Well lately I have been tossing around the idea of getting a small camper like a Scamp or Casita to base my hunting trips out of, however I am a bit torn, because I feel like you kind of miss out on part of the experience somewhat living out of a camper. What do you guys do?  Which do you prefer and why?

I tent camped for years, but now I have a pickup camper. In mild weather, I still like tents, but a camper is more convenient. We plan a trip to Alaska next summer, and the pickup camper should be the perfect thing for a trip like that. I will probably trade it in for a small pull behind trailer after that, so I can leave the camp in my truck without having to put everything up. After having tents, tent campers, a motor home,  regular camp trailers, and the pickup camper, I have found that there is no perfect camping solution.  Everything is a compromise.

here is elk country I think a good nights sleep is required there fore camper with a great bed and all

Used to tent camp-even on family vactions-now we have a camper and we're never going back. Just being comfortable when in camp goes a long ways having a good hunt or vacation. Plus camp is much easier to move more frequently with a camper.

Depends on the season in which you hunt. When I go to south Texas in November it's out of a tent. The weather is mild and there is no problem being outside cooking and hanging around a campfire. When we go in February it's a pop-up. Being able to get inside to cook, relax and move around is priceless.

First thought: can you get the camper into the area you plan to hunt? Second thought: how many does it sleep? Third thought:will it be big enough you wont need a supply tent? Fourth thought: if you hunt with friends, do you plan to serve beans at any meal?
In the Corps we only had tents no matter what the weather extreme was,I still prefer tents.

As many of you know, I really like my canvas tent camping.  We've had a pop up in the past, but for me, I just love the big ol tent with the woodburner fired up inside.  We're more comfortable in there than we ever were in a camper.

The downside is that it does take some time to set up the entire camp, including cots, kitchen, etc, etc.  So it is not real convenient for short stays.  My camp is fairly elaborate, so once I get it set up I like to stay awhile.  For that reason we have been talking about getting a smaller camping trailer that we could use for shorter trips or when we want to move camp frequently.

So to me, it all depends on exactly how you intend to use it and how much effort you are willing to put into set up.  For quick weekend jaunts of a night or two, the convenience of quick set up and tear down is pretty nice.

Have a Jayco popup trailer and love it

When I retired I bought this camper as a kind of way to go gift for myself.  I don't regret it one bit.



If the camper isn't a good option I can still be comfortable in this.



But I can usually find an option that allows for the extra comfort and convenience.

The camper isn't much bigger than a fair size tent but when you get to where you are going everything is already inside and ready to go.  Food, water, clothes, heat and a/c.  It's all in there.  It doesn't have a bathroom but I can deal with that.

Hampton Inn with color TV and a pool   LOL

Back in the day when we were making tipi's we camped in canvas and really enjoyed it.  Now, my body needs a good bed and a warm place to be with the ability to not have to gather fire wood if I do not need to....

I still enjoy the camp fires and all that but I want to be warm and dry when I sleep

It sure is hard to beat a good wall tent, the only problem is in snowy/wet conditions it takes a bit of effort to get it dry once you get home.

I've done both. The camper is more comfortable as long as there is enough room.  If its cold, snowy, or raining I'd much rather climb in a camper than a tent.

TENT!!

I'm with Bowwild on this one. I've done both in all kinds of weather. I really like the experience of a tent, but there's alot to be said for the camper in crappy weather.

I'm not ready for a camper yet. And if I go that way its going to be a very spartan kind of set up. I hate rigs (my personal opinion) that have every luxury there is- besides heat- tv, stereo, carpet bedtime lullaby's... Why not just go to the spa with wifey?

I sleep in the back of my eight foot pick up under a topper. I like the window- I can open my eyes and see the stars. Thats my biggest beef with fall tent set ups. Not many have star gazing as part of the design. Its a very flexible system if you put some thought into it and I like it for its simplicity.

Joshua

Plenty big for company

Depends where your going, there are some places where you just can't use a camper.But what ever gets you out there is good!

They both have their advantages and disadvantages.

Camper Cons: Price, insurance, registration, upkeep, storage, limited on where you can go, costs more to stay at campgrounds

Camper Pros: convenience, everything set up already, heat/ac/water. Nothing like a hot shower to take after getting back and a nice toasty place already. Plus nice if it's raining nonstop for a day or more.  Also, wife/family may be more inclined to tag along and see what it's all about.

Tent Cons:  Rainy weather, cold weather, set up, storage space

Tent Pros: cost, can stet up anywhere

That's about what I can think of off hand.

You still enjoy a campfire and outdoor cooking with a camper. Just retreat back into it afterwards.

Maybe do both? Little camper for bad/cold weather and lite tent for summer trips.

If I could I'd do both but for now it's tents.

Bjorn,

THAT is a dandy tent! What Brand/Model is it?

Lisa and I have really enjoyed our Cabela's Outback Lodge tent. It's handled lot's of different weather, altitudes and attitudes.

 

Camper if I have non-hunting women that just have to have more necessities, (no-offense to Killy or the other ladies here).........

But me, myself, and I prefer a TENT everytime!

My Dad had one of the big ol' whiz bang campers for a while. Shew! You HAD to have an appropriate gas guzzler to pull..... marine batteries, generator, fuel for generator, satellite, TV, VCR.

I have had a couple pop-up campers. They were OK, but you still need a fairly good vehicle to tow them......

I made more memorable hunting and fishing trips in my first car: A Chevy Chevette, with a simple 4 man tent, lantern, coleman 2 burner stove, ice chest..... sleeping poke..... just the basics.....