RV Camping
RV camping is an outstanding way for people of all ages to experience the great outdoors. We were tent campers for many years before we bought our first travel trailer. I have always enjoyed any style of camping. Spending time outdoors, especially in the evenings, around a campfire, is enjoyment whether in a tent, a travel trailer, or just sleeping out under the stars. Camping is magical. What more can I say? Plenty.
One of the most attractive elements of RV camping is climate control. With an RV, you can spend an entire day and evening outside, enjoying nature, fishing, kayaking, playing Frisbee with your dog, hanging out by the campfire, and when it is time to go to bed, you have air conditioning (or heat) and a soft bed to sleep in.
Since we began RVing, we have experienced three types of RV camping: RV Parks, State and National Parks, and my friend's half-acre backyard. When on the road for multiple days, we prefer overnight stays at RV Parks; many are not too far off the main roads. For multi-night destination stays, we prefer State and National Parks. And, of course, if you own land or know someone who does, you can enjoy dry camping in the solitude of your private park (or a friend's backyard).
State parks generally have larger campsites than RV parks and, when possible, are separated by patches of trees that provide a tad of seclusion between you and your neighbor. They tend to be a little further off the beaten path but the extra mileage will pay off. Though many state park campsites don't have full hookups, they are less expensive, and there's always a dump station for emptying your tanks before hitting the road.
Though RV Park sites are typically closer together and are often more expensive than State Parks, they have advantages. Many RV Parks are located along major highways, making them convenient places to spend the night, while traveling across the country. All of the RV parks (that we have been to) have full hookups - cable TV, internet access, sewer, and laundry facilities. Most State Parks don't have those amenities, although some do.
Camping in our friend's backyard was a departure from real camping, in my book. But this trip was different; our RV provided a place for us to spend the night while visiting our out-of-town friends - sort of like a portable cabin. It allowed us to party into the late evening without worrying about driving home afterward.
Since we bought our new home on wheels in 2010, we have taken it on over 100 weekend getaways around Texas and even longer adventures to the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and the coastal plains of Disney World, Florida.
For years, after we purchased our Passport, we continued to attend RV shows to check out new RV designs (which change every year). During one show in February of 2019, we decided it was time to upgrade to our latest RV, the 30-foot Imagine. It had more room and storage than our 24-foot Passport and would be more comfortable on longer journeys.
Whichever RV type you choose to buy, whether it be a pop-up camper, a small travel trailer, a fifth-wheel, a toy hauler, or a motor home, do lots of research and read about the experiences of fellow RVers. There are many brands and styles to choose from, and you want your RV camping experience to be fun and trouble-free.
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