In 2023, surveys showed that 67 million Americans planned to take an RV trip, up from 46 million people in 2020 who expressed an interest in recreational vehicle vacations. With more Americans hitting the road to enjoy some leisure travel, there are more RV-related topics to discuss than ever. So, on that note, let’s explore RV park camping vs. traditional camping.
RV Park Camping Vs Traditional Camping
There are a lot of benefits and drawbacks to RV parks and traditional tent campgrounds. Here’s a closer look at some pros vs cons and the significant differences between these camping styles to help you determine what vacation experience you prefer and which camping environment can provide it.
Location & Convenience
Being isolated from the busyness of the surrounding world can be a big selling point for camping of any kind. Getting away from the noise and problems of daily life is a compelling idea. Sometimes, however, it’s necessary to stay close to certain conveniences. For instance, if you or a traveling companion has a medical condition, it may be much safer and offer better peace of mind to stay centrally located while exploring nature.
If the outdoors feels like a second home, and you can’t spend too much time in nature, tent camping is your best option. Maybe you enjoy fresh air and a good cookout but still want to sleep on a mattress at night. In this case, RV camping is the way to go. Both camping types have locations in every state of the US, but some popular spots may limit access for RVs or tent campers depending on the weather or time of year.
Expenses
A primary concern when planning any trip is the expense. If you put together a list of things you will need to buy and do before heading out on your next camping trip, these expenses may factor into your camping style choices. Consider RV maintenance costs, fuel prices, grocery costs, and campsite rental fees. Most of these same expenses apply to traditional camping as well. How far you can reasonably extend your budget may decide how you spend your camping vacation.
Comfort Level & Amenities
While traditional tent camping is an exciting adventure, it does require some sacrifices. Sleeping on the ground or an air mattress (which sometimes means waking up on the ground), not having access to electricity or even running water at times, storing all your supplies and food in tamper-proof containers so animals can’t tamper with them–these things can be difficult tasks for anyone. If you’re camping with small children or anyone with a disability, the pros vs cons list for tent camping may end up heavy on the cons.
RV camping has its share of cons: you can’t get as lost in nature or experience the same degree of wildlife, rare sights, or the untouched beauty of a truly remote location. However, RV camping allows you to venture out, even if you have physical limitations or are traveling with someone who does. RV parks also offer more amenities for daily life, such as full hookups, laundry facilities, bathrooms, and showers. You can also bring along more comforts from home, get a good night’s sleep on a soft bed, and enjoy a well-established location for exploring the outdoors and nearby tourist hotspots and towns.
Henderson RV Park
Henderson is a small town in the woods of east Texas. Surrounded by several cities, Henderson RV Park is a great place to visit and explore the Piney Woods.
