Jessica
Outdoor camping is among the most popular recreational activities that both young and older Americans seem to enjoy. Seventy-seven million households in the U.S. have someone who camps regularly, with 73% of them camping three or more times in a year. Camping allows families to take a break from their extra-busy lifestyles and reconnect with nature. In fact, 50% of all campers say their love for the outdoors was what sparked their interest in camping.
Today’s camping differs from the traditional bonfire models, with Americans expressing interest in different niches. You can choose from tent camping, RV camping, glamping, survivalist camping, and many more. However, tent and RV camping are by far the most common. With continued advancements in RV models, avid campers never seem to settle the tent Vs RV camping debate.
Tent campers believe that you should enjoy nature without disruptions from everyday life. RV owners disagree and argue that you do not need to give up comfort and convenience to enjoy your outdoors. Here is a quick peek into each camping style before delving deeper into the tent Vs RV camping argument.
Tent Camping
It is the oldest and most basic form of camping. You only need to pitch a tent out in the wild and spend a couple of nights sleeping on the ground. You can set up your campsite at any place you wish- in the woods, beach, or designated campgrounds.
With less modern distractions around, avid tent campers say they enjoy the peace and tranquility that comes with it. You can strengthen your family bonds around the bonfire or catch up with your colleagues in the team-building camp.
You may require to carry essential camping gear, including a tent, set-up tools, hard sided coolers, food, cooking sets, beddings, and personal items. A detailed checklist can help determine what to carry with you.
In the tent Vs RV camping arguments, enthusiasts say tent camps tend to offer a rougher outdoor experience that may feel like survivalist camping at times.
RV Camping
RV trailers and coaches blend in the thrills of outdoor camping with the convenience of having home-like amenities wherever you go. RVs are an excellent option for campers who prefer a little luxury as they enjoy nature’s beauty. Campers can travel with their beds and additional camping amenities without worrying about finding a place to pitch a tent.
To kick start your RV life, you can opt to rent an RV or purchase one. You can find a well-maintained used RV that can cater to your needs. Coaches, campervans, motorhomes, fifth-wheel trailers are some of the options that you may have.
Tent vs RV Camping: Which Is Better?
Camping enthusiasts continue to disagree on the best camping style between the two. The final decision is subjective, depending on what you like, which model you can afford, and the comfort level that you may prefer. Buckle up, camper, as we take a ride down the tent Vs RV camping debate and compare the two camping types.
1. Safety and Protection
Security is a major concern for campers, with most enthusiasts finding tent camps less safe. As you set up your tent out in the world, you are exposed to dangerous weather elements that may undermine your safety. You may have to bear the brunt of the cold night, huddled in a sleeping bag on the forest floor.
You need to air out your tent before heading for camping. It helps to eliminate any moisture or mold that may accumulate during storage. Avoid pitching tent too close to ponds, lakes, and rivers. It reduces the risk of camping in a flood-prone area. A shaded area with a natural windbreak would be the ideal spot to pitch your tent.
RVs can shield you entirely from weather elements. Most trailers come with air conditioning that can keep you warm during the frigid nights. If it’s raining, you can sit under a retractable awning or inside to stay dry. An RV is not 100% safe, but it may reduce the safety risks associated with tented camping.
2. Comfort
Sleeping on a camping mattress laid on the ground is the closest you can be to nature. However, you may have to give up your comfort to enjoy the outdoor feeling. Sleeping on the ground is riddled with several challenges. Rainy weather may wet and soak your belongings if you set up on a water pathway. You may also have to contend with bugs and other crawling insects in the tent.
It is advisable to plan for mosquito control before heading out. You may have to settle for public restrooms and water sources. To avoid using public washrooms, you can opt for portable toilets and shower pumps to help you freshen up.
As we carry on with the tent Vs RV camping debate, nothing comes closer to the level of comfort offered on a motorhome. Some campervans can rival modern homes on the number of luxurious amenities available. They also come equipped with fully stocked RV first-aid kids that contain anything from bandages, alcohol wipes, tropical creams to antihistamines that can be used for poison ivy treatment.
RVs may also contain several house beds that can host up to 14 people. Sleeping on a foam mattress is more comfortable than on a sleeping bag. The vehicles also have furnished kitchens, heating and cooling units, hot showers, dinettes, water coolers, and flush toilets. The amenities allow you to camp out for longer periods.
3. Set-Ups and Take Downs
Tent camping does not carry much of a burden, especially with the less camping equipment required. It takes less time to put up the tent or tear it down. You only need to pack your camping essentials and head off to the site. Pitching is also not time-consuming, with regular practice. You can also opt to purchase quick set-up tents from the store.
You can improve on your tent-pitching skills by practicing in your backyard. Remember to countercheck all the tent essentials before going on the road. Forgetting a peg may signal trouble once you start setting up your shelter.
For motorhomes, everything is set to go in the self-contained vehicle. The RV storage and cabinetry minimize the number of items you have to take out to set up your campsite. However, it may take a longer period to find a space to park and unload. Camping trailers may also demand unhitching and leveling at the RV Park. It may take some time to ensure that your trailer is stable. Make sure the chocks are secure under the wheels at all times.
4. Shelter Requirements
Shelter is a basic human requirement. RVs offer the best protection against nature’s weather patterns. You may have to retreat to your tent or trailer when it starts to rain. A small tent may feel stuffy and cramped when all family members squeeze in. There are different models and types of tents available for campers. Some of the options include.
- Ridge tent
- Inflatable tent
- Pop-up tent
- Tunnel tent
- Bell tent
- Frame tent
- Geodesic tents etc.
However, tents may do little to protect you in the wild. They only guarantee a place to sleep with no additional amenities for comfort. You can check the tent for any rips that may bring in cold drafts. Choose a larger sized tent to provide enough space for everyone. You may need to find a level, shaded area to pitch your tent.
RVs allow you to camp out in style. The air conditioning can keep your entire family warm, reducing the risk of hypothermia. Pets are a vital consideration in the tent vs RV camping debate. If you have furry friends, it may not be easy to have them around in a tent camp. You may have to tie up your dog or be with them at all times. Trailers allow you to bring your cat with you during your trips without much of a hassle.
5. Costs
Private finances are a major factor to look at when planning for your next camping trip. When it comes to tent Vs RV camping, there seems to a general consensus that RV camping is more expensive.
Tent camping is perfect for families or individuals on a tight budget. There are many different types of tents available for every budget. Camping spots for tent campers also tend to be cheaper. A tent, sleeping bag, pillow, and cooking set are the most important items you require for a start. Tent camping can be a cost-effective way to warm up to spending time out in the world.
In comparison, RV camping can be pretty expensive. An RV with basic amenities can cost you approximately $15000, with high-end models going on the extreme, nearing the $1,000,000 mark. Hookup facilities at the private campgrounds also contribute to high recurrent expenditure. You can get a used RV on a moderate budget if you prefer a little comfort during your camping trips.
6. Location
The debate on tent Vs RV camping also cut across the accessibility of places to set up camp. Supporters of tent camping praise their ability to pitch a tent anywhere in the world. National parks, wildlife reserves, and private campgrounds are popular areas for both RV and avid tent campers. However, RV camping may have several restrictions on mobility, depending on the size of the trailer. Not all areas are accessible by road.
You may need to take time and carefully consider where to park your trailer for the night. Boondocking in RV parks with zero or limited facilities is still a popular option for avid campers. However, most prefer accessing a campground that will allow them to hookup water, electricity, and sewer system. The size of the trailer may affect the spot you choose to spend the night. You can ask for the available sites’ dimensions before entering the RV park. Make sure you do not infringe on your neighbor’s space with your overly-large trailer.
Tent campers only need to pack up their backpack and follow a foot trail to find a place to set camp. You may need to find level ground to pitch the tent. Avoid a spot with stony soils that may make it difficult to sink your pegs. Camping next to highly-trafficked areas on a campground can dampen your experience. Avoid pitching a tent next to the public washrooms or children’s play areas if you wish to have a quiet, relaxed environment.
7. Food
Preparing meals in a tent camp can be challenging, especially during the rainy season. You may have to contend with gusty winds and water drenching your open fires. It is advisable to buy a tarp to place outside your tent entrance. Whenever possible, ensure that your fireplace is a few feet away from the tent to reduce the risk of burning down your tent.
Most campgrounds lack designated dishwashing stations, making it difficult for campers to clean their cookware. Some may be forced to eat out rather than cook. However, RVs are essentially homes on wheels. Most have fully stocked kitchens with ovens and cooktops hooked to electricity. You can carry a portable grill in the trunk of the car for some barbeque ribs while camping.
8. Connection to Nature
Another area of contention in the tent Vs RV camping debate is the ability to connect with nature and the environment for a ‘real camping’ experience. Tent camping enthusiasts argue that the best way to maximize the outdoor experience is to get rid of all the modern luxuries.
Tent camping is the most effective way to relax and enjoy the wild. With minimal disruptions, you can relax in your tent, enjoying the beauty of the environment around you. The thrill of having to see wildlife through your tent door is much more fulfilling than watching through fiberglass windows on an RV.
An RV contains most amenities that present in a home. From television sets, electricity, kitchen appliances to RV custom covers, and Wi-Fi, there is no limit to how much you can customize your trailer. An RV provides the convenience of having a mini house on wheels.
Undoubtedly, there may be no end to the tent Vs RV camping argument. It all comes down to your needs, budget, and preferences. Tent camping provides an escapist model with a full survival mode. RV camping may appeal to individuals who prefer to retain their comfort during the trip. Whichever you choose, make sure to enjoy to the fullest.
