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8 Responses to 'We’re taking our daughter – who will be two and a half – to the States next summer. RV or Camping?'

1. Max - January 20th, 2010 at 12:49 pm

   Rv…. Gas is the only con.

2. madfigs - January 23rd, 2010 at 4:19 am

   It depends on how far you want to drive, and where you are going.
   RVs are real gas guzzlers, so you have to take that into account if you’re planning on doing a lot of driving. They are nice since it is all climate controlled (if you’re going someplace hot, or if it rains, or is cold at night, etc), and are a comfortable way to travel (so long as you are comfortable driving one). Also, once you set up camp in an RV for the night, you pretty much just stay there – you can’t really drive off to make a quick stop at the grocery store or something, so it takes a bit more planning.
   If you had a 4WD with camping equipment, you would be able to be more flexible and see some of the smaller, more out-of-the-way stuff that you might not be able to get to in an RV. You can set up camp somewhere and then drive to the beach or go for a hike, etc.

   Either way sounds fun though.

3. Pink Denial - January 25th, 2010 at 1:24 pm

   I would go for the RV. Camping with a toddler can be tough, especially if she gets cranky. Then you’ll have very annoyed and cranky campground neighbors, who have no where to go to escape the noise (sounds echo a lot in campgrounds). The RV will make everyone more comfortable.

   In the long run, it will also be cheaper. If you camp, you’ll be renting an SUV or truck, possibly renting a tent but most likely buying it, and buying all of the camping supplies (dishes, pans, sleeping bags). I have yet to find a place that rents such things. You’ll either have to pack these things and ship them home when you’re done, or give them away. You’ll also have to pay campground fees. You also mention combining this with a few nights in a hotel, which brings your cost up even more.

4. tippjack - January 26th, 2010 at 10:32 pm

   RV if u can afford it,more comfortable less problems in the morning when u are moving on,have a good holiday

5. Jennifer B - January 29th, 2010 at 1:14 am

   You’ll have much more flexibility if you have the 4WD.

   To rent a tent, sleeping bag and other supplies, look at REI (www.rei.com). They have tents, sleeping bags, camping stoves etc. for rent, and they have stored in Oregon.

   If you are looking to be camping on the Oregon coast, look into the yurts and cabins available at the Oregon state parks. You might be able to plan your travels to stay at the campgrounds with these sturdier enclosures in some places, and use a motel/hotel for the rest.

   There are also yurts and cabins in some of the Washington state parks (near the water) – they help extend the camping season by providing a solid rain shelter and a minimum amount of heat.

6. poodlelv - January 31st, 2010 at 11:44 pm

   Get the RV and keep a family sized tent (easy assembly pop up) and spend the night under the stars for a great experience for the child. There are several RV campsites that will allow you to put up a small tent on site too so you can sit and watch the stars if you want. Make sure you bring something like a hibatchi type out door small grill so you can make a small camp fire and roast marshmallows and make smores! Your child will think that was so neat! At some RV parks there are some areas with creeks and wildlife you can explore even pools, bikes to rent, and common areas. Go to GoRving.com and check our the areas you are going to travel and the campsites that are on the way. This way you can pick where and when you want to stop. Also, renting an Rv is a little easier for the people you are visiting because if there are more people staying at the same house you can still stay in the RV at night and not take up room in their home. (Best thing is you don’t have to unpack and repack during your trip!) Have fun.

7. jansey - February 3rd, 2010 at 8:18 am

   Depending on where you wish to travel, I would think trying to get an inexpensive hotel on priceline.com or some other discount travel website would be the least expensive and easiest, as camping (any way you slice it,) is work. I have no idea how much it is to rent an RV, but I’m sure it is not cheap! Then there is gas, and camping fees, which have really increased in price (especially for an RV.)

   If you are going to State or National Parks, I would camp, or some have Tent Cabins (like Yosemite,) that you can reserve, but I think reservations must be made 6 months in advance or more. You can go to their website to see more.

   If you want to go to a big city like San Francisco, or something like that, I’d check on priceline for a hotel. My son did it recently, and he stayed in a 5 star luxury hotel for $99/night, and it included all hotel taxes and fees…. a GREAT deal!

   Anyhow, I’d first figure out where you are going, then check out the options.

8. kat k - February 4th, 2010 at 1:54 pm

   Is your daughter used to tent camping at home?? If so, that would be the way I would go..my 7 loved the tents, and fires!!
   We bought an RV but they hated it..said it was cramped and stuffy..(never mind the tents were much smaller and way more cramped!) I would not go for the RV for 2 reasons…GAS is really high right now, places to go are limited..and tent camping can be so much fun..you miss out on the campfire cooking outside when you rv it…BUT if your child is not used to sleeping in a tent, and RV may be way more comfortable for her..enjoy your vacation here!

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