From an economic standpoint, rv'ing certainly is not cheaper. Ask your friend how the smore's taste at the hotel? Ask him about all his neighbors that he got to know while sitting around a campfire. Does he go outside in the morning to enjoy a cup of coffee and enjoy the sunrise? Or a cool beverage during sunset in the evening? I'm curious if the grilled steaks or burgers taste better in the motel than on your own grill. How many friends has he made from Canada or other northern states while spending some winter months down south? How do the raindrops sound in a motel room compared to your rv while parked in the forest?
Come to think of it, when you get are everything into consideration, maybe rv'ing is more rewarding.