Our First Steps into RV Life: From Tent Camping to Our First Camper
Tent camping just wasn’t for us. While it seemed like a great way to get outdoors, the reality of setting up camp and dealing with unpredictable weather quickly showed us that we wanted something a bit more comfortable. So, in 1999, we took the plunge and purchased our first camper: a 24 ft Coachmen Anniversary Edition.
It wasn’t just a camper—it was a game-changer. With its spacious layout, we could bring the comforts of home along with us wherever we went. Finally, we had a vehicle that could tow it, or so we thought. Our trusty 1995 GMC Sonoma 4×4 was up for the challenge—or so we hoped!
Our first adventure took us to Raccoon Holler Campground in Glendale Springs, NC. The campground was just a short drive from home, and it had a welcoming vibe that made it feel like the perfect place to break in our new camper. We loved that it was a spot where our family also camped, so we already had a sense of community there. Everything felt new and exciting, and every trip to the campground became a learning experience. We went three or four times in total and honestly, I don’t recall having many issues with the camper or towing it back and forth. It was all part of the adventure, and we were hooked.
But life has a way of changing, and between our rotating work schedules and the demands of regular church attendance, we realized we just didn’t have the time to get out as often as we wanted. So, after a couple of years, we made the difficult decision to sell our first camper.
A New Chapter: Discovering the 5th Wheel
Fast forward to 2008, when my parents decided to purchase a 5th wheel camper. They chose to leave it at Green Mountain RV Resort in Lenoir, NC, where it quickly became a home base for family get-togethers, birthdays, and weekend trips. Over the years, we made countless memories in that 5th wheel, often using it as a retreat for those little “getaway” moments when life got too hectic.
It was during these visits that we realized how much we loved the RV lifestyle. We were starting to think about the road again, but this time with more experience and a deeper appreciation for the freedom and connection RV life brings.