There are several options but used is a great way to control costs. Credit Union, I believe ours would finance if less than 5 years old. If you have a TT with a bathroom, kitchen and beds you can probably list it as a second house on your taxes. Check with your tax man.
We have a 4 yo GB that lives with us and so we bought a camper to give her an experience we enjoyed in our youth while accommodating our health issues. Now in my 50's I ain't sleeping on the ground and yes I "glamp" not camp. We joined a "resort" which is part of Coast to Coast, if I wish to activate C2C. I have storage for about $200 a year and we can camp for 13 days free then must come off site for 5 days or pay "my off" ($30 a day). The "resort" is gated and not open to the general public so the kids have a little more freedom within the fence than a public campground. There are also events like crafts, and other kids activities. Easter Bunny and Santa stop by to visit the kids and I have year round access to the facilities (pool, hot tubs, etc...)You can find memberships at a discount. My maintenance fees are about $400 a year so I figure 10 nights and I broke even. I figure at the rate we use it we'll beak even on the overall cost within 5 years. If I want to pay "my offs" I can use it like a seasonal site and just show up and not have to worry about setup and break down every weekend.
Once a year we travel to see my grown kids and grandkids. I rent a cabin for them and a site for us. We enjoy the week we have the family together. My parents get a hotel and we have 4 generations around the campfire. You can't put a price on those memories.
Need to decide how you wish to use your camper and progress from there. I like a solid wall trailer as it gives me a longer season.
It's about the family experience not what you spend. I have just a many fond memories from my folks pop up. As an adult I like my shower and other features of home. The GB is more worried about the pool, playground and all the new friends she gets to make. We do enjoy our "CG friends".
Good luck in whatever you decide.
