerful way to pull kids away from screens and connect with nature. FCRV features dedicated Youth & Teen Programs, including:
- Guided outdoor safety and nature education.
- Games, crafts, and organized camp activities.
- Teen and youth activities during major rallies.
- A safe, family-friendly environment where kids can make lifelong friends across state and provincial lines.
2. Solo Travelers & Young Couples
Starting out in the camping world or traveling solo? Joining a local FCRV chapter provides an instant support network:
- Get hands-on advice on RV maintenance, towing safety, and gear setups.
- Join organized weekend group outings without the hassle of planning every detail alone.
- Connect with fellow outdoor enthusiasts who share a passion for hiking, kayaking, and campfire storytelling.
3. Retirees & Empty Nesters
For seasoned travelers with more time on their hands, FCRV offers an active, welcoming community to share the open road:
- Retiree Rallies: Specialized gatherings tailored for mature and active campers featuring leisure activities, potlucks, and sightseeing.
- Scholarship Programs: FCRV supports higher education for younger members through annual college scholarships funded by the organization.
- Conservation & Community Support: Opportunities to get involved in cleanup efforts, wildlife preservation projects, and other volunteer initiatives.
Major Rallies & National Gatherings
Our gatherings are where the true heart of our community shines. This year we held our 66th national rally (or as we call it, Campvention) in Huron, South Dakota. Our 54th Retiree Rally, or Winter Rally, was held in Mineola, Texas. In 2027, our Campvention will be held in July in Marshall, Michigan, and our Retiree Rally will be in March in Vidalia, Louisiana.
These national events bring together campers from across the continent for a week of activities, entertainment, learning, and celebration.
What You Get as an FCRV Member
Joining FCRV opens the door to benefits that go far beyond a standard membership card:
| Feature / Benefit | What It Means for You |
| Local Chapters | Join smaller, regional chapters in your state/province for regular weekend campouts and local activities. |
| State/Provincial & Regional Rallies | Larger multi-day events with games, entertainment, seminars, and vendor displays. |
| The Annual Rallies | FCRV’s flagship weeklong national and retiree rallies bringing together families from across North America. |
| Official Publications | Stay updated with Camping Today, FCRV’s official digital magazine full of stories, news, updates and travel adventures. |
| Lifelong Community & Friendship | Form deep, lasting bonds with fellow campers who feel like family, creating a genuine home away from home wherever you travel. |
Ready to Find Your Camping Tribe?
Camping is better together. Whether you want to attend local weekend campouts close to home or travel cross-country to attend a national rally, Family Campers & RVers welcomes you to the campfire.
How to Get Started:
- Visit fcrv.org to learn more about the organization’s history and programs.
- Sign up for Membership and join a community of friendly campers.
Pack your bags, hitch up your rig, and discover how rewarding the outdoor lifestyle can be when shared with a community that feels like family.
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