It's all relative to what you want out of "camping".. I think there is a difference with those that are full timing and those that do just weekend camping trips..
I don't need or want a 40' RV to do the type of camping I do... :)
I'm only a weekend, fair weather camper now for the most part.. I've done all the types of camping since I was a little kid with mom and dad to where I am today at some 55 years old.. :)
No where close to "retiring", so the full time thing ain't really gonna happen, but for me, my little 2003 travel trailer has fit the bill and it only cost around $14,000 way back then and it's still going strong and still looks good!
I do all the maintenance and upkeep on it and sure, it's a POS in some respects, but nothing major has happened to it over all these years and it suits my needs..
I still wonder about the folks in tents, then I remember my childhood days when that's all my mom and dad had for us, and we always had a great time!
I have a great time every time I go out in our old TT so it's what is working for me..
Anything you have now is what is working for you, so just enjoy it and that's all that really matters.
In other words, you get what you can afford at the time and if you are fortunate enough to upgrade in the future, that's what it's all about, right? You can't expect to pay a Yugo price and get a Rolls Royce, can you?
Mitch