by Gareth Hewes

Created on: May 11, 2009   Last Updated: May 12, 2009

This is naturally a very subjective debate, as some people would not even consider going RV-ing to be camping at all. While I wouldn't put it so strongly, I would definitely cast my lot in favor of tent camping. There are a number of reasons for this, but primarily what it comes down to is my own personal philosophy of how and why we go camping.

In my mind, an RV or motor-home is definitely not a blight on the idea of portable lodging-I can definitely understand the reasoning as to why someone would enjoy getting closer to the natural, less civilized world while still having a haven of comfort and order to come back to at the end of the day. The fact that these people want to experience nature is what I feel is the whole point of camping in the first place, and I have much more regard for them than for those who never try to get in touch with the outdoors. However, I would consider those who camp in motor homes to be more the casual campers; they sit on the edge of the pool that is the untamed natural world and dip their feet in. Many people would be more stressed and uncomfortable going beyond that point than relaxed by the escapism of it, so I understand their position.

I, on the other hand, prefer a tent because I feel that it gives an extra level of immersion into the outdoors. I wouldn't call myself a hardcore camper by any means, as I still stick with bigger tents that are definitely still an escape into an artificial environment at the end of the day, but the thinner tent material still allows the outside world to sound and feel deceptively close by. I am more the type that wades around in the shallow end of the proverbial pool. However, that is where I find myself to be best adjusted-as much as I like the thought of diving into the deep end, I am also wary of getting in over my head and finding myself unable to handle an experience too far removed from the order of civilized living.

In the end, what it comes down to is what you find yourself most comfortable with. There are those who would camp under the stars, carrying nothing but the bare minimum, and as long as that makes them happy, I say they should go and do it. But I can't blame those who just dip their feet in-the water can be cold and uncomfortable, and sometimes the best experience you can have is when you experience it on your own terms. As for myself, waking up with a bit of a sore back from the ground is worth the experience of being that much closer to it all.

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