Camping just to save money - not a good idea

[Ripshod]

I'm not trying to dissuade anyone from camping, but I'd just like to point out that in my experience, if you're camping just to save money you might be disappointed. In the short run you probably will save a few bucks but if you aren't camping because you like to camp, sooner or later a time will come when it isn't worth it. Just remember that there will be times when, going down the road after packing in the rain or trying to sleep next to an RV with its generator running all night, you'll ride by a cheap motel and curse the fact that, for just a few more bucks, you could have slept in a real bed and had a nice hot shower.

In the long run, saving money alone is not the best primary motivation for camping out. First of all, the gear you'll need is not cheap. Second, you might find yourself paying more than you'd like for just a cemetery plot sized spot to pitch your tent in the dirt. Ya gotta love it because sometimes, no matter how well-equipped you are, it's going to have a sucky side. If you do it because you like it, you won't be disappointed even when it turns from adventure to ordeal.

Again, I'm not trying to dissuade anyone. I highly recommend camping, either with minimalist gear or all-out luxury trailer camping. I love to camp as much as I love to ride so a motorcycle camping trip is just about the best way I can spend my time. Having said that, there are times when I relent and motel it because experience tells me I'll be better off that way. After all, we're grownups with credit cards and if we camp because we want to, not because we have to, and we know there's no shame in renting a room to avoid a little misery, it keeps our spirits up and makes the time on the road a lot more pleasant. That's all I'm saying.

[Mellow]

Or, you could be like me, started camping to save money and ended up liking it...

I would take a cometary sized plot of dirt over a 5 start hotel any day.

However, I'm not trying to dissuade anyone from hoteling it.. LOL

[sandman]

Camping for me is an extension of riding a motorcycle.

I could drive a car with an artificial environment and run into a restaurant with an artificial environment, then spend the night in a motel with an artificial environment and never break into a sweat or shiver one time. Where's the fun in that.

Being outdoors all the time while on bike trips is the best way to enjoy the moto-experience.

Just think, caveman TV, food cooked over open fire, sleeping in a mummy bag warm as toast at 20 degrees, and don't forget the thrill of sitting on the john at 28deg with the exhaust fan pulling a breeze past your behind. How can you get that much fun in an artificial environment.

GEEESHH! In my opinion there's no contest. REAL MEN CAMP!!!

[GoldWingGL]

Camping for me is an extension of riding a motorcycle.

I could drive a car with an artificial environment and run into a restaurant with an artificial environment, then spend the night in a motel with an artificial environment and never break into a sweat or shiver one time. Where's the fun in that.

Being outdoors all the time while on bike trips is the best way to enjoy the moto-experience.

Just think, caveman TV, food cooked over open fire, sleeping in a mummy bag warm as toast at 20 degrees, and don't forget the thrill of sitting on the john at 28deg with the exhaust fan pulling a breeze past your behind. How can you get that much fun in an artificial environment.

GEEESHH! In my opinion there's no contest. REAL MEN CAMP!!!

Ah heck, when you put it that way, a Motel sounds like a real good id**, uh uh I mean, I?M A REALL MAN and I Camp?..LOL:D

[Motocentaur]

I mostly agree. Camping just to save money does not really save much money when you factor in the cost of gear, and the time spent being uncomfortable (if you don't enjoy camping per se) isn't worth the small savings. However, I suppose if you approach it realistically and mix camping with moteling, you can stretch your budget into an extra couple of days for your trip.

I came about it backwards. I am a lifelong lover of camping and got interested in motorcycling as a new and neat way to go camping! This happened when I first read Zen & the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance back when I was 19 or so. about two pages into it I remember saying "hey - I want to do that!" A couple of years later, I got my first bike with thoughts of going motocamping. In fact, I can't recall ever staying in a motel while on a multi-day ride - of course I have never had a trip longer than a week, after which point I'd probably want a night in a motel.

[DAD]

I've been camping as long as I can remember, with my Dad, my Son, my Ex wife and my friends. Don't get me wrong, I do like motels also, it's just that when I'm at a motel and I want to build a fire in the parking lot and sit around and shoot the sh*t and drink a couple of brews, after a long day in the saddle, the management gets all upset. Theres a lot to be said about sitting around the fire, with the brews and conversation with old friends, and NEW ones you meet while camping, being able to look up and see the stars and listen to the wildlife, things you can't do sitting in a motel room. I don't think it's ever been a money issue with me, I just like being outside, just like I prefer that wind around me on the bike. I agree, they go hand-n-hand, and thats my two cents, for what it's worth!

:tent8:

[Trailace]

I'm not trying to dissuade anyone from camping, but I'd just like to point out that in my experience, if you're camping just to save money you might be disappointed. In the short run you probably will save a few bucks but if you aren't camping because you like to camp, sooner or later a time will come when it isn't worth it. Just remember that there will be times when, going down the road after packing in the rain or trying to sleep next to an RV with its generator running all night, you'll ride by a cheap motel and curse the fact that, for just a few more bucks, you could have slept in a real bed and had a nice hot shower.

In the long run, saving money alone is not the best primary motivation for camping out. First of all, the gear you'll need is not cheap. Second, you might find yourself paying more than you'd like for just a cemetery plot sized spot to pitch your tent in the dirt. Ya gotta love it because sometimes, no matter how well-equipped you are, it's going to have a sucky side. If you do it because you like it, you won't be disappointed even when it turns from adventure to ordeal.

Again, I'm not trying to dissuade anyone. I highly recommend camping, either with minimalist gear or all-out luxury trailer camping. I love to camp as much as I love to ride so a motorcycle camping trip is just about the best way I can spend my time. Having said that, there are times when I relent and motel it because experience tells me I'll be better off that way. After all, we're grownups with credit cards and if we camp because we want to, not because we have to, and we know there's no shame in renting a room to avoid a little misery, it keeps our spirits up and makes the time on the road a lot more pleasant. That's all I'm saying.
To me a bad night camping is better than a great night in a Hotel! Camping is a lot cheaper than staying in hotel.

[Ironheadziggy76]

I have to agree, but I will admit if at the end of the days ride it's pouring down rain :storm1: with no letup in sight, I would probably grab a cheap room if one was nearby. Just to save getting all the gear wet and then having to dry it out.This is on the way to or from a destination to save time and get on the road, once there I will pitch no matter what the weather.

[Roadhound]

I've always had a tough time locking myself up in a motel room after spending all day out in the great outdoors. I can honestly say I have never had a bad night camping, I have always looked at my camping gear as my shelter from the storm so I have purchased high quality gear and it has paid me back very well.

I still am very fond of what my son at the age of 10 said in 1990, as we were packing for his first 3 week long motorcycle trip. "Dad I don't want to stay in any motels. We always make friends at the campgrounds, we never make friends at a motel." That says a lot about why I camp today.

[Diggers1300]

GEEESHH! In my opinion there's no contest. REAL MEN CAMP!!!


I love to camp and Virginia can take it or leave it (she likes it more than she lets on ;) ). She says GOOD WOMEN CAMP!!!

Roadhound's son said it right - "We always make friends at the campgrounds, we never make friends at a motel." That says a lot about why I camp today." I have never talked to my "neighbors" at a motel.

[mongo]

Camping for me is an extension of riding a motorcycle.

I could drive a car with an artificial environment and run into a restaurant with an artificial environment, then spend the night in a motel with an artificial environment and never break into a sweat or shiver one time. Where's the fun in that.

Being outdoors all the time while on bike trips is the best way to enjoy the moto-experience.

Just think, caveman TV, food cooked over open fire, sleeping in a mummy bag warm as toast at 20 degrees, and don't forget the thrill of sitting on the john at 28deg with the exhaust fan pulling a breeze past your behind. How can you get that much fun in an artificial environment.

GEEESHH! In my opinion there's no contest. REAL MEN CAMP!!!


I agree

[Motocentaur]

"Dad I don't want to stay in any motels. We always make friends at the campgrounds, we never make friends at a motel." That says a lot about why I camp today.

That's it exactly. At a campground, the other people are fellow enthusiasts of the same activity. I hate to admit it, but if someone was buddying up to me a lot at a motel, I'd probably feel suspicious.

[braindead0]

Kinda like riding motorcycles to save gas, I suppose for some that works out but I find I ride a LOT more than I'd drive a car... end result is likely spending more money on gas...

But it pays back in the sanity department, same with camping....

[Mr. Guy]

Don't forget about tires. I spend enough on tires to more than offset any gas saved.
But your right, I don't ride to save money, I ride to save my sanity.

[coopdway]

I started riding and camping a long time ago, camping because that was all I could afford or even knew for that matter. On my favorite trip (and longest, funny how those two work together:) ) I was gone from early June to mid-September, staying in my tent every night except 3. Two of those 3 nights were on the floor of friends. When I got home, I had trouble feeling comfortable in a bed.

I now build trips around all camping, no camping at all, but my very favorites are those when I'm ready for both, picking and choosing to suit. This flexibility to choose on demand correlates nicely with the reason I love to go in the first place......Freedom Travel!!

Just wanted to add.....it took experience, good gear and proper attitude, most likely in equal parts, to enjoy camping as much as I do now.

[Blues Traveler]

"We always make friends at the campgrounds, we never make friends at a motel." That says a lot about why I camp today." I have never talked to my "neighbors" at a motel.

Well said :D

[GoldWingGL]

We always make friends at the campgrounds, we never make friends at a motel." That says a lot about why I camp today.


Absolutely well said. We almost always talk to people at the Campgrounds. For the most part they are fascinated with the Trailer setup.

Neighbors at Motels, now that?s just creepy :eek: ?LOL

[olderthandirt]

I'm new to the forum and I have not done a lot of bike camping but I've been camping a long time in just about every conceivable method of accommodations. I met great people camping and I've met some real jerk offs, I had things stolen while I slept or was away from my site. I like riding into a nice motel and having a comfortable dry bed with in door plumbing a temp controlled room and a restaurant for fine dining. But at a cost of approx. $200 a day for the spousal unit and myself it gets expensive and limits the number of trips we can take each year. Camping is an alternative, $25 a nite for that patch a dirt is a slight bit better than $100 a nite for the hotel room. When I camped it was for the solitude and I really don't want to be yakking with the folks next door. [Yeah I'm the grumpy old guy that just wants quiet and to be left alone.] To each his own, but if camping allows me a few more days away from the home-front then a camping I will go.
BTW-- The home-front was a private campground before I bought it so I have my own pavilion, 2 large stocked ponds a swimming beach and a couple dirt patches with electric still hooked up in case anyone's traveling through and wants a place to for a nite :tent8:

[braindead0]

Wow, in my life I've spent somewhere around 2 years camping in tents/trailers (mostly tent). I've never had anything stolen and I can only remember a few groups of jerks (one brought a generator and home stereo and had it blasting all day).

We enjoy our quiet as well, our plans for this year include some very rustic campgrounds in southeast ohio (no water, pit toilets...few sites).

Where abouts in Ohio are you? At least I'm presuming your in Ohio.. unless your location is 'oh' like in 'oh.. I'm not telling' ;-)

[olderthandirt]

Wow, in my life I've spent somewhere around 2 years camping in tents/trailers (mostly tent). I've never had anything stolen and I can only remember a few groups of jerks (one brought a generator and home stereo and had it blasting all day).

We enjoy our quiet as well, our plans for this year include some very rustic campgrounds in southeast ohio (no water, pit toilets...few sites).

Where abouts in Ohio are you? At least I'm presuming your in Ohio.. unless your location is 'oh' like in 'oh.. I'm not telling' ;-)

Just north of Mansfield, It was in those quiet campgrounds in se ohio that I had the most trouble. The old strip mining pits that they turned into public recreation area use to be pretty desolate. This was back in the 60s and you could drive the "haul rds" You didn't see many people and that made it perfect for thieves. But I've had a small radio stolen from the top of a picnic table at a KOA I had lawn chairs stolen in Yellowstone. All I'm saying is that the same people that make up society go camping and not eveyone is the perfect neighbor

BTW-- if you get this way I have the original maps from the early 60s that show over 1000 lakes and public land thats still public its just not on any of the newer maps

[braindead0]

Just north of Mansfield, It was in those quiet campgrounds in se ohio that I had the most trouble. The old strip mining pits that they turned into public recreation area use to be pretty desolate. This was back in the 60s and you could drive the "haul rds" You didn't see many people and that made it perfect for thieves. But I've had a small radio stolen from the top of a picnic table at a KOA I had lawn chairs stolen in Yellowstone. All I'm saying is that the same people that make up society go camping and not eveyone is the perfect neighbor

BTW-- if you get this way I have the original maps from the early 60s that show over 1000 lakes and public land thats still public its just not on any of the newer mapsInteresting.. I guess it may help that I'm a rather intimidating looking person, perhaps that's why I've never had any problems ;-)

[Ironheadziggy76]

Interesting.. I guess it may help that I'm a rather intimidating looking person, perhaps that's why I've never had any problems ;-)

My wife asks me, "Do you always have to look like a Thug?" I didn't realize that boots and a jacket made you a "Thug". :cool: She's probably a better judge of character than I am, she works in a prison.:p

[braindead0]

Maybe it's actually my attack flamingo:
http://wvp.diablops.com/images/zoom/BDMisc/flamingo.jpg

Or I suppose it could be me:
http://wvp.diablops.com/images/zoom/EAUIUJ/hair.jpg

[Mellow]

Maybe it's actually my attack flamingo:
http://wvp.diablops.com/images/zoom/BDMisc/flamingo.jpg

Or I suppose it could be me:
http://wvp.diablops.com/images/zoom/EAUIUJ/hair.jpg

Well, the flamingo scares me... but you, you look like a typical Winger.. LOL

[Mellow]

I don't know why, but sometimes I scare people off:

http://mellow.smugmug.com/photos/58290338_cERqH-M.jpg

[braindead0]

No offense, but they probably think you're going to attack them with 'product' and give 'em a make over... I'd run too ;-)

In fact, I think I'm running now.....

[Ironheadziggy76]

Maybe my wife is right.......:p

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w294/Ironheadziggy76/Img_0174_150_150.jpg

[braindead0]

I think you need some bling.... heavy gold chains and the like... oh shoot, now I'm doing a makeover!!

Never mind all that....carry on.

[Trailace]

You all look OK to me I think your wife/SO are just being silly.
http://blink.smugmug.com/photos/227645498-O.jpg

[Ironheadziggy76]

I think we all look just fine too, well, maybe Joe needs to try a little Decaf...........

[Motocentaur]

Joe looks less yellow than in his avatar, but the facial expression is about the same.

[olderthandirt]

Interesting.. I guess it may help that I'm a rather intimidating looking person, perhaps that's why I've never had any problems ;-)

I'm not sure looks have a lot to do with being ripped off if your not standing around when the thieves decide to drop by ;) 6'3" 245# :D

[braindead0]

I'm not sure looks have a lot to do with being ripped off if your not standing around when the thieves decide to drop by ;) 6'3" 245# :DLike I said, I've camped all my life and nothing has ever been stolen from me. I generally don't leave things lying around as bait, but I don't lock everything up either. You must have just gotten lucky ;-).

Perhaps it is the pink lawn flamingo...darn, gonna have to get another one to take along motocamping.

[Motocentaur]

Like I said, I've camped all my life and nothing has ever been stolen from me. I generally don't leave things lying around as bait, but I don't lock everything up either. You must have just gotten lucky ;-).



Same here. I suspect that most camping thievery is impulsive, target of opportunity stuff. I have had good luck just keeping things out of sight.

[braindead0]

Same here. I suspect that most camping thievery is impulsive, target of opportunity stuff. I have had good luck just keeping things out of sight.Funny thing is, I'm probably not as good about it as I should be. I usually leave chairs out, cooking gear, etc. You know what would probably work wonders, if you have a recording of snoring playing in your tent...with occasional sounds like someone is waking up ;-). Not too loud, but if someone comes snooping around that might be enough to scare them away...

Hrm... motion activated... it'd beat an alarm (and not annoy the neighbors). Sounds like a product waiting to happen.

[Yamifj1200]

I can say from my experiance that the price of camping has gone way up over the years. The smaller campgrounds are having to raise prices just to stay in business. Some of the major campgrounds have gone up so much that many of them are as expensive as an inexpensive hotel. I just spoke with a friend who is out camping with some other FJ 1200 owners up in PA, near Bellefonte (sp) at a KOA. The prices there are outragous at 33 dollars a night for a tent site with no water or power. Thats just nuts...

I usually try to camp in State Parks or National parks, I have never seen the prices at either of them to be very expensive and almost always have something to offer in the way of history or scenery.

I do agree that you really have to want to camp to be happy doing so. I know I have tried to show others the wonders of motorcycle camping and to them I was crazy and they decided to find a hotel instead on the next trip. I just dont invite them on trips anymore... LOL

I have been taking bike camping trips for the past 25 years or so and to me its a great way to wind down, eat well, get a good nights sleep and meet like minded folks.

Eric

[ImRubicon]

Thanks as some of the pictures will come back to haunt me while sleeping LOL .

I didnt camp as much when I didnt have the money now I camp because I want to

[Ripshod]

My big annual two-week trip is coming up in August and I'm getting all worked up about it. In the past, my buddy and I have set some rather unrealistic daily mileage goals which kept us on the road way past dark some days and had too many destinations with friends/families, which meant that we didn't get in as many camping nights as we would've liked. This year we're determined to do it right. By setting more realistic daily mileage goals and having only one real destination (three nights of camping at the VBR), we hope to spend almost every night by a fire this year.

We all know it ain't cheap no matter how you do it but if I didn't really love to camp I wouldn't be lugging all that gear around. The thing that made me start this thread was a conversation I had with a motorcyclist last year. My buddy and I were going on about all the places we'd pitched tent and he related his story of the one time he'd tried it. He didn't have a good experience. He'd paid over $20 for the campsite, was cold, wet and hungry, and cussed himself when he saw a $30 motel room within a mile of the campground and realized that for about $10 more he could've slept on a bed.

Well, he's a fine man and I respect him a lot. It takes all kinds and we could use a lot more like him, but it occurred to me then that camping has to be its own reward. It's sort of like when I hear about so many people who say they want to get a motorcycle so they'll spend less on gas. Well that's all well and good, but when you consider that there will be more maintenance involved, and tires to be replaced more often and the extra gear you need, not to mention the inconvenience of riding in inclement weather, it comes down to this: If you don't really want to ride a motorcycle, it probably won't be worth it just to save a few bucks and even then it won't be enough savings to finally afford that yacht you always wanted.

[Mellow]

My big annual two-week trip is coming up in August and I'm getting all worked up about it. In the past, my buddy and I have set some rather unrealistic daily mileage goals which kept us on the road way past dark some days and had too many destinations with friends/families, which meant that we didn't get in as many camping nights as we would've liked. This year we're determined to do it right. By setting more realistic daily mileage goals and having only one real destination (three nights of camping at the VBR), we hope to spend almost every night by a fire this year.

We all know it ain't cheap no matter how you do it but if I didn't really love to camp I wouldn't be lugging all that gear around. The thing that made me start this thread was a conversation I had with a motorcyclist last year. My buddy and I were going on about all the places we'd pitched tent and he related his story of the one time he'd tried it. He didn't have a good experience. He'd paid over $20 for the campsite, was cold, wet and hungry, and cussed himself when he saw a $30 motel room within a mile of the campground and realized that for about $10 more he could've slept on a bed.

Well, he's a fine man and I respect him a lot. It takes all kinds and we could use a lot more like him, but it occurred to me then that camping has to be its own reward. It's sort of like when I hear about so many people who say they want to get a motorcycle so they'll spend less on gas. Well that's all well and good, but when you consider that there will be more maintenance involved, and tires to be replaced more often and the extra gear you need, not to mention the inconvenience of riding in inclement weather, it comes down to this: If you don't really want to ride a motorcycle, it probably won't be worth it just to save a few bucks and even then it won't be enough savings to finally afford that yacht you always wanted.

Yup... 'Two Wheels, Two Passions'...

[Mr. Guy]

Like many things in life, if you don't love what you doin, doin it ain't going to make you love it.

Guy