I Hate Camping!
Some of my best friends swear on a stack of <insert sacred item of choice> they hate camping, won’t ever go, and there is nothing I can do about it. But I know they could not possibly hate on the mobility of a car, the comforts of home, and the serenity of nature (from a distance) all rolled into one. Enter the Recreational Vehicle or trailer camping trip, an experience that can transform what most people imagine about camping.
I know some of my traceless camping folks probably want to throw a pointy carrot at me for the mere mention of this gas guzzling option, but there are many variations, such as using a hip trailer (see above) hitched to a sedan and you don’t have to drive far necessarily as there are hundreds of campgrounds dotted all over the US.
Who says you have to buy an RV? There are many great companies who rent you the whole outfit just like a rental car by the day or mileage, such as El Monte RV and Cruise America. Some campgrounds have trailers on site available for rent as well.
It’s still not too late to book for the upcoming Labor Day weekend and several campgrounds are running specials, that include theme dinners, live music, local excursions and programs for people of all ages.
If you’re not up for driving an RV, several campgrounds have cabins, such as the Albion River Campground, south of Mendocino, California, which is one of the many sites promoted by the California Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds. This campground has private cottages with wood-burning stoves for chilly nights, in addition to trailer rentals and campsites for folks who have their own “rig“. And there are plenty of boating, fishing and kayaking opportunities nearby.
Don’t think black people RV? BUZZZ! Check out NAARVA, the National African American RV Association, a club who puts together a slammin’ rally, regular educational tours, and social events for all levels of participants!
So if you hate camping, give RV and trailer options a long look, or even a try before summer ends. You might be pleasantly surprised by how much you enjoy yourself!
photo courtey of squob.com
Rue, I like this article.
It hits home, there are so many options to get outdoors. That don’t take a large amount of cash.
I can’t wait to do some RVing myself – I know this is the next move for me!
Rue, what’s that trailer shown above? I went to squob.com, but I couldn’t find it.
Hey Laura — it was on their flickr site actually, but go here first: http://squob.com/
If you really want your traceless camping people riled up, talk to them about glamping (http://goglamping.net/). I think every kind of camping offers a great experience if you can truly escape your wired existence. Some people need baby steps – or in this case, a yurt with A/C.
Rue, I can’t believe you have never gone RVing. You have got to try it. RV’s are worth having when the weather goes bad. There are so many other things that you can do with an RV. Tailgating games (like your kids day long track meets), Day trips such as the amusement park or the cider mill. Using an RV will save tons because you don’t have to buy the expensive on site food.
Thanks Beth! Glamping — love it, but I’ll be the expense is just as impressive as the adventure! 🙂
Hi Bluestatesman!
I may not have RV’ed yet, but you best believe that I WILL — I just need to decide how I want to go about it. Right now space is an issue and I’d rather buy something to keep rather than rent.
I totally agree with you about the benefits. My aunt (RIP) was a champion of the RV lifestyle, a Good Sam member and all, so it’s in my blood!
Rue