Camping in a Tent vs Camping in an RV: Which is Best for You?
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At Kirkland RV Sales, we know a lot about camping. You may be asking yourself what is the best way to have an awesome camping family vacation that will be memorable and fun?
While many vacationers are loyal to traditional camping in a tent, others are beginning to embrace RV camping as an alternative.
If you want to go camping this year and are trying to decide between RVing or tent camping, here are some things to consider.
Deciding Between RV or Tent Camping
Weather
Weather is a huge determining factor between RVing or tent camping.
If you want an experience where you can escape from the elements, tent camping likely isn’t the best choice for you.
Facing heat, cold, rain, or wind make tent camping very challenging — especially if you are traveling with kids or prioritize comfort. If you want to have a comfortable, easy camping trip where you are able to escape the elements, RV camping is the way to go.
The elements can really inhibit tent camping while they won’t have the same effect on RV camping.
Cost
If you are keeping to a strict budget, tent camping is the more affordable option by far. RV camping is more costly but affords campers more convenience. This brings us to the next consideration in the debate on which is better.
Convenience
Do you enjoy roughing it? Or would you prefer to camp in comfort with amenities?
Convenience levels vary between tent camping and RV camping drastically. If you would like to have a nice bed, full kitchen, storage space, and AC unit, RV camping is better suited to your camping style.
Experience
Many vacationers like the experience of camping in a tent because it lets them be immersed in nature. While RV camping enables campers to be comfortable in nature without roughing it, ask yourself what type of experience you are hoping to get out of camping.
With those considerations out of the way, let’s get into the pros and cons of tent camping.
Tent Camping Pros
Nature
Surrounding yourself with nature is a wonderful way to relax and disconnect from the distractions you face in everyday life.
Camping in a tent allows you to be fully immersed in nature with your family and is definitely one of the best perks of tent camping.
Minimal packing
Tent camping is done on a smaller scale than RV camping.
Tent camping, while it does require tent gear, usually requires far less by way of packing space than RV camping does.
Cost
If you are looking for a budget-friendly option camping in a tent is definitely cheaper.
Camping in a tent is one of the most affordable ways to have a family vacation.
Tent Camping Cons
Weather
Tent camping is extremely weather dependent. Your tent may be blown away in a windstorm, or you could be prevented from camping due to heavy rain or cold. All of these factors make tent camping more variable than RV camping.
If you want to have shelter from the weather and be sure that your trip won’t be canceled due to the elements, tent camping is probably not the best option.
Restrooms
One of the oldest concerns surrounding camping is the restroom situation.
If you decide to not choose camping in a campground, you will have to use nature as your restroom. Camping in a campground is hardly preferable because campground restrooms have a reputation of being gross.
Convenience
Tent camping definitely falls short in the convenience department.
Tent camping forces you to worry about logistical problems such as bathing, clothes washing, and food preservation.
On the whole, camping in a tent is far less convenient.
RV Camping Pros
Convenience
While convenience is a con in regards to tent camping, it is a pro when it comes to RVing.
RV camping comes with all of the conveniences of home while still possessing all the fun of camping.
RV camping has amenities such as a shower, washer and dryer, restrooms, and storage space.
If convenience is important to you, RVing beats camping in a tent by a long shot.
Protection from the elements
Camping in an RV offers you protection from the elements while still giving you the experience of camping in nature.
If you are camping with kids or doing off-season camping, shelter from the elements is important. Nobody wants to be cold and wet during a family vacation — kids especially will appreciate the comfort of RV camping.
Refrigeration
RV camping will allow you to pack much more of your own food and store it safely — keeping it from spoiling.
Refrigeration might seem like a trivial thing but having a place to safely store food makes camping so much easier.
Beds
RV camping actually allows you to have a good night’s sleep.
Many people find it difficult to sleep on the hard ground and so prefer RV camping to tent camping. If you are used to sleeping on a soft bed, RV camping will be much more comfortable for you than tent camping.
RV Camping Cons
Cost
Because RV camping is done on a much larger scale, most things are pricier than traditional camping.
From camping spots to RV maintenance, RV camping traditionally costs much more than tent camping.
With RV camping, you also have to factor in the cost of the RV itself. Buying a used or new RV is always going to cost you more than a tent will.
If you aren’t in a financial position to buy an RV, tent camping is probably the best option for the time being.
RVs are more limited than tent camping
Not all campgrounds are designed for RV camping.
If you prefer flexibility and would like to have multiple options for campsites, RV camping is much more limiting.
Find The Perfect Camping RV For Your Family
Decided on RV camping instead of tent camping?
Here at Kirkland RV, we have a team of RV experts who would love to help you find the perfect camping RV for your family. Feel free to contact us through our website or give us a call to schedule a time to visit the lot.
