RVs and tents are two very different types of camping. Both have their strengths and weaknesses which we will discuss below. It can be hard to decide which type of camping would suit you best or even knowing why someone else would pick the other so I decided to create this post help you out.
The short answer is the obvious one. RVs come in all shapes and sizes. They have beds, kitchens and even bathrooms. They are a self-contained unit that can be moved from campground to campground with minimal fuss.
Tent camping on the other hand requires a little more work before you get set up. You normally don’t have beds, kitchens or bathrooms unless you want to set up a lot of extra equipment. You will likely be sleeping rough.
But that’s the obvious stuff that you already know. Let’s have a look at other hidden factors that make tent camping and RVs so different.
Camping is camping, right?
If you’re an avid RVer then you might wonder why the heck anyone would want to spend the night lying on the ground when you’re all snuggled up in your cosy bed.
And if tent camping is your thing then you might be wondering why the heck anyone would want to pretend to camp in a bed. Why not just book a hotel or cabin if you want a bed?
People will have lots of different views on camping and that’s ok because RV’s and tents suit different people’s needs. So let’s try to end the debate of which is better and realise that they both do the same thing, which is to let us see more of the countryside in all of its beauty.
It’s worth noting that I am a tent camper. I have no issue with RV’s, it’s just my preference and it suites what I want from camping. My opinions given below are just that, my opinions. I don’t claim to know all about RV’s and I don’t mean to offend anyone if you don’t agree with me. It’s just how I see it.
Why I don’t like Recreation vehicles (RV’s)
As mentioned above, these are by far the most comfortable but are they the most practical. For me, camping is about getting closer to nature and leaving some of the modern day baggage behind.
It seems to me that you’re taking everything with you so the only thing that changes is your surroundings. This used to be enough but nowadays people are so addicted to TV, mobiles and other electronics that they don’t bother to even look out of the window.
One of the things I love about camping with loved ones is that you can gives each other your full attention without being distracted. No annoying text message or Instagram photos of what one of your friends ate for dinner.
You just can’t fully disconnect in an RV. You still have all the conveniences of home and if you can’t disconnect at home then why would you in an RV.
It seems to me that it would be much easier to rent a hotel room or cabin for a few days and just drive to the site in your car rather than spending thousands of dollars on an RV that’s hard to drive. This would stress the hell out of me and that’s not camping.
You are also quite restricted in your movement with an RV. Once you get parked the last thing you will want to do is to move to go and get supplies but this can happen.
When should RV’s be used?
As far as I can see the only advantage of using an RV over renting a room is if you’re camping long term or intend on moving around a lot. In my opinion, having an RV is a waste of money if you are just going to be using it for a week.
However, if you are planning a road trip through the country then this is where an RV will excel. Hotel room bills can add up quickly so if are using your RV a lot then this is where it makes sense having one. Only when you’re hoping from campground to campground you will get the full benefit of having an RV.
What I don’t like about tent camping?
When I first started camping there were lots I didn’t like about camping. At first I didn’t know how to get comfortable, I didn’t like having to spend so long getting set up. I didn’t like the wet, the cold, the heat, the bugs…. There can be a lot not to like but I kept at it.
I wanted to see why so many others loved it so much. I’m glad I stuck at it because when you learn just a few tricks then camping can be as comfortable as home. I already wrote a post on how to create a comfortable campsite here.
When should you tent camp?
Whenever you need to disconnect from the world, camping is the answer and tent camping offers a deeper level of separation from your busy life than RVs. Tent camping allows you to hike farther into backcountry, going places no rv can go. It’s also a great way to interact with loved ones.
Once you pick the right campsite and pitch your tent you can really relax. This probably won’t come natural to you. You will probably feel bored at first but give it time and you will start to relax and realize that any stress you have back home is just in your head and probably isn’t as big of an issue as it seems. After all, the world will still be here long after we’re gone so why spend our time here worrying about things that don’t actually matter at all. Sorry, I’m rambling again, but you know what I mean.
Camping is also a great way to reconnect with loved ones. I’ve already created a post on the benefits of camping with family here. Basically, you will be able to interact with your family without distraction. Just make sure all electronics are left at home or in the car.
Why I prefer tent camping
What I look for in camping can be much different than what you want from camping. I’m looking for peace and relaxation. Tent camping gives me this but you could be looking for something different, such as traveling and experiences then perhaps an RV would be a better choice. In the end the choice is yours so pick one that will best suit your needs.
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Here are a few links to post that I wrote that where already linked in the post above.
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