Staying in an RV is Not Camping?

Staying in an RV is Not Camping?
Staying in an RV is Not Camping?

There is a bit of controversy when it comes to whether or not staying in an RV is considered camping; some people say it is, and some people say no. Well, it’s not.

Wikipedia defines camping as “an outdoor activity in which one stays overnight in a shelter, such as a tent or an RV.” However, the Oxford Dictionary defines camping as “staying and sleeping outside for at least one day and night, usually in a tent.”

So whether or not RVing is camping depends on whom you ask.

Why Staying in an RV is Not Camping

Let’s explore a few of the reasons why “camping” in an RV is not really camping.

You are not really camping because you can simply drive up, park the RV, and in a few steps, set up “camp”. On the other hand, if you are really camping, you’ll need to take the time to set up a tent, even if it’s raining or windy.

One of the best reasons why living in an RV is not camping is, you are not sleeping on the ground. Instead, you are sleeping in a safe, comfortable bed. Likewise, you are protected at night from wild animals and human intruders inside an RV.

You are not camping because you have electricity to run your TV, computer and more. While you may be able to recharge a cellphone with a solar charger carried in a backpack, it’s nothing compared to what an RV solar system or a generator can do.

Living in an RV is not camping because you have a supply of running, hot water with which to take a shower and cook. Furthermore, you not only have a private shower, but you also have your own private toilet. If you were really camping, you probably would have to go without a shower and go to the bathroom on the ground.

While you can certainly have a campfire at night if you are living in an RV, you don’t need to cook on one. Instead, you have a nice propane stove as well as a microwave oven. If you were really camping, you’d have to start a fire and try to cook like people did thousands of years ago.

If you were really camping, you would be exposed to all kinds of weather, including rain, sleet, high winds and blowing dust. On the other hand, being inside of an RV protects you from bad weather, so it’s not really camping.

As you can see, there are some very good arguments to be made that RVing is not really camping. However, it is a pleasant get away and enjoy the outdoors.

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