From Tent to Fifth Wheel: A Journey Through Camping Comfort

HS

Mar 07, 2024By Holly Smith

Embarking on a camping journey often starts with the simplicity of a tent, where the rustle of leaves and the whisper of wind serve as your lullaby. But as your love for the great outdoors grows, so too does your desire for comfort and convenience. Thus begins the evolution from tent camping to the luxurious embrace of a fifth wheel. Join us as we trace this journey of comfort and discovery through the stages of camping accommodation.

Broken tent fiberglass pole before tent upright .

Stage 1: Tent Camping

Ah, the humble beginnings of our camping odyssey. With nothing but a tent and a sense of adventure. We started tent camping and then got a boat and couldn't pull both... so we tent camped with our boat. 

Fly on the wall of a popup tent.

Stage 2: Pop-Up Camper

As time goes on and our appreciation for camping deepens, we yearn for a touch of comfort without sacrificing the essence of outdoor living. Enter the pop-up camper – a delightful compromise between tent camping and RV luxury. With its collapsible design and cozy amenities, the pop-up camper offers a taste of home while still keeping us close to nature. I didn't want to move into an RV so we made a deal. I don't have to deal ever with the gross "potty." 

Stage 3: Pull-Behind Camper

As our camping adventures become more frequent and our families grew, the allure of a pull-behind camper was appealing. With its spacious interior and convenient amenities, the pull-behind camper provides the perfect balance of comfort and mobility. No more wrestling with tent poles or sleeping on the hard ground – just the freedom to roam and the comforts of home on wheels. I thought we would travel more with it and do things like tailgaiting, but we soon were seasonally camping. It best fits our busy life. I loved that Sprinter! 

The Camper Fire! 

Yes, our camper in January of 2018 our camper was closed up with no power hookedup and no battery. It was covered and caught on fire! For a long time I didn't know if I could camp again. We were so relieved no one was hurt and our family was safe. But then..... my dream camper was just across the street so, we updgraded. 

Stage 4: Fifth Wheel

And finally, we reach the pinnacle of camping luxury – the fifth wheel. With its expansive living space, luxurious amenities, and unparalleled comfort, the fifth wheel is the epitome of outdoor indulgence. From gourmet kitchens to king-sized beds, this is camping at its best and most bougie! We also love that we are in a community with a Marina and our boat is nearby and we can just hop in a golf cart with our cooler and in a few minutes be water bound!

Digging memories during this global pandemic when i was hiking in Norway

Stage 5: Season and Travel camping

So, we love our season site, but missed the joys of traveling with a camper. So, what did we do? We bought a second camper for travel. We debated getting a bigger truck to pull our fifth wheel, but for us it just didn't make sense. It was cheaper to get a smaller travel for truck expense and insurance. 

What's next for us..... stay tunned!