Nature's Playground: Why Tent Camping with Your Family is a Better Alternative to RVing

CampingBudgetTent

Oct 27

Written By Mandy

More and more families are getting into camping right now and we are so excited about it! The amount of first-time RV buyers is astounding, but if an RV isn’t in your budget (one wasn’t in ours for years and years) or your comfort level, do not be afraid to start out tent camping. Both Jason and I camped in tents as kids and then with our own kids when they were babies and toddlers. In fact, we still hang on to our tents because we love them so much.

Tent camping has tons of great reasons why it’s a blast and actually better than an RV, here are a few of our favorites:

Camping Unplugged: Why Tent Camping is a More Authentic Experience for Families than RVing

1. COST! - It's easy to see that a tent is, without a doubt, the cheapest way to camp. Once your basics are purchased the only other expense you'll have is the campground fee. And even then, maybe not - a quick Google search will reveal tons of free places to park your tent for the night. Tent camping is budget-friendly and is huge a reason we did it for years. HUGE!

2. CAMPSITE AVAILABILITY - You can put a tent anywhere! With more and more people getting into camping and RVing it’s getting increasingly harder to find an RV site, but tent campers are not having the same issue.

3. YOU DON'T NEED A NEW CAR! - In my early 20’s a Honda Accord was my chariot to the campground! You don't need an SUV or a truck. There's nothing to tow and no need to get a loan on a new vehicle.

4. A QUICK GETAWAY - Do you ever say to yourself - I just need a change of scenery? We do! ALL THE TIME! That is why we always have all our camping supplies together and ready to go. When the warm weather hits we're ready to get the heck out of Dodge. A change of scenery is only an online campground reservation and a short car ride away. Once we're at the campground we can have camp set up and ready to go in less than an hour and we're off to have fun!

5. KIDS LOVE IT - There is no greater happiness than a toddler digging around in the dirt all day and eating smores around the campfire at night. They love their sleeping bag and their flashlight and they will no doubt go in and out of the tent 100 times on the first day because it’s all so exciting. If you have teens, camping is also a great way to reconnect with them.

6. CONVENIENCE - Tent camping requires far less maintenance, gear, and effort than RVing does. Tent camping is a wonderful kind of simplicity and peace - once the tent is up. Tip: Always practice at home when you first purchase new camping gear like a tent.

Nature's Classroom: How Tent Camping Teaches Families Valuable Lessons RVing Can't

7. FAMILY INVOLVEMENT - In our family, it isn't only about Mom and Dad setting up camp while the kids go play. Everyone plays a role. Our boys help us pack suitcases and plan meals ahead of time. They unload the car and give input on where the tent should go. They look forward to setting out their own sleeping bags and deciding which spot of the tent is theirs. It is so important for the kids to be involved in most of the decisions and they always have so much more fun when their opinions are heard.

8. GET BACK TO NATURE - There's nothing quite as relaxing as falling asleep to the sound of crickets and a babbling stream. Day-to-day lives keep us inside - offices, homes, stores, and cars keep us separated from nature. Stepping back into Mother Nature's glory not only brings back a long-lost appreciation for our surroundings but also renews your soul. When was the last time you saw every star glittering in the night sky?

9. EXPLORE - Camping is the perfect way to explore national parks, state parks, museums, monuments, hiking trails, lakes, and new towns. Camping trips have brought us to amazing sights like Mt. Rushmore. We've discovered hidden gems like the High Plains Museum where we got to see the first patented helicopter in America (this was extra fun for our future engineer child). And experienced the amazing tastes of farm-to-table cuisine and craft brews of Ft. Collins, CO.

10. ESCAPE THE NOISE - Are you or your kids glued to your electronics? Does being without your laptop make you nervous? This isn't normal! Use your cell phone for something better than a mindless game or Facebook update - use it to take pictures of your family having fun together and creating memories.

11. A SMALL COMMITMENT - Are you, perhaps, slightly interested in seeing what this camping thing is all about? But you don't want to go all-in? With a small purchase (or even borrowing a few things) you can get your feet wet and see how much fun camping can be!! Start with just a tent, some blankets from home, and a cooler. If you love it, add a few more gear items at a time until you are comfortable.

Connecting with the Great Outdoors: How Tent Camping with Your Family is More Immersive than RVing

12. IT CAN BE ANYTHING YOU WANT IT TO BE! Want to rough it? Grab your pack and head out to the backcountry! Do bugs, dirt, and trees sound like a nightmare rather than fun? Go glamping. Do you want to have a different kind of vacation? Find a privately owned campground that suits what you're looking for. Our favorites are KOA campgrounds, especially with kids!!