When we had our first child, we started tent camping. By 1998, we had three little girls and no longer fit in a tent, so we upgraded to a pop-up camper. In 2001 we added a fourth child and somehow managed to continue squeezing our family of six into that tight space.It’s been cozy and fun, however, and our family does not regret these 14 years of pop-up camper vacations. It’s been an affordable way to travel, and when we’re stretched out on our beds under those tent-like extensions, we settle in, surrounded by the nighttime sounds of crickets and tree frogs and the occasional owl or whippoorwill.One criticism? Set-up. It’s a bit of a hassle. While we wrestled with leveling the pop-up, cranking up the roof, installing the door, pulling out the beds, hoisting the kitchen section to its upright position, setting up an awning and unfolding an unwieldy tarp to create a dry place for dirty shoes, we would often glance at our RV neighbors with envy. Minutes after their arrival, they’d already be settled in, enjoying life at the campground. As I shoved the plastic kitchen tote under the picnic table, I’d smile and nod at the RV lady sitting in a folding chair with her feet propped up, contentedly sipping hot cocoa.Someday, I thought, I’ll be the lady of leisure, hopping out of an RV, sipping hot cocoa within minutes after arrival.I’d snap out of my brief reverie, stake the awning, make the beds, and then organize the rest of our bins and bags. The RV lifestyle seemed like a far-off dream.But two weeks ago, in an uncharacteristic move, the Belgian Wonder and I suddenly decided to purchase a used RV. The opportunity sort of fell into our laps, and we snatched it up.We bought it on a Friday, packed it that night, and left the next morning for a week at the Gulf of Mexico.The Gulf, by the way, is about a thousand miles away.Buying a used RV and immediately driving it across the country may not be the most cautious, conservative thing we’ve ever done. But it sure was fun.When we camp in the pop-up, we cook outside on a portable Coleman stove. In the RV, we have a tiny stove and oven and microwave. When we camp in the pop-up, we wash dishes by the water spigot, hunched over plastic tubs in the dark.In the RV, we have a sink with running water. Inside.The RV dinette is big enough to accommodate us comfortably if the weather is uncooperative.The Belgian Wonder and I can sleep on the queen bed in the bedroom…or a 10-year-old boy can lounge on it to read a book or play a game.The RV’s giant windows offer a spacious view to admire passing scenery.One challenge was finding a place to park when heading in town for dinner and shopping.But we discovered that it can be done.En route, we faced the mystery of a nonexistent campground. A few days before we headed out, I’d spoken with the manager and discussed how close they were to the interstate. But when we plugged the address into the GPS program of three different phones—an iPhone, Droid, and BlackBerry—each one led us to the same spot: an empty, grassy area where someone had tossed an old mattress and box spring.We never did find the campground.So we drove to a nearby state park and camped there, instead.Since then, I phoned the nonexistent campground’s owner and he confirmed that it can happen. “I tell people ‘Don’t rely on those GPS things.'” I told him I learned my lesson to always get directions from a human. He said he always gives people verbal directions. I told him I spoke with a lady, who didn’t give me directions. He made a “Hmmm” sound, so I may have gotten someone in trouble. But I may have also saved a future camper from being misdirected.Our first night in the RV: Oak Mountain State Park. Once we entered the main entrance of this sprawling park, we still had to drive an additional five miles to the campground. The bath houses left much to be desired, but the park served its purpose as an inexpensive overnight stop. Besides, I really can’t complain much because unlike the other campground, Oak Mountain State Park actually existed. We awoke the next morning to wind our way back five miles to the park entrance and five miles more to the interstate, continuing to the Gulf.Several hours of driving led us to our main destination: Gulf State Park, an outstanding park with top-notch facilities. A hurricane wiped out the campground several years ago, so they rebuilt, constructing quality bath houses, a wonderful pool, and an impressive beach pavilion with bathrooms and showers. We rode our bikes around the campground and to the beach.The Gulf visit was too short. After a few days, we packed up the bikes and headed home, with a quick stop at Rickwood Caverns State Park overnight. A spectral mist drifted over the road surface as we moved slowly toward the gate. “Feels like the beginning of the ‘Thriller’ video,'” the Belgian Wonder whispered.”If this were a movie scene,” I replied, “the audience would be shouting, ‘Don’t go in there! Turn back!'”But we continued forward. Using the combination provided by the ranger, we unlocked the gate and pushed it open, carefully rolling into the eerie, silent campground. We dropped into our beds and awoke the next morning to a sunny morning, happy with birdsong. One would never believe we entered that place hours earlier with fear and trembling.The maiden voyage was complete when we parked the RV in our driveway, marveling again at its size. As I carried in a bag of clothes from the RV, I peered into the back yard where our pop-up is parked. It looks so small and humble. How did we ever fit inside?I headed back into the RV for another load, opening one of the kitchen storage cabinets. I pulled out the olive oil and Crystal Light lemonade packets to take inside the house, but spotted a ziplock bag full of cocoa mixes tucked in the corner of that cabinet. I grinned and left the packets right there, a promise to make myself a mug on our next trip. It’ll be the first thing I do after setting up.I’ll sip it with my feet propped up.
David Rupert says
The beach looks fabulous! While not roughing it, RVing is definitely an adventure. I’m happy for your family, that you spend some time together like that
annkroeker says
David, thank you so much for understanding the fun it is for us! I have two friends who are committed to tent-camping and would never DREAM of going to an RV. They love all that’s involved with wilderness camping, roughing it, etc. But you are right about the adventure–hurtling down the interstate in, basically, a house, was nerve-wracking at times. My husband liked the challenge, but it was indeed a challenge. We had so much fun. Even the movie-watching (did I mention movie-watching? The RV has a nicer TV than we have at home!) was really, really appreciated on the rainy night we arrived.
Deidra says
Wonderful wonderful wonderful! I’m so happy you made that “impulse” purchase! Makes me want to run out and buy an RV, but that’s not happening. So…is there tent camping at that campsite on the beach? I may have to make a trip south, even if it is a thousand miles. And, my decorating eye was drawn in by the fabric on your dinette benches. Is that toile!?!?
annkroeker says
Thank you for celebrating with us, Deidra! Gulf State Park has spots for all kinds of camping units. We saw lots of pop-ups, lots of tents, fifth-wheel travel trailers, and RVs of all sizes and styles. You could definitely tent camp, though you might not want to pitch it right next to Gator Lake. 🙂
The RV is a 1999 model, and that’s the original fabric. I wouldn’t call it toile. It’s just sort of an ambiguous gray and blue design. The window valances have some fluffy blue thing on them…I can’t wait to figure out how to take them down, but I’m afraid of doing anything too quickly and somehow damaging the walls. I know things can be reworked, though, because Sara of Walk Slowly Live Wildly has renovated rigs with her handy, creative husband. I’ll post links to her RV renovations on Wednesday. They are inspiring.
Simply Darlene says
What’s toile? Is it related to a hay tarp?
😉
Rita Rose says
Love this! We just upgraded to a new RV (not real big, 27 feet) and will be heading West and to Canada soon. What kind of RV did you get and what year is it?
annkroeker says
Thanks, Rita! This RV feels so huge to us, especially after years in a pop-up, but it doesn’t have any slideouts. It’s a 32-ft 1999 Fleetwood Bounder. We’re already dreaming about our next big trip, but we’ll for sure be taking some short outings closer to home. Have a great time out west and in Canada. Rushmore to Yellowstone?
Jennifer@GDWJ says
I love it! Yay. So happy for you and your family. So, call me crazy, but I love the set-up part when we first get to the campground. It feels like “playing house.”
(Ann ~ You are so pretty. Those eyes, that heart of yours — I see Jesus in you, friend.)
annkroeker says
Thank you, Jennifer, for your sweet, sweet note! The pop-up set-up was okay, I guess, which is why we’ve done it from 1998 until two weeks ago. But the diminutive setup of the RV kitchenette feels like “playing house,” too. And if it pours down rain, we have more space to hang out.
Megan Willome says
I am so glad you did this–all of it! It looks like you (finally) found a beautiful place to camp and enjoy the water.
Sometimes living small is good, but sometimes we need to expand. You are a great example of that.
annkroeker says
The first night was rainy, so we were a little worried. But then it cleared away and got prettier and prettier each day we were there. I hated to leave!
You’re right–there’s a time for small and a time for large. I like the simplicity of camping, but the luxury of the RV. And as I just said to Jennifer, when it rains, having just a little more space for six people to spread out really helps.
Linda says
I’m delighted for you Ann. My husband’s oldest brother and his wife are in the middle of living out the vacation they dreamed of for years and years. They both recently retired, packed their HUGE RV and headed out for a year long trek across the country and back. We get regular updates and pictures. They are having the time of their lives.
annkroeker says
Linda, thank you for joining me in this fun new travel experience! I LOVE the idea of traveling the country, taking your time to see this great land of ours. I hope we get to do that, too. My first hankering was to get to the beach, a tropical beach, but I do want to go “out west” as we say here in the Midwest. That usually means either going a northerly route to see Rushmore and keep going to Yellowstone OR going a southerly route and seeing Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, etc. I don’t even know all the right names of places yet, as I have never ever taken those trips. Not yet.
Megan Willome says
Here’s what you can do: plot out where all your High Calling friends live and just come visit everyone. That’ll get you all the way to Californ-I-A.
Diana Trautwein says
Megan, a brilliant idea! Plot it out, Ann. It’ll be great. :>)
Sharon O says
We want a small rv very soon. I am not a tent camping person and to have my own bed and own bathroom would make the traveling much better for both of us. He doesn’t care. He just wants me to be happy.
annkroeker says
Hi, Sharon! I hope you get a great RV. I do recommend getting one that meets your needs without being too big and unwieldy! 🙂 Having the bed all set up just the way we wanted and access to a bathroom was amazing. It’s the little things, right? I love it and hope that you do, too!
Sandra at Thistle Cove Farm says
What lovely memories you’re making and you’ve revived in me. We were five in a truck camper…it was wonderful! Every summer Daddy would get two weeks vacation and we’d see the USA! Dave and I bought a 1965 Scotty “canned ham” in October, two weeks later he died and I’ve net to use the camper. Soon…I hope.
annkroeker says
Two weeks at one time–that would be fun to cruise around the western states.
Maybe you can make some new memories in that 1965 Scotty!! Are you confident driving it? I am intimidated by the RV, so if I were heading out on my own or with a friend, I would have to buy something smaller, like this that you’re describing.
Oh, I hope you do pick a place that would bring you joy and head off there! Thank you so much for dropping in and sharing the fun!
Hazel says
Wonderful and I am happy for you to finally find the purchase of a lifetime. God knows just where it was hidden and he revealed it to you just in time. Thank you for sharing your great adventure with us. Everyone fit perfectly too!
annkroeker says
Hazel, thank you for this encouragement! It does kind of feel like the purchase of a lifetime. And it does seem like the Lord pulled it all together in a way we couldn’t have organized on our own. And the price made it so possible. And we did all fit just right! The table drops down to make a bed, so that’s two skinny people; the sofa drops down to make a nice full-sized bed (more comfy than the queen-sized mattress in back, actually; and the recliners are comfy enough that one of our girls just slept in that!
Diana Trautwein says
Oh, Ann – this is just fabulous! We tent-camped a couple of times, rented a pop-up once and a teardrop once – not for us. But an actual RV? Hmmm… sounds sorta fun to me. And I loved your pix – especially that one of you, looking happy and gorgeous. Glad you got to the beach, Ann – and that you had such an adventure doing it.
annkroeker says
I’ve been thinking about this RV life. I think that people who are already accustomed to camping but want something nicer….I think it’s perfect for those people. Because if you want a long, hot shower, you’re going to still use the bath house at the campground. And people who are used to renting a cottage or condo are not used to hiking down to a bathhouse and possibly sharing it with a daddy longlegs or frog.
But we were already used to all that. No big deal.
And this means I think that we will take even more vacations, and that makes me happy, happy, happy. I love the beach so much, it’s hard to explain. But maybe you understand.
Diana Trautwein says
Yes, ma’am, I DO understand loving the beach. Yes, indeed. I do.
Simply Darlene says
For our collegiate honeymoon we borrowed my mom’s pick-up and camped as we drove along the Oregon coast. One night the only place we could find to stay was a fancy-pants RV park (nobody told these ID hicks about making reservations — we were used to driving into the woods and camping most anywhere we pleased). Anyway, the manager let us in but told us “no tents” so we slept in the back of the pick-up.
Talk about awkward! The next morning as we crawled out the back, the lady beside us strolled out of her RV and hollered, “Oh my! What happened to your RV? It’s gone!” We feigned horror and excused ourselves for the only hot water showers in the brick & mortar bathrooms of our entire honeymoon.
Thanks for the peak into your vacation and for the RV memories it conjured in me.
Blessings.
Simply Darlene says
Miss Ann, I wrote you a long ole comment on my honeymoon Oregon coast trip where we had to sleep in the back of a truck in an RV resort… did I leave the page before I hit “post comment” ’cause I do that sometimes? Yikes.
annkroeker says
Phooey. I didn’t see that. And what a shame, because it sounds like one heckuva story!
Jan Eyster says
Enjoyed your RV story here, Ann. Fun times ahead!
RLR says
Oh, I just loved reading this! We are back from our longest “solo” camping trip so far – one week, and we were not camping with any of our more experienced friends. I was a little nervous at the start of our vacation – the first “just the four of us” time in nearly two years – but we quickly gained confidence and found out what works for us. I admit, we sometimes dream of an RV (and I of a see-the-USA adventure in one), but for now our tent is just right!
PS – I can handle the daddy longlegs, but I think a frog might have sent me over the edge. Baby steps….
Ann Kroeker says
It’s so fun reading about your camping adventures! Our first trip, I was so frightened, and then it went okay. You are so right–each family has to figure out what works for them. Some of my friends are diehard tent campers and they cook over the open fire and love all of that real-life camping. I have used camping more as an inexpensive means to arrive at a destination. 🙂
Daddy longlegs hang on the wall harmlessly. The frogs had come out because of the rainstorms. The girls said they saw them in the shower, squealed from the surprise, but by the time they rinsed their hair out and looked down for the frog again, he was gone. It was a tiny baby frog, they said. I don’t think I would have minded. You think a baby frog would be too much?
I hope you continue to enjoy camping. I actually have enjoyed campgrounds–people have been so friendly and helpful when we’ve needed advice or a tool or something. And I love being a bit closer to nature (I know I’ve diminished that a little with the RV, but we’re still right there).
Lucia says
As you can tell—everyone is so happy for y’all!!! Hearing about the Daddy longlegs reminds me of the times we tent camped in VA when the 3 were young. Julia was about 2 yrs old and called them “Longleggsies”. She and her 2 older siblings would catch them and watch them crawl on her arms!! Also when they would ask Julia what the snake says, she would stick her tongue out and wiggle it! Yes we have camping snake stories.
annkroeker says
You are a lifelong camper, aren’t you! Lucia, it’s so fun to imagine your family in the tent, and the longleggsies…maybe not so fun imagining snakes! 🙂 Thank you so much for taking time to read and to leave such a delightful comment! Miss you!
Sam Van Eman says
Ann, we’re still tenters and occasionally look at pop-up users like you used to look at RV owners. As much as I think I’d like to upgrade, I know I wouldn’t ever settle (though I did move up from the blue foam pad to a one inch thick Thermarest and am glad for it). I’d want the next thing.
Our girls don’t know anything different so they still enjoy their side of the tent and look forward to the next camping weekend. We just need to keep them out of friends’ pop-ups. 🙂
Sounds like you had a wonderful time on vacation, and I love your spontaneity.
annkroeker says
I knew you were likely to remain tent campers, Sam, in keeping with your love of the outdoors and your sense of adventure. But you are practical, too, so I’m pleased to hear that you’ve invested in a Thermarest. Those helped me get over the hump, so to speak, before getting the pop-up. We were packed like proverbial sardines into the pop-up. It’s nice for these full-sized adult children of mine to stretch out more comfortably in the RV, and a luxurious way to see the nation. I’m looking forward to some road trips in the years to come. On our list was a trip out west to Colorado. I’m grieving for the losses brought on by this wildfire.
Sam Van Eman says
You must have been packed in the pop-up!
annkroeker says
We’d stack the three skinniest kids in the king-size bed side. Very tight. One lucky kid would get the dinette table bed, a luxuriously wide single, though not very soft. Then my husband and I had the full-size bed, which was fine. We are sort of average-sized folks, so it worked for all those years.
Sandy Marsh says
I can imagine what it would have been like. It seems like quite a getaway. Your children are going to forever appreciate this!
Makson says
Great photos of the best layouts for Wildwood Travel Trailers. These trailers are luxury and comfort at it’s best that you’ll think you never left home.
A Small RV or Recreational Vehicle is a trailer that is equipped with the features like a house. The facilities differ with each owner’s needs and wants. The most common small RV facilities are a bedroom, bathroom and kitchen, while other larger RV have additional facilities such as a living room, closet, dining table and hot tub etc.