We started a lot because of cost. When we started. A motel in the mountains was $100.00 per night. A campsite at Julian Price was $3.00. Hmm. A no brainer for us. Counting gas, and the site. We could spend a weekend in Blowing rock for $26.00.
Also a room at the beach was $150.00 per night. A campsite on the beach was $15.00 per night, or $100.00 for 7 days. Another no brainer for us.
We couldn't afford a motel. So camping allowed us to go places we would have NEVER been able to go. Even after the pup turned into a TT. It is still very much less than moteling, or condoing. The way we camp / RV / vacation saves us thousands a year