How to go camping? The 3 Types of camping and Why it matters

Our previous post discussed the three reasons you should go camping. We strongly suggest you check it out here before proceeding with this one. However, if you have already decided, feel free to proceed.

In our today’s discussion, we look into ways one can employ to go camping. The way you choose to go camping is mainly determined by the style of setting up your camping spot to have the camping experience rather than the modes of transport to get you to your campsite. Here are the 3 types of camping.

1. Tent camping

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This is the camping type which uses a tent as the main shelter. If you choose this type, your main item will be the tent itself. Your tent is your main shelter. Sometimes you can also have multiple tents depending on the size of your family or group and the experience you want to have. Tent camping can be the least expensive type of camping one can have. However, the cost can add up depending on the mode of transport you choose to get to your camping spot whether in the wilderness, semi-wilderness area or campground. For instance, you can choose backpacking, where you hike to your camping spot by carrying all your necessary items in your backpack. Depending on your location, you can also use a canoe to navigate the waters from your location to your camping spot. You will also encounter other campers that go tent camping using cars, bikes or even animals like horses and donkeys. Shortly, how you get to the camping spot does not matter, as long as you are sleeping in a tent, then you are tent camping.

2. Car camping

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This is a common camping style, especially for city explorers. In car camping, your main shelter is your car whether it is a sedan, SUV, van, or truck. Car camping kills two birds with a single stone. You use your car as a mode of transport to get you to your camping/parking spot and at the same time the car is your place to sleep. There are two categories of car camping. A converted and non-converted type. In the converted category; the vehicle’s interior and sometimes part of the exterior are modified to a suitable camper vehicle. For instance, expandable tables, drawers, beds and kitchen units are installed. On the other hand, in the non-converted category, a car is not modified but the amenities are placed inside the vehicle and can be moved easily whenever the need arises.

The main cost of car camping is your vehicle and all the expenses that come along with it. i.e insurance, maintenance, repair, fuel etc The number of people that can be accommodated in the car depends on the size of the car itself. With other factors considered, this may not be suitable for a large family or group.

3. RV camping

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RV stands for recreational vehicle. As the name suggests, this is a specially designed-vehicle for recreational purposes. RV is a common name but it includes the entire family members like motorhomes, camper vans and travel trailers. The RVs usually offer home-like comfort with the flexibility of movement from location to location. Similar to car camping, RV camping involves the cost of a vehicle and everything that comes together. Furthermore, there are additional costs related to designing and manufacturing the interior in case you decide to make your own from scratch. Depending on the size of the RV, normally they can accommodate quite a large number of folks. 

Which camping type is cost-effective?

When the basics and start-up costs are considered tent camping is the least expensive. The start-up cost is less compared to others. However, the balance must be maintained between the cost and the experience you want to have.

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As mentioned earlier, camping is about experiencing the outdoors your way. However, there are costs involved in whichever type you choose. Your cost tolerance may play a role in getting the items you desire but does not have a direct relation to the experience you get. In other words, spending more money on stuff does not guarantee the best experience. Simply because others spend money on something, does not mean you should. Per our experience, anything more than the necessities is an extra expense and an extra problem you will deal with at the campsite. Simplicity is the key.

However, it should not be misunderstood. We are not against spending. We are against spending more than you should to get the experience you desire in the way you wish.

Which camping style should I choose?

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There is no one-size-fits-all in camping. Before you choose a camping style, we strongly suggest you ask yourself a series of serious questions about camping. The below questions can be used as a guide.

1. Have you ever gone camping before or is this your first time?

If you have never gone camping, we suggest you take it easy and approach it one step at a time. For instance, start sleeping in your car in your driveway or garage. Buy a tent, set it up in your backyard, and sleep in it. Ooh! You don’t have a backyard, no problem. Put a tent in your living room. Just do whatever you can to sleep away from your bed. One of the most difficult things to adapt to is having a good sleep in other places other than your comfortable bed. Sleeping a couple of nights away from your bed will send a message to your body that sleeping can be achieved anywhere and should not be surprised when you first show up in the wilderness. There are already other things like sounds of birds, insects, trees, wind etc that might worry you not to get a good sleep on your first night in the wilderness, your body should not be one of them. Get used to sleeping in odd places before hitting the road and your body will thank you for it.

2. How frequently and for how long do you plan to go camping?

This is such a fundamental question, especially for those who like buying stuff. Before going on your spending spree, ask yourself how frequently you plan to use the item and for how long. This will determine what you buy and how much you spend on each item. This does not mean you should buy cheaper items instead buy items that serve a purpose and for as long as their life permit. If you are going tent camping frequently and/or for extended periods, then buy a reliable and durable tent that can get you through rainy, windy and even stormy days instead of a tent that fails soon after being unpacked even before you set it up.

Similarly, if you are a car camper, then find a reliable vehicle. A vehicle with less history of breakdowns, a vehicle that requires a little maintenance. Before spending extra cash to buy that new SUV or minivan, consider renting one. Check how it fits your needs, then decide accordingly.

In the same token for our RVer friends, consider renting an RV first before spending your hard-earned money or getting into a long-term loan payment for owning an RV. Rent an RV for a weekend or two. Take it camping, learn how to navigate with it, and how to fix the common issues that come with it. See how it fits to your lifestyle and your ambitions. If this is what you want, then go all in, otherwise downsize or avoid it.

Whatever you do, make sure your experience comes first. It does not make any sense to spend a fortune then soon enough to realise it was a complete waste of money. Take it easy and slow. There is always one more thing to buy for convenience. That one more gadget, one extra pair of lights, one more tool or utensil that makes life easier can wait. The list never ends.

3. What is the size of your group? Are you a lone wolf or do you plan to go camping in a pack with family and/or friends? What are their ages?

The type and number of people that go camping with you matter a lot. It is not just about how you sleep, but how you get organized, how you travel, what to carry and how you spend your days camping. The larger number of people you have, the more needs you have to be met, the more items you have to carry.

But I have a huge family!!!

We hear you screaming. Calm down, pal! That large family you have is not a curse, it is a blessing. It means you do not have to do everything yourself. You can divide tasks among yourselves. Besides, you can play different games and sports with your little team at the campsite. A huge family/group can translate into more fun.

But I have young kids for god’s sake!

Fantastic! The little ones learn quickly. You will be surprised how fast they adapt to the changing environment. Do you think they cannot hold a hammer, or use an axe or a seesaw? Why not teach them? Some toys look like real tools, they can have fun with them first. Once time comes they can go on with the real tools. Remember! Safety comes first! Do not give real tools to little kids.

All in all, whichever family/group type you have and their ages, consider the specific needs of each individual. If there are common things you share, that’s great, it means fewer items on your shopping list.

4. How much are you willing to spend?

Other than the basics, the more you spend may not necessarily translate into a better experience while camping. So, try to keep your start-up cost as low as possible without compromising on the experience you plan to have. The goal is to have an amazing experience without wiping out your bank account. Just spare a budget based on your needs and lifestyle and stick to it. Luckily, camping comes in many sizes and styles. Just pick the one that fits your style and budget. We cannot emphasize this enough, especially to newbies. You do not want to spend every dollar you have to come to the realization a few days after camping that this lifestyle is not for you. It will be a huge disappointment.

So, which camping type is the best?

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Our short answer, the best camping type is the one that fits your lifestyle. What is it you plan to achieve and experience in your camping trip? Remember, you plan to make memories, so try to make good ones though. This is about you and your life. How you want to live it and enjoy it is entirely up to you.

Our final thought is that, do not limit yourself. Do your best and live your life to the fullest. Try to experience the best you can experience. Try to make the best memories you can make. Money comes and goes. Time flies and never comes back. Once it’s gone, it’s gone forever.

As the saying goes, “Life is too short, and we only live once. But sometimes for a life well lived, once is enough.”

See you in the next one!