Tent camping versus RV camping

An old fast food TV commercial used the line "parts is parts".  We might adapt that as "camping is camping" but some purists might disagree.  Camping in the luxury of a self contained RV in some ways is a far cry from camping in a tent.  Yet they both provide some of the same opportunities to get out into nature, explore our great nation, socialize with similar-minded people, and share campfire camaraderie.  Both tent camping and RVing can provide comfortable base camps for a variety of outdoor activities, from the beach to the mountains.  I submit that tent campers and RVers have a lot more in common than they have in differences and that indeed "camping is camping".

Tent camping can be more physically challenging and emulates a pioneer life more closely than camping in an RV.   Living in a tent is more primitive and successfully managing a tent outing can yield a great feeling of accomplishment, especially if you do your cooking over the campfire.  Tent camping has its drawbacks.  Tents don't offer as much protection against weather or wild animals as RVs do.  When it's hot outside, it is even hotter in a tent.  When its cold outside, it is only a little warmer in a tent. Most tents will do a pretty good job of keeping you out of the rain or snow -- up to a point.   As demonstrated by various nomadic tribes from Native Americans and their tipis to Bedouins and their elaborate, sometimes even palacial, tents, tents can be sufficient to sustain life and can even be made quite comfortable.  However, most of the tents we use for camping are pretty basic.

RVs provide even more comfort and convenience.  Most are equipped with nearly all the modern conveniences of home and many may even exceed residential facilities. They provide a very comfortable bed at the end of a long day, safe and convenient sanitation, and easy-to-use cooking facilities.  With an on board generator they even provide extensive electronic entertainment systems in the wild.  Food is less likely to go bad in an RV refrigerator than an ice chest.  An RV can be kept ready to go, making spontaneous outings easier -- and making the RV literally a Disaster Recovery Vehicle.  The sturdy, rigid-wall construction provides protection against weather and wild animals. Adequate air conditioners and furnaces allow occupants to usually maintain a comfortable inside temperature regardless of what the weather is like outside.  In spite of all the modern conveniences, RV camping is still camping -- being in a campground or primitive camping area, participating in robust outdoor recreational activities, enjoying the campfire, doing a little star gazing...

Tent campers and RVers share a love of the outdoors.   Their tents or RVs usually serve as base camps for common pursuits like hiking, fishing, boating, horseback riding, or riding OHVs.  They both enjoy evening campfires and just being out in the forest -- or mountains -- or desert -- or at the beach.   They share a fascination with trying out new gadgets and gear.  Any kind of camping, car camping, backpacking, or in an RV, means getting away from our everyday lives and doing something different.   Although for most of my life I have been an RVer, I still enjoy tent camping from time to time.   When my boys were growing up I got chances to do Boy Scout outings with them regularly.  Now that all the kids are grown and have families of their own, we still get together now and then for a weekend at the campground.  I prefer having my motorhome and trailer as a base camp for dirt bike outings, but spending a weekend in a tent has its own rewards and satisfaction.  For dirt bike outings the focus is on riding and having the comfort, convenience, and facilities of our motorhome and well-equipped motorcycle trailer makes it easier and more fun.  Out tent outings focus on sight seeing and the tenting experience itself:  setting up camp, camp cooking, and sleeping in the tent. The goals are different and it is good to have multiple options.

My family and I enjoy both RVing and tent camping.  They each have their special ways they contribute to a good time.  As I mentioned before, when we go dirt biking, we really like the comfort and convenience of our motorhome and enclosed motorcycle trailer.  It allows us to focus on riding and provides a safe and comfortable refuge from summer heat and bad weather. When we go tent camping, we are going purely for the experience of tent camping and enjoying the outdoors.  Both scenarios provide many opportunities for quality family time.  Some of the activities, like campfires and camp cooking and "getting away from it all" are very similar.

Camp out!