by Brian Greenleaf

Created on: April 22, 2008

While there are plausible arguments on both sides of this age old question, one of the most important factors to consider is the age of the camper.

I have been camping since I was a wee lad and used to think the only gear you needed for a successful trip afield was a blanket and a frying pan. Sleeping on the ground, in any weather, is no problem when all your anatomy is still under warranty. Unfortunately, once you pass the forty mark, one night on the damp ground is almost certain to end with a heating pad, a large bottle of muscle relaxers and an even bigger bottle of Flexall.

There is a case to be made for air mattresses and cots, but when you consider all the added gear you're now hauling, why not go all the way and have the stove, refrigerator and, dare I say it, the bathroom; usually standard equipment in most RV's?

While my adolescent views on camping were guided by the macho stories of roughing it and pitting one's self against the elements, age, and a fatter checkbook, have given me wisdom and pointed me more toward creature comforts. Recent horror movies have managed to scare me away from those campground restrooms where you sit on a box nestled over a cellar full of floating excrement. I always fear some vile denizen of the deep is lurking beneath, waiting to pull me down. What's more, standing in the all together in a room full of other men, sharing communal shower heads is not my idea of a fun Saturday evening.

Given the constant advancements in Internet communications, I hope to retire to a life of RV travel, writing as I go. I've spent many, many nights with my sleeping bag stuffed with myself, two frightened children and a myriad of stuffed animals and toys, all of us, (even the stuffed animals), hoping the rain would stop so the tent would stop leaking and we could all get dry and warm again. While I wouldn't trade a minute of those times, it's my children's turn to brave the outdoors and the elements with their children while Grandpa rests comfortably in his RV in the adjoining site, freshly showered and watching a good movie on the DVD player. I'd be willing to bet I'll still end up with a bed full of children and stuffed animals, but we'll all be cozy, warm and dry.

Learn more about this author, Brian Greenleaf.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.