Back to Camping next year

[4Campers]

OK DD got her a new (to them) TT. Went to see it yesterday while SIL was stocking it up. While I was sitting inside that darn bug bit me, camp! Told DW that next year we will look at a hybrid as long as SIL will tow for us. He agreed without any hesitation.
Actually, we are both looking at a perm site. That is something I never ever thought I would do. Might as well have a cabin has been my thought over the years. Age changes a person, doesn't it?

[toomanytents]

It certainly changes your perspective!

It the past, we always liked going to a variety of places and trying places we had not been before.  That doesn't work with a permanent site.  However, not having to tow, set up, take down, tow, etc DEFINITELY has appeals.

We have been "cabin camping", carrying all our stuff in a small SUV (known to dinosaurs as "hatchback car").  The car gets almost 3 times that mileage the truck did.  That certainly makes a difference!  Plus, it's not like driving & parking a school bus.

Happy camping Tim!

[4Campers]

Thanks Dave-
Donna has been looking at campers ever since I said that. We are now considering a TT since it will be sitting on a permanent site. It will be nice to just load clothes, food and the dog and head to camp.

[GoneCamping]

I did some long term camping at a stationary campground several years ago in a hybrid TT, but kind of struggled lack of security that I had with that trailer. I suppose that anyone who wants to break into anything can figure it out, but a hybrid makes it easy.

[4Campers]

We decided a hybrid is probably not a good choice for a permanent site. Having to close the bunks up every time is darn near as much work as a pop up. Plus, seen too many have leaks because of the bunk design.
If we do this the CG we hope to get a site at is only 10 extra minutes away to Donna's work. That means I'll more than likely stay at camp during some weeks, and she'll commute from camp. That makes a TT the best choice.
This is really strange since I'm one who said I'd never move to the Dark Side! 

[toomanytents]

Tim, there is a quote floating around, something about how you say your words so they taste better when you have to eat them later.      I also thought we'd never have a travel trailer, but things change.

A campground 10 minutes from work sounds really good! 

I ran into a young couple who were volunteer campground hosts at a state park.  As a volunteer campground host in Oregon, you get your campsite paid for.  He was still working full time an hour from camp.  They had sold a house and two cars they couldn't afford and bought a TT to live in while volunteer camp hosting.  His job paid well and he worked 5am till 3pm, came home and did his 4 hours/day camp hosting job with his wife in the evening.  They were using all the money they saved to pay off all their other debt while camping full time.  They loved it.

[4Campers]

I know, I know. My dang brain can get me into some messes. All is good - until..........

Well, now we aren't sure what is going to happen. That CG we wanted to get a site at says campers have to be less than 10 years old. DDs is a 2011 model, so it doesn't qualify. Donna had her eye on a 2017 for us, but it sold. There are two other CGs in the area we need to be, but similar restrictions and way higher priced. The prime sites at one CG are almost 2K more than others. Monthly fee is darn close to our mortgage payment.
I'm still checking other CGs for a seasonal site. Maybe next year? Have to see what DD ends up doing.

[toomanytents]

Tim,
Do state parks in Ohio have a volunteer campground host program?  In Oregon, camp hosts get a free campsite with full utilities in exchange for 4 hr work, 5 days/week.  Makes for cheap camping and gives you something useful to do.

[4Campers]

The state parks here all have CG hosts, but not sure how the system works. I'm not really interested in a job though.
Actually, we plan to go look at a few TTs this weekend. Just to see what works for us.

[toomanytents]

Good luck looking!  Something will turn up.

[GoneCamping]

My first year out, I did a volunteer position with the Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) at North Bend Park in Boydton Va. They required 24 hours per week (three 8 hour days) in exchange for a free campsite with all utilities. I was the lone attendant in an air conditioned gate house at a "Day Use" park (Swim beach, picnic area & boat ramp) charging $5 per entry. I enjoyed it, but soon found the need to have income as well.

[4Campers]

All the USACE parks we've been to have been great. (Except the one we were at when I blew out the lift system trying to use a drill and Socket Jenie) Unfortunately the closest one near us is a 3 1/2 drive from home.
Still checking out CGs and TTs. Forgot most RV places are closed on Sunday so we didn't go looking last weekend.