19 of 38

Tents

Write now Article Tools

I think that the majority of true campers out there will definitely pick tents. My family and I are true campers. Although we have a pop up camper, ninety five percent of our camping trips are enjoyed in a tent. While RVs are very nice indeed, they are also gas guzzling, electricity sucking, "gray water" polluting non essentials.

Nothing is more frustrating that not being able to get past a huge camper trying to pull into their designated spot. By the time they back into the their pad, we have unloaded all of our supplies, set up the tent, laid out the sleeping bags and pillows, have a roaring fire going, and are in the process of buttering our bread to make our mountain pies!

It seems that the RV has taken over a lot of our state camping areas. If people were using them just as a place to sleep, that would be understandable, but they don't. They roll in, set up, string lots of tacky lights, turn on the T.V. and air conditioner, and only enjoy the view from the side-door's window. The constant slamming of doors, low hum of air conditioners and heaters, and TV back ground noise reminds me of being at home. I see RVs as environmental destroyers on wheels, not to mention destroyers of the woodland serenity so many of us set out to enjoy on our camping vacations.

I have been taking my kids tenting for as long as they can remember. There are a few places in our area that do not allow RVs, and those places are the ones we usually pick over any other. We cook over the open fire, hang our cotton clothes lines, and enjoy meshing with our environment. Part of the charm of that is piling into the tent at night, and falling asleep to the sounds of the forest, and waking to the chattering birds in the morning.

Just this year my husband and I bought a new tent that is all mesh in the front. It was amazing to fall asleep at night with the feeling of being out under the stars. It was even better waking at dawn and watching the forest come to life all around us.

I often try to tell people that if a tent isn't for them, a pop up camper is a more environmentally friendly way to go. They are extremely comfortable to sleep in, give you the feeling of security people crave, and gives you a place to hang out in in case of a rain shower. With proper care, they can last many, many years with very little upkeep cost.

Tents will always win out for me. I am a true nature girl. I will take the noise of a tent being unzipped over slamming RV doors any day of the week.

Learn more about this author, Kristy Dean.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Which provides for a better camping experience: RVs or tent-camping? ?
We want to hear your view. Write now!