Tent vs. Hotel Camping

I was home a couple weeks ago when I was telling my mother of all our summer plans. She was disappointed that we weren't taking the kids camping. Oh, I don't really like to camp or at least haven't in the past. She insisted that my kids need that opportunity. (We have taken them camping - it's just very rare).

I said, "Mom, my kids think camping is when you stay in a hotel room." She didn't like that answer and kept pestering me about this NEED to camp. I guess it wouldn't be too bad if we had 1) room in our van for all the stuff camping requires (we don't have a trailer), 2) if we had a pop up trailer with heat and electricity and protection from the rain, 3) if we didn't camp by noisy neighbors, 4) if I felt totally safe from animals and crazy people - come on, there is no lock, just a zipper... and the list continues!

Besides all of my reasons I decided to cancel our hotel accommodations because it was $320 for just two nights in West Yellowstone and camp in a tent at the KOA campground for $80 (40/ night). I still think $40 a night is a rip off for a piece of ground for a tent - don't you? Anyways, this campground is the gathering place for our family reunion. At least it has a swimming pool!

I guess my mom can be proud of me now! It won't be too bad because the reunion organizers are preparing all of the meals, except one. I don't have to haul up cooking equipment - which is a life saver!

We are in for some camping fun this summer!