... Camping can be a fun and rewarding activity for the entire family. ... But you can’t just jump into an RV and take off. ... First you have to purchase or rent camping gear. ... This could be a bed, sleeping bag, pad, cot, air mattress, etc. ... You also need emergency first aid supplies. ... This is the fastest way to learn. ... There is no need to buy the most expensive camping equipment on the market. ... One area that must be addressed is the type of sleeping equipment you will use. ... Your first tent should provide adequate weather protection. ... A lot of people use popup campers instead of tents. ... The only issue is setup and takedown time, but this is not really much of a problem if you are going to be staying for a week or more. ... You need padding to cushion you from the ground or hard surface in an RV or trailer. ... Your sleeping bag goes on top of the pad. ... If it gets too warm, you can sleep on top of the bag with a sheet or blanket ...

... RV rentals are quite popular. ... For additional fees, some rental companies will provide a fully stocked RV so that you can just load your personal items and go. ... They are easier to drive because they operate similar to an automobile. ... Be careful about height requirements when pulling into camping areas. ... There can also be several blind spots that mirrors don’t show. ... Rental cost depends on the size and age of the RV, the season, length of rental time, additional services like delivery if requested, outfitting with linens, dishes, and food if you don’t want to do this yourself. ... These discounts can be quite large in the offseason. ... You can also ask for basic driving instructions if you are not familiar with the model. ... As stated earlier, getting used to the overall size is the biggest concern. ... Some companies require you to purchase protection, while others do not. ... Your auto insurance might already provide this. ... Another consideration is mileage costs. ... Going over that limit will incur additional charges. ... There might also be a charge if the primary driver is under 25 years old ...

... Popup trailer campers are designed for people that want to spend some time outdoors without the expense and maintenance of an RV. ... They are a good choice for first time campers and families on a budget. ... This is especially true if weather is not cooperating at the campsite. ... Basically, a hand crank or hydraulic lift is used to open and lift up the top portion of the camper. ... The reverse is performed when it’s time to leave. ... Most popup campers have canvas or soft sides. ... Many vehicles are capable of towing a popup camper. ... Something to look out for is mountains. ... Your vehicle will lose about 3% horsepower for every 1000 feet of elevation. ... Just make sure the tow vehicle can handle the load if you plan to drive in high elevation areas. ... You shouldn’t need special side mirrors because the camper is folded and the rear window of the tow vehicle is not obstructed. ... Backing up with an attached camper can take a lot of practice. ... Unless you have a lot of experience with this, have someone stand outside and guide you to prevent accidents or over-steering the trailer ...