I\u2019ve always wanted a camper. As you may know, I\u2019m a huge nature lover, and spending time in remote places is one of my favorite ways to relax. Tent camping is a ton of fun, but as I\u2019ve learned from experience, it\u2019s not always the best when you\u2019re camping with young children. I figured the arrival of summer was the perfect impetus to step the Thomason family camping game up a notch.<\/p>\n
The first decision we had to make was which type of camper would make the most sense for us. We don\u2019t have the space for a fullsized RV at the house, and I wasn\u2019t thrilled at the idea of paying a chunk of change every month to store the RV in some far-flung lot miles away from our house. After doing plenty of research, we came to the conclusion that a pop-up camper we could fit in the garage was our best option. So far, I\u2019d say we made the right call.<\/p>\n
To test out and fiddle with the camper, we took the kids to Roystone Hot Springs in Sweet. It may not be anyone\u2019s idea of off the grid, but we wanted our maiden voyage to give us the chance to make any adjustments before heading off to wilder surroundings. As a bonus, it was a ton of fun. Now that we\u2019ve ironed out the kinks, I\u2019m looking forward to spending a good portion of the summer exploring some remote places.<\/p>\n
In my excitement to get going, I\u2019ve already booked a few places to visit, including a trip to Deadwood. I\u2019m also trying to pressure my brothers into camping in Copper Basin with me. If you know of any spots worth checking out, I\u2019m open to recommendations. The more secluded and farther off the beaten path, the better.<\/p>\n
More than anything, I\u2019m looking forward to introducing my kids to the wonders of camping. In our daily lives, we are constantly connected to an endless stream of stimulation and information. Our phones buzz with alerts throughout the day, and emails seem to arrive every second. For me, taking some time to disconnect is the perfect remedy. There\u2019s nothing quite like being in a place where you can\u2019t go online even if you want to. My hope is that the pop-up camper will provide just enough comfort to get the kids excited about camping without making it feel like just another trip.<\/p>\n
When I think of getting away from it all, I don\u2019t want to imply that I spend my camping trips in quiet contemplation. There\u2019s certainly some of that, but I also enjoy firing up the dirt bike and tackling some terrain. That\u2019s another thing I hope to get the kids into this summer. I was lucky enough to receive the \u201cbrother discount\u201d on a 50cc Honda, which will be the perfect introductory bike for Avy and Jett. Given that Max just turned 1, I think I\u2019ll wait a little while before I get him behind the handlebars.<\/p>\n
Like a kid with a new toy, I\u2019m looking forward to spending as much time as possible with my camper this summer. Fingers crossed that, by the end of it, my family doesn\u2019t think I secretly want to become a reclusive mountain man.<\/p>\n