Five years ago, founders Mark Woodward and Grant McCrabb built their first vans in West Jefferson, Ohio.
This October, 38 Geotrek vans returned to where it all began, bringing together owners from across the country to celebrate how far we’ve come.
And this wasn’t your typical campground meetup. We gathered in Mark’s hometown, where his family and neighbors generously opened up their neighborhood to welcome the Geotrek community.
Over four unforgettable days, we did what Geotrek owners do best: got outside, shared stories, made new friends, and enjoyed the freedom that brought us all together in the first place.
38 Vans. One Incredible Community.
The celebration started before everyone even reached Ohio. A convoy of Geotrek vans made the journey from Geotrek HQ in Boulder, Colorado, while other owners traveled from across the country to join us.
By the time everyone arrived, West Jefferson had become a gathering place for 38 Geotrek vans, old friends, and plenty of new faces.
Some were attending their first meetup. Others were reconnecting with people they’d met on previous adventures.
Days Outside. Nights Around the Fire.
There was no shortage of things to do.
Days were filled with hiking, fishing, cycling, yard games, and football. Evenings brought live music, bonfires, and plenty of time to catch up around the fire.
And because it was October, things got a little spooky, too. Pumpkin carving and a van decorating contest brought out everyone’s Halloween spirit.
We captured some of our favorite moments from the weekend, from the activities and laughter to the people who made it special.
We Brought the Tools, Too
The weekend wasn’t just about celebrating. It was also an opportunity for our team to spend time with owners and help keep their vans ready for whatever comes next.
Throughout the gathering, the Geotrek team was hard at work performing battery upgrades, installing bug screens and water filters, handling small repairs, and checking in on general maintenance.
It was a chance to answer questions, take care of the little things, and give owners some extra attention while we were all together.
The Best Part? The People.
Ask anyone what makes a Geotrek meetup special, and chances are the conversation will turn to the people.
The friendships, the shared experiences, the willingness to help each other out. It’s something that’s grown naturally over the past five years, and this weekend was a wonderful reminder of just how awesome that community has become.
As first-time attendee Eunice Su-Yin Kam shared:
“This was my first Geotrek meetup, and it will undoubtedly not be my last. It was an absolute blast, and the Geotrek family is truly an incredible group.”
Ron Moorehead echoed that feeling:
“Had such a great time at the Ohio Geotrek meetup. Some great memories and was great to catch up with old friends and make some new ones.”
And Lynn Kellogg Pergher captured another part of what made this homecoming so meaningful:
“Thank you so much to the wonderful Geotrek family for a fun weekend in Ohio. We loved meeting and sharing lived experiences with all of our fellow Geotrekkers.”
A big thank-you goes to the Woodward family, their neighbors, and everyone who helped make the weekend possible. Their hospitality made returning to where Geotrek began even more memorable.
Five Years In, This Is What Geotrek Looks Like.
From first-time attendees to longtime owners, everyone had a different story about what brought them to Geotrek and what keeps them coming back.
What started with a shared love of travel has grown into something much bigger.
Five years later, Geotrek is more than vans on the road. It’s a community of people who show up for each other, share experiences, and build friendships that extend far beyond a weekend together.
To everyone who joined us in Ohio, and everyone who’s been part of the journey along the way, thank you for making these first five years so special.
And we’re just getting started.
Curious what the Geotrek community is all about? Come meet the people, see where their adventures take them, and join the conversation.
Jocelyn Kellner
Social, Events and Content Manager
Jocelyn runs social, events, and content at Geotrek, which means she spends her time where the community is: expos, owner meetups, and the trail. She covers events, owner stories, and life with a Geotrek van, drawing on hundreds of conversations with the people who actually live this.
