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Jeni Obermier
Soon the sun will be shining and our days will keep growing longer. For Will, the pups and I this means it is time to get the camper out and hit the road.
For years we would crash in his parent’s RV before we finally decided that it was time to bite the bullet and get one of our own. This decision was a quick one and many people should know RV camping might not be for them.
I’ll admit that last year, our first season on our own, came with some challenges. The biggest learning curve was my inability to help someone back something up.
An especially difficult night came in the form of pulling up after dark, in the rain, to the campsite. With a narrow area to turn, I could not seem to get Will straight on the pad. Thankfully, two trucks stopped to shine a light and guide him.
One of the best things I have seen as we traveled from Colorado to Kansas is an overall friendly demeanor from fellow campers. Folks have been quick to help when we’ve been in a bind.
While a weekend rarely goes off without a hitch, the most frustrating day in the camper usually beats sitting at home.
There is an unusual peace to waking up to a lazy breakfast and knowing that the only thing you have to do is sit by a fire all day.
We don’t just sit outside, though enjoying the natural scenery is wonderful. Whenever we park near a new town I just love to explore little diners, junk shops and local attractions.
Seeking smaller towns has been a great way to find hidden gems throughout the state that we probably wouldn’t have visited otherwise.
For those who are thinking about giving RVing a try I say totally go for it, but do your research first. For certain types of RVs, there are a lot of steps for setting up and tearing down.
While some newer ones or certain types make that a breeze, be aware of what you are gaining with your selection versus what you might have to give up.
It’s also good to be aware of weight for tow-behinds. Once you start adding in food, chairs and other items those pounds can add up quickly.
A hard lesson we learned was when booking a site check to see what amenities are available. This includes whether it is 30 or 50 amp, water and sewage. We set up in a spot, not realizing that it had no water and we had not filled our tanks. That made for a unique blend of primitive camping, inside.
Length is also something to be aware of, especially for Class A and C campers. Many state parks have length limits and campsites don’t always have spots for all lengths of campers. We went for a mid-sized pull-behind of 30 feet. That’s enough space to not feel like you are in a tin can, but small enough that it opens up a nice amount of places to set up.
Personally, I enjoy having a vehicle that is separate from the camper. I have found that it gives a lot of freedom when it comes to taking adventures or running to a store while the camper is already set up.
And you will most likely have to run to get something. I have yet to find a weekend where I packed everything we needed. That and firewood will always burn quicker than you think it should.
While RV camping isn’t for all people, I hope everyone will take some time this summer to enjoy the spectacular views and parks that can be found in Nebraska and surrounding states. Whether it is camping, RVing or even just visiting for the day, take a moment to step away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and just enjoy.
JENI OBERMIER can be reached at features@ hamilton.net
