What Do You Camp In?

[Thats Camping]

Let's see who is camping in what!

[NewEnglandCamper]

Patty and I started camping in 1993 in a tent. We hung out at a family cabin between 1994-1998.  We bought a popup in 1999 and then moved to a 29' travel trailer (after going to a few really awful campgrounds with facilities much less then perfect) in 2001.

Now with 4 kids we may be looking for larger travel trailer. We bought another tent for the older children (to get by for now) and for when just Austin and I want to get away on a hiking trip.

[twinnish]

I'm a tent camper.  For right now it works for me and my family.  I really like it, especially since I use air mattresses.  So far, the mattresses I bought four years ago have held up well, knock on wood!  The only problem is I have to add air every day or you start bottoming out, in every sense of the word!  Maybe it wouldn't happen so much if I had less bottom... 

Someday, I will probably upgrade to a camper.  One of my dreams is to buy a camper van and drive around the US, like that lady who wrote about traveling with her dog, Barb Thacker.   

Have a great day!

[RVTRAVLR]

Last fall, we bought a 28' 5th wheel and have been in heaven ever since.  Still learning new things about it everyday, and we're looking forward to getting her out of the yard for the next three New England seasons. 

[native603]

Great board! 
I grew up tent camping and when my wife & I got married we gave it a go (she was not a camper).  We took a 4-day weekend and 30 minutes after the tent was set up the clouds emptied.  It poured...then around 2am she got a stomach bug and spent the rest of the night running back and forth to the nearest outhouse. On day 3 it was still raining...needless to say we packed up the tent and left. We rented a popup a couple of times and ended up buying a trailer in Sept. 03....now she and my 3 y.o. can't wait to go!

[Karen]

Yep.  I'm like your wife..  When my husband brought up the idea of buying a camper 3 years ago, I laughed and laughed.
But he was on a mission and made it sound like a big party so I gave it a shot. 
We bought an 02 Travelstar Hybrid - the smallest one they made, and set out. 

I am a true convert, and my husband worries about the monster he's created.   MwaaaHaaaa.

It is the perfect cost effective solution to spend time as a family with minimal tv (ok... I bring it along, we're only human).
We both work and the kids are 5 and 7 so this is really the best opportunity to really plug into the kids and each other all summer.
And the kids are over the moon, because when we're camping (try to every other weekend all summer) we're not doing house chores or running errands, etc.  It's all good.

[bowcamper]

First we got what we thought was awesome, (and it was at the time...) a two room tent.  Then, we had the kids.  Got a used pop-up cheap cheap cheap and my very handy hubby modified it a bit.  We thought we were in heaven!  Off the ground and we slept so good!!!  Brought us a porta-potti, though.  Then I began looking into something with my own amenities and did TONS of research before we bought an awesome 18 foot Hybrid unit -- It's a hard top with tent pop-outs that are queen size beds.  It's great!  I love it a lot and am glad we have it!  The set-up is so easy and because it's not a pop-up, I can pack it up, and when it's time to go, we hook up and we're off!  The bathroom is so great to have....  But I must tell you of the first time we camped in it, it gives perspective--
We set up in a fraction of the time and felt like we were in luxury.  I even baked cookies!  Then a family of six, with a dog, tent-camped behind us.  They had a great time and seemed really happy with thier digs!  That nite, after the kids were tucked in, my husband and I sat by the fire.  I asked him if he thought we had 'lost' some of the camping experience with our new camper and all, as I gestured to the tenters.  I'll never forget his reply -- "If I weren't this relaxed, and this trip set-up sooo easy, I'm not sure we would even be here"  As hard as he works, getting away with the kids needed to be relaxing and fun!  So, a few conveniences and technology, and we have more fun then ever!  It's not everybody's camping style or plan, but we're blessed for it!!!

[Karen]

Amen to that, Bowcamper!!!

The point is fun, remember?  Whichever flavor you pick.

[drleu]

We camp in a 5th wheel that is 38 ft. and has 3 slideouts. It has everything we'd ask for including a fireplace and home video system. We have added a room add on that is canvas and gives us 10x 12 space used for eating in inclement weather or eating without insects at night. It is pulled by a diesel Ford pickup that allows us to visit places after we drop the trailer.  The negative is the fact that we need a pull through site because we can't back into the average space in a campground. We also appreciate the two refigerators with freezer because we use them for serving when we have company. Life is good!

[campincarters]

We have our 1998 pop-up. We have been up and down the east coast from Diney to Myrtle Beach to Cape May to Lake George to White Mountains to many campgrounds in Conn. but have just as much fun in our backyard all summer.
Campin carters

[Thats Camping]

Bowcamper, first off, I loved that you baked cookies! *giggle* How wonderful and sweet that you felt soo happy and relaxed in your new home on wheels.

And that is how I view our travel trailer---it's truly a home away from home. Setting up our 'home' in a natural wooded hideaway or a grassy spot overlooking an ocean view can't be beat! For half the price of a hotel (sometimes even a third of the cost) we can visit anywhere in the United States or Canada. Instead of maxing out our vacation budget on one (or two) trips a year in a hotel or cabin, we can go way for 5 weeks of camping vacations!

When I am in my trailer, I feel completely 'at home' and I don't feel that way in a tent. I think the extra perks in a trailer, like a shower, bathroom, microwave, comfy bed, dinette, tv, curtains, sink, refrigerator, etc just give you a true feeling of being at home!

[Thats Camping]

Drleu, your trailer sounds incredible! I love 5th Wheels!! Hope to get one someday!

[bowcamper]

And that is how I view our travel trailer---it's truly a home away from home. Setting up our 'home' in a natural wooded hideaway or a grassy spot overlooking an ocean view can't be beat! For half the price of a hotel (sometimes even a third of the cost) we can visit anywhere in the United States or Canada. Instead of maxing out our vacation budget on one (or two) trips a year in a hotel or cabin, we can go way for 5 weeks of camping vacations!

When I am in my trailer, I feel completely 'at home' and I don't feel that way in a tent. I think the extra perks in a trailer, like a shower, bathroom, microwave, comfy bed, dinette, tv, curtains, sink, refrigerator, etc just give you a true feeling of being at home!

Yes!  It's my little hideaway home!  It's funny, I have friends that think staying in a hotel is the best.  I, however, am not sure I'll EVER stay in a hotel if it isn't necessary.  I love having my own bedding and things around us -- our very own space.  I love the idea of changing our scenery -- be it a beach, pond or ocean, deep dark woods or overlooking a pool, it's truly 'ours' for the moment  Every yearit's gets a little better, a little easier.  Best of all, my family really enjoys our time together!  I am so looking forward to these posts. sharing info and experiences and reading the reviews!  I have a couple of my own to share  -- will do soon.  Our first trip is May 20th at Normandy Farms in Foxboro, Mass.  Never been so I'm anxious to see what it's about.  Any comments?  Cheers to all for this beautiful and truly Spring day!!!

[Thats Camping]

Our first trip is May 20th at Normandy Farms in Foxboro, Mass.  Never been so I'm anxious to see what it's about.  Any comments?  Cheers to all for this beautiful and truly Spring day!!!

Hey Bowcamper, I have never been to Normandy Farms. I have heard it was pretty good though.There are two reviews on site, here are the search results:

http://www.thatscamping.com/index.php/search/results/ce450489643e869c3288a8a15e533c04/

And be sure to post a separate post asking about Normandy Farms under the Northeast Campgrounds board: http://www.thatscamping.com/forum/index.php/board,14.0.html so you can get some feedback.

[Sandlapper Camper]

My husband used to camp in tents when we were younger but now that the kids have come along and we're a good deal older sleeping on the ground (even on an air mattress) just isn't that appealing so we bought a Coleman Yuma pop-up back in 2003 and we LOVE it!  We've taken about 3 family trips a year since we've bought the pop-up and my husband took it up to Maine to go fishing with his buddies last year. Last year I was pregnant and was very comfortable even though I was 6 months along.  Right now the pop-up seems to be just right for us.  My husband isn't interested in "upgrading" to a 5th wheel but that may change.

[Thats Camping]

My husband used to camp in tents when we were younger but now that the kids have come along and we're a good deal older sleeping on the ground (even on an air mattress) just isn't that appealing so we bought a Coleman Yuma pop-up back in 2003 and we LOVE it!  We've taken about 3 family trips a year since we've bought the pop-up and my husband took it up to Maine to go fishing with his buddies last year. Last year I was pregnant and was very comfortable even though I was 6 months along.  Right now the pop-up seems to be just right for us.  My husband isn't interested in "upgrading" to a 5th wheel but that may change.

Pop-up campers are terrific! You have the natural feel of a tent, but all the fun perks of a trailer, and yes, you are off the ground! Welcome to the forum, Sandlapper Camper!

[SBNK]

Started camping with the family in 1999 in tents, our first trip to North Conway NH had alot of rain, (was not all fun). While under the TARP we were gazing at the RV's saying, woudn't that be nice. SO in 2000 we purchaced our first RV. a 2001 Rockwood 25' Travel Trailer. It was a great starter camper, but we soon grew out of it. Now we have a 2005 Wildcat 30' trailer. we ordered a 2004 and got a 2005 for the same price . Now in our second year with the CAT we can't wait to get started. COME ON SPRING!

[gcandcc]

Purchased a used Palomino pop up last year. 

The previous year we spent $1000.00 for one week at a "glorified hotel room" they called a "condo."

My brother decided to upgrade to an RV and sell his popup so I jumped on it.  We went to Cape May again last year and stayed for 2 weeks for less than half what we spent the year before...and we got to do loads of activities like whale watching and such without stuffing it all into one week.

This year we already have 5 trips planned and will also be doing last minute weekend getaways...it's affordable and I like the fact that it gives us all sorts of flexibility...and I can have my creature comforts too.

[NewEnglandCamper]

I can completely understand! I HATE staying in hotels (especially in the summer!!!) 

If we do decide to "get away" in the midst of winter.. I like the hotels with full kitchens and my wife prefers the jacuzzi tub 

[Thats Camping]

My brother decided to upgrade to an RV and sell his popup so I jumped on it.  We went to Cape May again last year and stayed for 2 weeks for less than half what we spent the year before...and we got to do loads of activities like whale watching and such without stuffing it all into one week.

Cape May is wonderful. We didn't camp when we stayed there though, it was a few years ago. I would like to go back someday with the trailer. Trouble is, driving through NY to get to NJ.