One of my earliest recollections of camping was on the Rio Grande River in Texas.  Wild rugged country with the Guadalupe Mountain ranges looming above me; I still remember how small I felt while gazing up at the rock walls of the canyon where we camped.  In my mind, I can still see the stars and hear crickets serenading the night sky.  With the hiss and crackle of the campfire’s eerie glowing flames dancing among us, our nostrils sensitive to the acrid wood smoke, we toasted marshmallows and told scary stories.  Those who were brave pulled their cots out under the blanket of stars while the rest of us slept huddled together in the safety of the camper.  Knowing there were wild animals roaming around in the area (prints seen in the mud) didn’t make me feel any better.  With a vivid imagination, I could conjure up scenes of mountain lions rushing into our camp or bears dragging someone off into the darkness. Yipping coyotes added to my alarm!

This was wilderness camping without amenities.  Jugs of water and vinegar eggs along with ice chests laden with bologna, cheese, bacon, and soft drinks were sheltered in the camper.  That little one room camper which sat upon the truck’s bed was home away from home for a week or two at a time.  When rain poured down, we pulled out a deck of cards and played rummy.  I could usually be found curled up in a corner reading a book.  That was over thirty years ago, yet those memories have endeared themselves to me.  I will forever be in love with the wilderness and outdoors because of those early camping experiences.  

Nowadays I see RV’s of all types pulling utility trailers and boats or toads (a car in tow), traveling to resort and luxury destinations.  Occasionally a truck camper can be seen loaded with ice chest and bicycles or perhaps a utility trailer in tow carrying all the necessities for a week or two of camping in the great outdoors.  The owners of these pre-RV era campers have good reasons for using this camping system.  You are driving a truck which is easier to maneuver in tight spaces and the camper can be left at the campsite – usually taking two people to unload it from the truck’s bed.  The concerns with a truck and camper are remembering the truck’s load is heavier so it will take longer distances to stop properly, sluggish acceleration, taking care not to overload the camper with supplies, and the need to install extended side mirrors to shorten the blind spots on either side of the vehicle.  Backing the vehicle remains a problem due to the camper impairing line of sight.

Truck campers come with built in restrooms, two burner stove tops, and the kitchen sink!  Most can be purchased between the costs of $5,000 - $20,000.  With a few add-on purchases (such as tie-downs, electrical connectors, bounce-aways which are shock type absorbers placed below the cab-over area and the truck cab to reduce jarring and bouncing while driving down the highway).  Self-containment items – fuel tanks, fresh water storage, gray water tanks, black water tanks, propane, and water heater tanks – are much smaller in the truck camper which means creativity for those who own these remarkable vehicles.  It takes an independent personality type to adjust well to this particular type of camping style.  Independence sparks the desire for wild and untraveled roads to adventure down.

Finding those wild remote areas and untraveled roads are getting harder to find with all the campers out there roaming the countryside, and yet, there are over 25,000 campsites found in the National Parks Service .  These campsites are first come, first serve and mostly reserved either online or by telephone.  With the advent of so many people now looking for camping sites, your best advantage for a particular site is to call ahead and try reserving that special place.  Campsite fees may vary.  Some are offered year around while others open during seasonal use.  Redevelopment areas have amenities available such as drinking water, fire pits,  toilets, shower facilities, and there may be dump stations available.  In some cases where bears may inhabit the area park rangers will have guidelines on food storage and safe food storage areas.  Bring your own firewood.  Unlike years ago when we gathered loose wood, gathering firewood from a park service area can be forbidden and illegal. 

In most places wherever an RV can be parked in a camping facility, a truck camper with utility trailer can be parked also.  Always call ahead and ask about each camp’s requirements before assuming you’ll be welcomed.  Links such as www.rv-links.com and www.rvschool.com are good sites for detailed information ranging from “just beginning the camping/rv’ing experience to loans to purchase the recreational vehicle to gypsy travel and journaling.”  I hope the outdoor camping bug bites you!  I’ll be looking for you in my neck of the woods.  Happy Traveling!

All photos are courtesy of the contributing photographers of stock.xchng .