Rolling Legends at the Hood River Adventure Van Expo: The Ford Econoline Revival

If there’s one event that every van lifer, overlander, or road trip junkie should have on their calendar this summer, it’s the Adventure Van Expo in Hood River, Oregon. Set for June 21–22, 2025, at the scenic Hood River County Fairgrounds, this annual gathering celebrates everything we love about mobile living, DIY rig builds, and life on four wheels. And this year, the event promises to shine an even brighter spotlight on a true classic in the van community—the legendary Ford Econoline.

More Than Just an Expo—It’s a Culture

The Adventure Van Expo isn’t just about drooling over $200k Sprinter builds (though you’ll see plenty of those). It’s about connection. It’s about inspiration. And most of all, it’s about the diversity of rigs and the people behind them. From boutique builders to rugged DIY conversions, the event is packed with vans of every kind—old, new, and everything in between.

And nestled right there among the crowd, earning admiration and nostalgia in equal measure, are the unmistakable Econolines.

Econoline Vans: Workhorses Turned Wanderlust Machines

For decades, Ford Econoline vans (also known as the E-Series) were the backbone of America’s fleet vehicles. They hauled plumbing gear, delivered parcels, and carried bands cross-country. But somewhere along the way, these boxy blue-collar workhorses became blank canvases for adventure.

At the Expo, you’ll see lifted E-350s with beefy tires and 4×4 conversions, stealth campers with solar setups, and even a few vintage Econolines that have been lovingly restored and road-ready. Why? Because Econolines are tough. They’re affordable. And best of all—they’re simple enough that almost anyone can work on them.

Why Van Lifers Love the Econoline

Ask around the Hood River expo and you’ll hear the same praise from Econoline owners:

• Durability: These vans are known to hit 300k+ miles with regular maintenance.

• Simplicity: No overly complex electronics to leave you stranded off-grid.

• Space: With wide open interiors, they’re ideal for creative, functional layouts.

• Affordability: Compared to newer Euro vans, E-Series vans are budget-friendly and parts are plentiful.

Whether it’s an early 2000s E-250 with a custom bed platform or a fully built Quigley 4×4 E-350 that looks ready for the Arctic, Econolines are making a bold statement: you don’t need to break the bank to live the dream.

Community, Custom Builds & Campfire Conversations

At the Hood River Adventure Van Expo, there’s plenty to explore:

• Open House Vans – Step inside an incredible variety of rigs and get inspired.

• Builder Showcases – Meet the pros who are turning stock vans into rolling homes.

• DIY Zones – Learn how fellow Econoline owners converted their rigs on weekends and with grit.

• Vendor Village – Stock up on accessories, gear, and gadgets to elevate your setup.

• Live Music & Food Trucks – Because no van life gathering is complete without craft brews and local bites.

And while you’re there, don’t be surprised if a rusty-but-trusty E-150 steals the spotlight from a shiny new Sprinter. The vibe here isn’t about showing off—it’s about sharing stories, swapping tips, and celebrating every kind of van.

Econoline Owners Unite

If you’re already part of the Econoline tribe—or thinking of joining—it’s the perfect weekend to dive deeper into the lifestyle. Meet other owners, share build ideas, and check out unique mods you won’t see on Instagram. Some may have built their rigs on tight budgets, others may have gone all out—but all of them share that same spark for freedom and the open road.

​If you and your Ford Econoline are planning to attend the Adventure Van Expo in Hood River, Oregon on June 21–22, 2025, and are looking for nearby camping options, here are 10 campgrounds within approximately 10 miles of the Hood River County Fairgrounds:

Places to Camp within 10 miles

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Hood River County Fairgrounds
Closed · 4.5 (44 reviews)
3020 Wyeast Rd, Hood River, OR 97031
Located at the event venue, this campground offers water hookups, showers, Wi-Fi, and tenting options. Reservations are recommended.

Tucker Park
Closed · 4.4 (350 reviews)
2440 Dee Hwy, Hood River, OR 97031
Situated along the Hood River, this campground provides tent sites and spots for small campers (under 30′). Amenities include potable water and coin-operated showers. First-come, first-served.

Toll Bridge Park (Parkdale, OR)
Closed · 4.6 (271 reviews)
7360 Toll Bridge Rd, Mt Hood, OR 97041
Offers 83 campsites, including partial hookup sites for RVs and trailers, single tent sites, and group tent sites. Potable water and coin-operated showers are available. First-come, first-served.

Viento State Park
Closed · 4.1 (718 reviews)
Cascade Locks, OR 97014
Approximately 8 miles west of Hood River, this park offers 56 electrical sites with water and 5 tent sites. Amenities include flush toilets and hot showers.

Memaloose State Park
Closed · 4.6 (3918 reviews)
Mosier, OR 97040
Situated about 9 miles east of Hood River, this park features campsites overlooking the Columbia River. Facilities include restrooms and showers.

Bridge RV Park and Campground
Open now · Campground
65271 Highway 14, White Salmon, WA 98672
Located near the Hood River Bridge, this campground offers RV sites with full hookups and amenities like restrooms and showers.

Lost Lake Resort & Campground
Closed · 4.5 (705 reviews)
9000 Lost Lake Rd, Hood River, OR 97031
Approximately 20 miles from Hood River, this campground offers tent and RV sites near Lost Lake, with amenities including a general store and boat rentals.

Ainsworth State Park
Closed · 4.4 (520 reviews)
Ainsworth State Park, Cascade Locks, OR 97014
Located about 10 miles west of Hood River, this park offers full hookup RV sites and tent camping, with restrooms and showers available.

Please note that distances are approximate and it’s advisable to check the current status and availability of each campground before planning your stay.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re cruising up the Gorge in your beloved E-Series or just van-curious and want to see what’s possible, the Adventure Van Expo in Hood River is a weekend you don’t want to miss. It’s more than a showcase—it’s a celebration of ingenuity, community, and the belief that sometimes, the best adventures start in a van that’s been around the block a few times.

And if that van happens to be a Ford Econoline, all the better.