RV vs. Tent Camping: Similarities and Differences

When it comes to alternative travel forms that take you away from cities and into the great outdoors, the two most popular options are tent camping and RV camping. 

These two can overlap significantly. In fact, you’ll often find that campsites that allow tent camping nearly always have sections for RV campers, too (though many RV campsites are RV-only). 

There are advantages and disadvantages to both (though, if you ask us, each has many more plus points than it does downsides). To get the most from your trip, it’s important to be aware of where they overlap and where they differ, and with that in mind, we thought it’d be a good idea to outline exactly what they are. 

They Both Connect You With Nature

Looking to get into the great outdoors? Then you can’t go wrong with RV or tent camping. Whichever one you choose, you’re all but guaranteed to find yourself sleeping under a blanket of stars in a green environment. 

With that said, accessibility to nature areas can differ. Some spaces are hike-in only, which means no RVs, while other areas are realistically only accessible if you have wheels (car/RV/motorbike).

They Offer Different Levels of Comfort

While virtually everyone enjoys spending time in green spaces (it’s scientifically proven to boost mental well-being, after all), that doesn’t mean that spending a night outside is automatically comfortable. Tent camping, for all its benefits, can be uncomfortable if you don’t have a proper setup, especially if it’s for more than a couple of nights.

RVs can be extremely comfortable, since they’re essentially a house on wheels. In addition, good RV parks tend to have extensive amenities, including full 30/50 hookups and on-site laundry facilities, that remove many of the challenges of spending extended periods in the great outdoors. If you’re planning a one or two night getaway, then tent camping might suffice — but if it’s any longer, then you’ll likely appreciate the home comforts provided by an RV. 

They Both Offer Flexibility

Both RV and tent camping are big on flexibility (assuming that you have a car for tent camping), truly offering the freedom of the open road. You can choose to stay at a campsite for weeks at a time, or you can pack up after a day or two and roll on down to the next stop on your itinerary. 

Setup Time Can Vary 

The amount of time it takes to get set up when you arrive at a campground is a major difference between tent and RV camping. If you’re tent camping, then it could be an hour or so until everything’s in place and you’re ready to begin enjoying your stay. The setup process can be further complicated by inclement weather, which can make setting up the tent more difficult/stressful/impossible if it’s particularly bad. When you have an RV, there’s essentially nothing to set up — all you need to do is pull up, get out your lounge chairs, and begin having a good time.