Is RVing Really Camping?

There are some purists who would claim RVing isn't really camping.  After all, our RVs are designed to provide all the conveniences of home. How can staying in a climate controlled home on wheels with residential comforts be compare to "real" camping in a tent?  Detractors are certainly entitled to their opinions and to camp (or not) in the way that suits them. But for many people, RVing provides wonderful camping adventures. Admittedly, camping in an RV allows you to bring along many of the amenities of home, sort of "roughing it easy", but at the same time you share a lot of the aspects of all other forms of camping. For some people with physical limitations, tent camping may not be an option at all, but using an RV can provide them with the benefits of being able to enjoy visiting our beautiful parks, forests, and beaches and share in many camping activities. I had a friend whose wife was definitely not a camper and, until he purchased a small RV, she flat out refused to join him and their sons on any of their OHV outings.  She never was converted to riding a dirt bike, but at least she got to join them for camping.  My own family loves camping in an RV.  And yes, we've gotten a little spoiled by comfortable beds, a place to get in out of the weather when it gets cold, and an air conditioned sanctuary in hot climates.  The girls are especially grateful to have clean, private, on board sanitation facilities.

Many aspects of camping are not dependent on whether you're staying in a tent or an RV. Both share campfires and campground camaraderie. Both get you out of town and into the great outdoors. Both allow you to enjoy extended visits to some beautiful scenery and experience historical and geological features up close. Both get you closer to nature admittedly some versions get you closer than others. Not everyone appreciates having a close physical relationship with rocks under their sleeping bags.   Both offer opportunities to experiment with and practice survival skills and try out some primitive technologies. Both are filled with wonderful teaching moments and chances for truly quality family time. There is no excuse for one group to look down on the other. It doesn't matter if you're camping in a million dollar motorhome or a second-hand tent. After all, we have more in common than we have in differences and we're all seeking the same thing: fun -- and escape from our hectic, work-a-day lives.  And, I'm sure, we can all learn from each other.

Next time you find yourself sharing a campground with folks who chose a different style of camping then yours, be tolerant and appreciative. A young family camping in a beat up old tent may be doing the best they can with the resources they have available. Admire their commitment to do something with their families. The older couple camping in a big RV may have health issues or physical problems that would make tent camping impractical or impossible. They may have scrimped and saved for years to buy an RV. Acknowledge their courage to venture out at all and allow them to enjoy the spoils of a long and productive life.

Some people may choose tent camping for the adventure and a way to experience some pre-technology living in a kind of "back to nature" thing. It is also a way to practice survival skills that may come in handy during an emergency. You may be a lot warmer in a tent in your backyard than in your house if utilities are cut off for an extended period of time. And for sure your campfire and camp stove cooking skills will come in useful if the gas and electricity are off.

Some folks choose the RV lifestyle for its home-like comforts and conveniences. We found a motorhome was an ideal base camp for our dirt biking excursions. Our activities were focused on riding, not emulating traders, trappers, explorers or mountain men. The motorhome gave us a comfortable refuge from extreme weather, provided power to operate tools that made dirt bike maintenance faster and easier (old fashioned tire pumps do work, but they are slow and take a lot of effort!), and supplied sanitation facilities in remote desert environments that were especially appreciated by the females in my family. We were able to keep the motorhome stocked between trips so it was pretty much ready to go on a moment's notice, allowing us to take advantage of spontaneous outings to the beach or woods from time to time and to provide disaster recovery when needed. Even with the motorhome we had many opportunities to practice primitive skills building campfires and cooking outdoors. I've got to admit, having an air conditioned RV to escape the summer heat or a heated one to combat being out in the rain and snow, was definitely a significant advantage.

RVing would definitely have been considered camping and rather primitive to one of my friends, whose idea of "roughing it" is having to ring twice for room service.  But you might have trouble getting a Scoutmaster to sign off a camping merit badge if you did all your camping in a 45' luxury RV.

I have found RV camping to be ideal for my family, especially in support of our dirt biking adventures.  Admittedly, we enjoy the conveniences our comfortable RV offers us whether we're in the hot desert or the cool mountains, yet we also very much enjoy being out "in the wild" and appreciate evening campfires and star gazing -- and then having a comfortable bed to rest in at the end of the day.

Regardless of your current camping style, you may find yourself experiencing the other side of camping sooner or later. Tent campers may move up to RVs as their budgets and wants dictate. RV owners may some day find the lifestyle too expensive or may want to do something more primitive again. We fell back on tent camping this fall when our truck was broken down so we couldn't use our camper for a local trip to enjoy the exciting fall colors in a nearby canyon. The twisty, narrow roads weren't compatible with our large Class A motorhome. So we pulled out the tents and made the best of it. I suspect we'd have been more comfortable in our camper but even as long-term RVers, the tent outing was an enjoyable and memorable family experience.  So much so that we'll probably schedule another one soon, even though the truck/camper and motorhome are available.

So, whether you choose to camp in a teepee or a covered wagon, you can still enjoy some pioneer adventures and quality time with your loved ones. From my point of view, camping is camping, regardless of whether your abode rolls on wheels or rolls up!

Camp out!