Is Seasonal RVing Right For You?

Whether you have a trailer, motorhome, camper van, or something in between, there are plenty of different ways to enjoy camping in the great outdoors: some folks look forward to driving south for the winter in their trusty motorhome, adventure-seekers may choose to travel from destination to destination with nothing but a tent and a few camping supplies, while others enjoy parking their RV at a campground for the summer so they can come and go as they please.

For those in the latter camp, this is what we call seasonal camping or seasonal RVing. It involves leaving your RV at a campsite for an extended period of time, usually the summer, and visiting it whenever you get a chance.

We meet a lot of RVers who purchase a unit with one idea in mind and end up using their RV for an entirely different purpose - and that’s OK! Particularly if you’re a first-time RV owner, how else are you to learn which type of camping suits you best? In this post, we’re sharing some helpful insights into what’s involved with seasonal camping to help you decide if it’s right for you.

Transient vs. Seasonal Camping

Many RVers start out as transient campers, which means they travel to different campgrounds, cities, and even provinces throughout the year. But there are some elements of transient camping that aren’t for everyone, and folks can become frustrated with things like:

• Frequently hitching, unhitching, parking, setting up, and levelling an RV (especially with eager and cranky children)

• Money spent on gas, tolls, and overpaying for campsites if the pickings are slim

• Being forced to camp in less than glamorous spots

• Losing precious vacation time to travel and campsite setup/tear down

• Extra expenses due to wear and tear on your RV

This is why so many transient campers become seasonal campers. There is an ease about setting up at the campsite for the season and calling it a day, not to mention you get significantly more relaxing time when you’re not wrapped up with coming and going each weekend.

Still not sure that seasonal RVing is for you? We get it - a lot of people don’t picture themselves as the “hang at the campground” type! But as a group of experienced RVers, we’re here to share a few of the benefits of seasonal camping you might be overlooking.

Set it and forget it. One huge perk of seasonal camping is that once you set things up, you’re there for good (or, at least, until the temperature starts to drop). Don’t waste precious weekend time parking, packing, and levelling - simply show up at the campsite, open a few windows, and start relaxing. You’ll even be able to leave your RV connected to electrical hookups while you’re gone, so you can keep food in the fridge and your unit well ventilated.

Enjoy your outdoor space. This might sound silly, because, well, you’re in the great outdoors! But many seasonal RVers love that they can construct a beautiful and functional outdoor space right off their trailer. There are simple and inexpensive RV deck solutions that allow you to set up an outdoor dining table, BBQ, bug/weather repellent enclosure, hammock, and more, so you can comfortably enjoy every inch of your campsite.

Make it feel like home. Have you ever taken a long walk around a trailer park? You’ll find solar lighting, lawn games, decor, flags, golf carts, outdoor cooking areas, and so much more - all set up by campers who know they’re going to be staying a while. It makes both your trailer and the campground feel like your home away from home.

Enjoy the perks of your campground. RV campgrounds are often called “RV resorts” these days, and for good reason: they are full of amenities that make your camping experience a lot more comfortable. You’ll typically find a grocery store, laundry, pool, playground, showers, Wi-Fi, and more. Not to mention that BC campgrounds are usually situated close enough to lakes, parks, and exciting outdoor areas to provide hours of weekend adventures.

Become a Seasonal Camper With Help from O’Connor RV

If rolling up to the campsite, having everything already in place, and opening a book by the lake sounds like the perfect way to spend your weekends, then seasonal camping might be for you! Our team is here to help you find the right RV, accessories, and local RV park to enjoy seasonal camping all summer long. Visit our Chilliwack RV dealership today to start your next big RV adventure.