With hunting season wrapping up and my favorite fishing season not quite here, it is time to think about camping.

The truth be told, I enjoy camping at all times of the year.  In fact, camping is quickly becoming my No. 1 favorite past time.  My wife and children all enjoy a good camping trip and it is a perfect way to relieve stress.  There are several different ways to go about camping.

The three most popular ways to camp are tent camping, a camping in a trailer, and Motorhome camping. I have spent many hours camping with each method and they are all fun.  Each style has its own benefits as well as limitations. Here are a few things that I have learned about each style through the years.

Tent camping is where almost everyone starts.  This is first and foremost due to cost.

For a person who has limited funds, this is often the only option.  If you are a frugal shopper, you can be ready to go for less than two hundred dollars.

The items necessary include a tent, some type of sleeping bag, a camp stove, and a light or lantern of some sort.  You can add in everything from fancy furniture to portable air conditioning, but these four things are basic.

The advantages of tent camping are many.  First, you can really feel like you are one with nature.  There is something liberating about sleeping in a tent for the very first time.

Second, there are so many places available to pitch a tent. Many of these places are available for free and others are only a few dollars per night.

Finally, with such a low initial investment, you can usually talk your buddies into buying their own tents and joining in on the fun.  Tent camping is where my love for the outdoors was cultivated and it is a great way to get outdoors.  The main downside for me is comfort.  The older I get, the less appealing this form of camping seems to be.  I need a climate-controlled environment.  I guess I’m getting soft.

The next type of camping in our discussion is trailer camping.  This can range from a fifth wheel to a bumper pull trailer, or even a pop up.  These trailers are hooked to a vehicle and towed to the desired camping destination.

Most are equipped with air conditioning and heating, refrigerators, and microwaves, as well as televisions, real beds, showers and toilets.  Once you arrive at your location you simply hook up to your power source and you are ready to go.  Some campers come equipped with generators, but most require shore power to run all of the amenities.  The advantage of this type of camping is the comfort and versatility.

One nice thing about it is once you set up, you can unhook from your tow vehicle and have transportation to explore and take adventures in the surrounding area.  While this type of camping is more expensive than tent camping, it is not nearly as cost prohibitive as a Motorhome. With today’s trailers, the comforts of home are readily available in almost all trailers and when using one you can connect with the outdoors without ever having to “rough it”.  This is my preferred method of camping.

Motorhome camping is at the top of the chain.  The problem is that you need to have deep pockets to enjoy owning a Motorhome.  No matter which brand you purchase, they are going to break.

When they do, the repairs are seldom cheap.  Many of the better Class A motorhomes range in price from $200,000 to $2,000,000.  Like I said…. you need deep pockets.

However, if you can afford it, this is the only way to go.  You will have a giant windshield to view the scenic highways as you travel.  You can also take a nap when someone else is driving.

Need a restroom break?  No problem, simply walk to the restroom that is fully self-contained.  These beauties are powered by either shore power, or a built in generator.

No matter where the location, or what the weather is, you will be fully functional and self-sufficient.  Need a vehicle to run around in?  No problem, simply tow one behind you wherever you go.  I mean, if you can afford a $500,000 motorhome, then another $50,000 for a cool Jeep shouldn’t be a problem.

As you can see, there is a great way to camp regardless of your budget or current situation.  The Lord has shown us His majesty in his creation. Get out there and enjoy it.

It doesn’t really matter how you camp, the main thing is that you camp!  Spring is just around the corner, so I encourage you to make preparations to get outside and enjoy the weather.