Determining your camping style without an RV
1. Rent an RV
One option for the camping newbie to determine their camping style is to rent an RV. For example, Outdoorsy is an RV rental company. This is a site geared toward both the RV owner and the renter. The owner lists their RV statistics such as length, key features and the terms to which they will rent the RV. For example, they include the daily included free miles, the daily free generator usage and the pickup and drop off terms. Do not sign the rental agreement until you understand the terms as there are costs associated with going over the included freebies.
But Outdoorsy is just one RV rental option. Cruise America and RV Share are a couple other RV rental sites; however, do not discount your friends and family. A friend or friend of a friend may be delighted to take you camping or let you borrow their rig. A closed hand doesn’t get fed, “you have not because you ask not”. You may just have an option you haven’t considered because you have not voiced your request to the right ear.
2. Determining your Camping Style in a Tent
Since the dawn of time people have lived in a myriad of canvas structures. Camping was not even called camping, it was simply living. So do not fret my friend, if you do not own an RV. You can experience the camping life via a tent. This past year I learned about not just RVing but also tent camping. Every location we camped also accommodated tent campers.
If you are a new tent camper I suggest joining a tent camping community. The group can suggest equipment and provide community. And do not bypass RV communities as many of these groups will include tent campers.
3. Determining your Camping Style by Renting a Cabin
Did you know that most RV Campgrounds also have cabins for rent? Cabin rental is a great option for someone who does not want to invest in an RV or tent. However, not all cabins are created equally even if they are at the same campground. Know ahead of time how rough you want to camp.
Do your research prior to booking a cabin. While some cabins will include electricity, indoor plumbing and beds with bedding; others may not have any amenities outside of a firepit and and grill. Rustic or glamping cabin adventures can both be enjoyable if you are prepared.
Rustic Camping Considerations
- Is your cabin close to the restroom?
- How will you stay warm if the temperature dips overnight?
- Where will you store cold foods?
Knowing the answers to the above questions is a good start to a successful rustic cabin trip. But be honest with yourself. If you are related to the Princess and the Pea, you might want to consider a cabin with electricity and indoor plumbing.
What do you want to do?
What do you dream about? The key to realizing your RV desires is to allow yourself to dream. Stop negating doing what you enjoy. If you enjoy sandy shores and warm weather, go to the beach or camp in warmer weather. Nature lovers may enjoy state and national parks. Simply research what you enjoy doing and follow the dream.
There is not one way to camp or to RV; but it is important to keep learning about your travel style. When I began this RV journey my dream was the coast and a balloon festival and then a pandemic happened. However, I did not allow a pandemic to negate my dream of buying an RV and Traveling the US. Since May of 2020 I have visited Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and various locations in Virginia. Covid 19 did not negate my dream of going to the beach as I have been to Virginia Beach twice and Myrtle Beach thrice (three times). While I have not yet traveled to see the Balloon Festival, I am planning 2022 with these two goals in mind.
Dream big friends! I look forward to one day meeting you at the beach or 2022 Balloon Festival.