Camping in Luxury

Record numbers of people are expected to descend on campgrounds this summer say popular outdoor outfitters REI and Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS). Spurred in equal parts by a desire to experience nature and the lure of cheap vacations in a down economy, first-time campers are booking reservations at campgrounds across the country. New to camping and the outdoors, for many the idea of “roughing it” means bringing along the computer games, TV and DVD player.

It’s now di rigeur for KOA and other popular campgrounds to offer free wi-fi, video arcades, swimming pools and scheduled family and kid activities along with campsites and fire rings. You can even rent a tent with queen size air mattresses, sleeping bags and all the accouterments at many campgrounds or via mail delivery from outfitters. Of course, RVers in the know wonder why rookies worried about staying warm, dry, comfortable and plugged into their creature comforts would choose to tent when they could enjoy the best of both worlds in an RV.

Rental RVs allow campers to enjoy all the advantages of outdoor living surrounded by the comforts of home. And, unlike tents, they dispel rookies’ overwrought fear of bears, which seems to loom large when they enter the woods. “I try to keep a straight face,” REI camping specialist Dave Sayler told Time reporter Kate Pickert in talking about questions he gets from new campers. “I’ve been asked if a tent will keep bears out.” No. Another reason to camp in an RV. For people new to camping, renting an RV is a natural choice and a great way to try out the free and easy RV lifestyle before you buy!