Where To Lay Your Head: Tents

We sure have seen a wide range of camping options while we've been here so I thought I'd write some posts about the different ways to camp.

Before I get to tents, there's even the more basic--sleeping in your car (or truck). We've actually had a few people do that. I went by one campsite that had a nice minivan backed into it with the electrical cord going in an open window. I assume the folks inside had taken down the seats (or removed them completely before the trip) and were sleeping on some sort of air mattress in the back. Maybe not the most comfortable way to go, but if it's a choice between staying home or sleeping in the van, then I admire their gumption.

I suspect the mattress in the minivan might be more comfortable than some tent camping, but have no actual experience to verify that.

Tents come in all shapes and sizes, from the very small pup tent to a large family sized tent with room dividers.

Here's a tent that combines sleeping in your car with tent camping.




                   Or how about a big family sized tent?



  I'm not sure I'm really cut out for tent camping, but I do notice that the people who travel this way are usually well equipped with the items they need to make life more comfortable. They seem to spend more time sitting outside, playing cards or eating at their picnic tables.

The pros of a tent would be: you can travel in your regular car which would save on gas vs. other camping methods. It's cheaper (the sites are usually $20 less than for a big RV). You can drive to more remote locations and get a more rustic camping experience.

The cons: lack of a/c or bathroom.

What do you think? Are you likely to be a tent camper?