The Midwest Vanlife Gathering returns for 2022!
After a too-long hiatus, we're returning to Camp Manitowa-Cedar Point for 2022. Bring your van, your family, your pets, and your good spirits for some laid-back van life vibes. We're going to have a good time!
Each year, 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 2022 Midwest Vanlife Gathering is hosted by Jupiter of @doesthiscountasvanlife.
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.
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. 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!