DutchmenSport wrote:
1. There are different "cultures" in every campground. No 2 are alike. The big difference is a "transient camper" who happens to pass through a "seasonal campground". Seasonal campers (sometimes) have a tendency to be territorial. State Parks are fluid, constantly changing. What may be a good group of people one day, may flip flop the next and the opposite personalities may be camping side by side the next. Some are wealthy, some are poorer, some have motorhomes, some have tents. All these factors create constant change in every campground. There are some places that probably should be avoided, others that are highly welcome. Some are more isolated, some are on the main-track and high profile areas. Some are inside city areas, some are remote. But each campground has it's own uniqueness. Over all, camping is still pretty safe. But always, like everywhere, your guard is never completely let down. I think in our world today, there is always an element of distrust. But this is also our natural instinct to help protect us too. Listen to your head, and you'll do just fine.
2. People on these forums fall into many categories, but mostly, I consider these forums our own little "community". The common bond is our interest in camping or RV-ing, whatever you want to call it. I do think, overall, everyone who actively posts on these forums are genuinely real and genuinely concerned and genuinely want to share from their own experiences (good, bad, or whatever). (we even learn from the "whatever" category too.)
3. In a lot of way, camping and RV-ing has not changed a lot. I think it's become far more 'technical' as campers and RV's become more sophisticated and people demand more luxury and comfort than 20 or 30 years ago. But the whole idea and purpose has not changed. There are 2 segments of camper, I have found out. Those who want to socialize with each other and those who want to be left alone. When you have young kids, families have a way of getting together. When you get older (face it ... we get more cranky and want to be left alone ... maybe not everyone, but many do.) I suppose there is a 3rd category of campers too, those who travel together and their "circle" of friends is pretty closed. Like extended families that camp together, or a group that camps together. They will be friendly, sure enough, but you probably won't be able to get inside their circle.
Yes, folks do still strike up conversations, but (from my experiences) they are short. (but I'm not very outgoing either). There are those who do hold up in their campers. I have learned there is nothing wrong with this, although I never understood it when I was younger, I do understand it now. Those who hold up in their campers, simply enjoy the inside of their campers and much as the outside. When you spend $35,000 to $95,000 for your RV, you want to spend time inside it too! The luxury is so nice, it's hard to step outside! I truly understand this now! And many folks (especially older folks), who hold up in their camper simply have already done it all (I know we have). When the kids were little, our lifestyle was constantly on-the-go, run, run, run, hiking, bicycles, horse back riding, swimming, site seeing, museums, events, go, go, go. Now that the kids are gone, it's VERY nice to just vegetate and do nothing. Face it, life has simply exhausted some of us. Camping is our way of getting away from everything and finally getting to relax and truly "vegitage" a while. (besides, we laugh at young families chasing their kids around, getting into trouble, and mom and dad going bonkers ... been there-done that! Now it's time for US to quietly laugh and smile and their antics! You have that group also.
Overall, kids still play safe, but always in a watchful eye of parents. Not like when I was a kid some 50 years ago when my parents shoved me out the camper door and I didn't return till night fall. (By did we get into some stuff). But no more. I think our world has changed to some degree, but still the campground and the kids playing is pretty safe.
It IS a great lifestyle, otherwise, no one would do it!
Wow! This is great insight. Many others have also provided great feedback. It heartwarming to see such a great outpouring of non judgmental, honest and helpful feedback. So often these type of threads degrade into snarky comments.
My opinion, FWIW, is that you should jump at the opportunity to do this. You sound intelligent and have put great thought into this. Make a sound decision and go for it. There are no guarantees in life.....
Nothing is forever. If you love it, keep doing it. If you don't, do something different.
I also believe that campgrounds still offer some of whats best in America. People of similar interests doing something that makes them happy. If the country would mimic the overall harmony that happens in campgrounds, if might be a better place. Campgrounds aren't perfect, but sometimes the whole "vibe" seems pretty close to perfect.
Best of luck. What's that great quote about travel....
"Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore."
