Per the CDC's recommendations, we've made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Midwest Vanlife Gathering.
Obviously we weren't wanting to do this, y'all. But it's our responsibility as a community to help prevent the spread of this pandemic.
Our hearts are broken as we were deeply looking forward to connecting with you all, but our country needs our cooperation right now and we're happy to help promote the health and well-being of not only our community as a whole, but also our country.
We will be sending out an email to all those who have already purchased tickets and swag, so keep an eye on your inbox.
Any proceeds we have left after issuing refunds will be donated to a nonprofit in the Midwest that is helping during this crucial time. We will announce the nonprofit we choose shortly.
We hope to see you at Camp Manitowa in May 2021. We apologize for this unfortunate cancellation, but we thank you for your support and understanding during this time.
Each May, nomads of all kinds gather in the serene woods of the Midwest to participate in something truly special.
The Midwest Vanlife Gathering is an inspiring weekend of community, camaraderie, educational workshops, outdoor activities, diversity and inclusion, community-driven live music, kick ass meals, and raising money for some awesome causes. Not to mention tons of van tours, meeting fellow nomads, and soaking up tips and tricks for life on the road!
The Midwest Vanlife Gathering is hosted by Jayme & John from Gnomad Home
Come with an open mind, an open heart, and an open van. Come to learn, grow, laugh, cry, have fun, hear music, fill your belly, meet lifelong friends, give back, and celebrate this awesome community that we are all a part of.
The Midwest Vanlife Gathering is an entirely nonprofit event. We donate 100% of the proceeds to support our nonprofit partners and the mission of United We Van.
The Weekend Includes
Arts & Entertainment. Epic drum circle. Open mic and community artwork. Live musical performances. And more.
Vanlife Workshops. Mobile solar power system essentials. Basic vehicle maintenance. Making money on the road. Cooking in your van. And more. Ask us about leading a workshop.
Outdoor Activities. Stand Up Paddleboarding with SUP St. Louis and Show Me SUP. Lake access with boats provided. Slacklining. Hiking & biking. Yoga. Disc golf.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. Diversify Vanlife tent. Indigenous land sovereignty recognition ceremony. Discussion panels and happy hours for BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and 50+. Accessibility focus and ASL interpreters.
Food & Drink. Manitowa Cafe selling delicious food all weekend. Pasta dinner on Friday. Community potluck dinner on Saturday. Free Sunday morning pancake breakfast. BYOB.
Community & Giving Back.
Van tours. Nightly bonfires. Community open mic. Fundraising for worthy causes. All proceeds from the gathering go to charity.
About Camp Manitowa - Cedar Point
Nestled among the forests, lakes, and fields of Southern Illinois, Camp Manitowa - Cedar Point features 257 acres of beautiful woodlands abutting the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, and beachfront access to the 1200-acre Little Grassy Lake. The property also features miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as a 9-hole disc golf course. With ample space for parking vans, buses, and other rigs, as well as a cafe and onsite housing, Camp Manitowa is the perfect property for a vanlife gathering.
- Manitowa Cafe serving delicious food
- 1200-acre lake with dock & diving platform
- Boats available for use
- Miles of hiking & biking trails
- 9-hole disc golf course
- Housing options on-site
Help make the magic happen
The Midwest Vanlife Gathering only happens with your help & support. If you love the idea of giving back to the nomadic community, we have opportunities for you to get involved.
Sign up to volunteer. We're always looking for volunteers to help us run the weekend. From checking in attendees, to distributing swag, directing parking, first aid duty, 4x4 tow crew, and more - we have many volunteer jobs that you can sign up for.
Lead a workshop. Do you have knowledge or skills that people want to know? Can you teach something creative? Can you advise people on aspects of vanlife such as making money on the road or building out a van? Contact us about leading a workshop!
All volunteers will receive our undying gratitude, loads of good karma, an exclusive Midwest Vanlife Gathering swag, and be invited to a volunteer "Thank You" dinner on Thursday.
Can't attend? You can still donate!
If you can't attend but love the idea of our nonprofit gathering, please consider donating! Your gift helps:
- Make the gathering open to all members of the community regardless of means
- Fund more fun, informative workshops to help fellow nomads be successful on the road
- Improve accessibility for those with impaired mobility, as well as Deaf and Hard of Hearing community members
- Show the world who we are as a community through the gathering's group donation of the proceeds to worthy causes
The Midwest Vanlife Gathering is a branch of United We Van Inc, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax deductible.