Nature calls to us all in one way or another, but there’s a debate going on we’d like to shed a little sunshine on tent camping vs. RV camping. If you’re a seasoned camper, you might already have a preference—but don’t be so quick to rule out one or the other. Both camping styles have their pros and cons, and there is a great deal of pleasure to be had no matter which one you choose. So, should you pitch a tent? Pile into an RV? Or maybe even do a little bit of both? Let’s wander down this path together and take a closer look at the pros and cons.
Price
This is an easy one. Tent camping vs. RV camping costs are not even close. Tenting will always be less expensive. For one thing, the RV is going to be much more costly than even your nicest waterproof tent. Granted, an RV comes with systems that replace much of the gear you will need to purchase separately when tenting, like water containers, a camping shower tent (check out my write up the top shower tents), furniture like chairs, table, and more. But even when you add it all up, it will still be less than an RV.
Packing for Your Trip
When it comes to packing for your trip, there’s always work to do—but the point goes to the RVers on this one. RVs hold a lot of gear that will not have to be repacked for every trip. This includes cookware, gadgetry, lighting needs, bedding, and many other supplies.
When you are a tent camper, there is more packing to be done for every excursion. You have to round up your gear and load it into your vehicle. Having that equipment organized and stored together can help. We recommend using large storage bins like these great weatherproof ones by IRIS USA. (And yes, they are good for RVers also. Pests sometimes get into RVs when they are not in use. These bins can keep your gear dry and protected.)
When tenting, you will also have to unload when you reach your destination. With an RV, there is not nearly as much unloading because your RV is also a part of your camping experience. An RV is a timesaver in this regard—and a back saver, too! It might feel like easy work when you’re young, but as you get older, it gets harder. This is often one of the reasons why many older tent campers make the switch to RVing. Tent camping vs. RV camping considerations will definitely change as you age!
Setting Up and Tearing Down
Setting up your campsite is hard work. Tents have to be put up, and most campers also like to have a screen tent for shade and bug protection as well as a cooking area.
RVs, on the other hand, already fulfill those needs. However, they do have other set-up requirements. RVs must be carefully positioned and leveled, and typically need to be hooked up to water and electrical outlets. RVs might also have solar panels to set up. Most RVs have built-in awnings for shade, but setting up an outdoor seating area with an area rug and chairs is a common RV necessity, too.
Tearing down will require all the same efforts except in reverse. Which process takes the longest? This is harder to say. It might be quicker if your tenting style is a simple one, or longer if you are setting up a glamping tent with all the bells and whistles. In the comparison of tent camping vs. RV camping set-up and tear-down, we must call this one a tie.
Tent Camping vs. RV Camping Comfort & Mobility
As far as comfort goes, RVs have the advantage. RVs are loaded with posh amenities and they can feel like having a portable home with you. The tenting experience is decidedly more rustic and simpler. Of course, that’s not necessarily a bad thing, depending on the kind of experience you want. But no matter how you look at it, RVs are more comfortable and more mobile, too.
Are you a tent camper at heart but crave more mobility? SUV tents like this great one by Napier or this Kodiak canvas truck bed tent can make your tenting adventures more mobile, even though they won’t necessarily make it more comfortable. Small travel trailers are a nice option, too. Coleman travel trailers and Coleman campers are perpetual bestsellers and the range of camping supplies they offer cannot be beaten.
Hybrid travel trailers are also terrific considerations. You’ll find many truck campers for sale as well, and those can sometimes be a perfect compromise. All of these are a step up in comfort from a tent, but they still do not compare to RVs. RVs also provide temperature control and safety. When you look at tent camping vs. RV camping wildlife issues, the numbers are definitely in the RVer’s favor. (Bears don’t typically break into RVs but they ransack tents. Carrying pepper spray with you is a good idea that could save your life.)
Tent Camping vs. RV Camping Cookery
If you don’t love toasting marshmallows over a crackling fire, you’re not human! But when considering tent camping vs. RV camping cookery, it’s easy to see that the RV has advantages. Cooking over a campfire, especially when you are preparing a full meal, can be a tricky task. RVs have kitchens, refrigerators, and a permanent place for utensils. RVs also have sinks for dishwashing, whereas tent campers will usually be working out of a cooler and using a portable dishpan. Another point for the RVers!
Tent Camping vs. RV Camping: Bathroom Use
Most RVs have a bathroom. If you’re in a tent, your bathroom is an outhouse, a public facility, or the nearest bush. Having your own portable toilet like this great one from SereneLife is a smart idea for tenters, and much better than sharing a seat with strangers. However, it doesn’t trump the RV throne! This point goes to the RVers, too. Check
Location, Location, Location!
Enter any campsite and you will find more tent sites than RV sites. The issue is suitability, and most places are not as accommodating to RVs. RV sites have to be spacious, level, and accessible by a large vehicle. Furthermore, most RVers want locations with hookups rather than going off-grid. Tenters have more availability, freedom, and a better choice of camping spots. They also have the option of hiking into a site where they can enjoy greater privacy. So, tent camping vs. RV camping locations? That’s a landslide win for the tenters!
Maintenance & Storage
The maintenance of your camping equipment is important. And if you have an RV, that’s a big one. An RV is a vehicle. It has all the same requirements as other vehicles, plus insurance needs. RVs also have water and waste systems that must be maintained. They have special equipment for that too, such as a sewage pump. Plus, you’ll need to store an RV when not in use. Tent campers don’t have these worries. Another huge point for our tenters!
The Overall Camping Experience
One of the greatest joys of camping is communing with nature and being outdoors. Tent camping will always be superior in this respect because your shelter is more primitive. An RV is more like a home or a lodging venue. There is nothing wrong with that either, but it is still not as immersive as a tent. That’s another point for the tent campers.
Tent Camping vs. RV Camping: The ScorecardHave you been keeping score?
As it turns out, it’s a tie! We’ve chalked up 4 points for the tenters and 4 points for the RVers. So, if you want to really know which camping style is better, you’ll have to look within. When all is said and done, it depends on your budget, your physical limitations, and your own personal preferences. We happen to think there’s a time and a place for both of these wonderful camping activities. In the battle of tent camping vs. RV camping, both sides are winners—the real point is just to get out there and go!
