If you’re familiar with camping, then you appreciate all the benefits it has to offer – especially for your mental well-being. Anyone a bit interested in the outdoors knows and agrees to it.

But when it comes to the particulars, a sharp divergence in opinions is apparent. Does moving around with a camper qualify as camping or is it strictly tents that cut it?

Here’s a straight-to-the-point answer:

Camping in a camper might be a bit different from doing it in a tent but it’s still camping nevertheless. When you say you’re going camping it means you’re putting yourself out there for several days on end. The aim is to enjoy what nature has to offer and shed, to an extent, the effects of technology.

Both a tent and an RV can serve these purposes well.

Some prefer tents since they view camping as a way to try out life with minimal supplies – and a mobile luxurious house like an RV doesn’t cut it.

Camper users are of a slightly different view.

Why Someone Might Choose to Go With A Camper

Convenience

People might choose to use a camper for various reasons but convenience is top of the list.

We all know what camping is like – packing and unpacking things several times over. You have to be keen on what you include on your camping list lest you get too weighed down with the luggage. With an RV, you pack as much as you need without having to worry about getting too overwhelmed. Also, you don’t have to struggle with setting up your dwelling place for the next few days. You stop the engine and you’re good to go.

This is especially important for people with neck or back problems and those who find it hard to withstand the extreme temperatures that come with staying in a tent – tent heaters and air conditioners can be handy here.

Better Sleep

Using a sleeping bag can pose a bit of a challenge for some. Instead of feeling rested in the morning, they wake up with exhaustion from all the discomfort.

We all agree on this – it will be hard to realize any of the intended benefits from such a camping trip.

In this case, a camper can make a huge difference.

But there is a line you shouldn’t cross if you’re using an RV in camping. Beyond it, the whole activity of being one with nature will lose the intended meaning.

Maintaining the Camping Experience Even With A Camper

Here are a few pointers to remain on course as far as camping is concerned.

1.  Ditch the flat-screen TVs

It’s not uncommon to see campers moving around mounted with satellite dishes and flat-screen TV sets. This is not camping. Leave all these at home.

The whole point of camping is to disconnect from such distractions and you bringing the same along is contrary to that.

2. Consider going with the campfire for your meals

Well, RVs come with all the conveniences of fine living – including electric cook-tops for when you need a quick meal.

But you can always choose to forego cooking inside the camper and, instead prepare your meals on the campfire. This keeps you in line with your goal of being outside and presents an opportunity to interact with other camping junkies.

3. No phones, Please

Again, the general rule for camping is to limit your interaction with tech. You have no reason being out if you still insist on staring at your phone’s screen for hours on end. Well, it’s perfectly okay to have it with you just in case.

But make a point of keeping it away unless you absolutely need it.

4. Get Out of That RV

Again, remember why you chose camping in the first place – you want to enjoy the outdoors. Is staying in your camper going to help with this? You know the answer.

So step out of it as much as you can. Ideally, the RV should strictly be for sleeping – and that’s mainly at the end of the day. Any other time should be spent out there being one with nature because that’s the whole point in the first place.

Final Thoughts

So the thing is, camping in a camper serves the same purpose as being in a tent. It’s still a great way to disconnect and enjoy the outdoors while retaining a few conveniences that don’t necessarily take away the camping zing.

Just be careful not to be holed up in there for hours on end or string along too much non-essential tech – TVs, phones, and electric cook-tops. Instead of these, consider any of these fun gizmos for camping.

Otherwise, your mode of camping is your own choice to make.

Kelvin Mwathi