Until the wife died, we camped with friends for a week at a time, two to eight couples or families, and it worked pretty well. I'm getting back into it, with some new friends sometimes, sometimes with the old group. It worked pretty well, but several factors made it work.
1. Every family had their own sleeping unit, whether RV, tent, cabin. What we did together was done in a shared outdoor space or clubroom at our destination.
2. Each outing, someone was leader, planning and organizing group activities. Others are free to participate or be on their own, as the mood fits. One group says leader is wagonmaster, another says camp host, but the idea is the same. Although there is a leader, most plans are by consensus, after discussion.
3. May be group meals prepared by the leader, but mostly pot luck for shared eating. Each family carries their own food and drinks.
4. Most of the time we travel separately to the destination, often from different places at different times. Sometimes some people will travel in pairs, particularly when someone has health issues, or is uncertain about how to get there, or just doesn't like to travel alone. Arrival/departure times might differ by a day or two, which is why #3, don't depend on someone else for critical supplies like food or beer.
Sounds like a goodlearning experience, now have the friends get their own tent to camp with you.
Tom Test
Itasca Spirit 29B
