kenrob
Hamilton,Georgia
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Joined: 05/01/2008
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We are brand new to rving (without an rv)!.My husband and I are driving up the east coast this summer and due to high gas prices, we will not be able to afford hotel lodging. We camped when we were younger and love state parks.Question? Can we use our toyota sienna van as our (camper?) We have chosen 2 state parks to stay at First landings in Virginia Beach area and wompatuck near Boston. These could serve as our home base while we see the sights. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
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mpfireman
Cook County Il
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Joined: 12/26/2003
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Even though you use your car as your RV, you should at least pitch some kind of tent in your camping spot. This indicates that this campsite is occupied when you are taking your day trips. Plus the tent can act as a storage spot for excess gear.
Are you going to eat OUT or bring along some cooking supplies?
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tonyandkaren
pennsylvania
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You should be fine using the van as your camper. Pitch a tent if you want to but since most campgrounds assign sites , you really won't need a tent to save your site. We camped many times in our pick up truck with just a cap over the truck bed and a foam mattress. A small cooler and stove or electric hot pot( if you have electricity ) will cut down on food expenses.
Have fun - First Landings is a nice park.
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itsalleasy
USA
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Joined: 07/20/2007
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Coleman (and others) make gas/propane stoves, lanterns, etc. for camping without rvs attached. Check craigslist, Penny Pincher for camping equipment. I camped for years in a pickup. It was a real step up from the shelter halves, etc. Uncle Sam provided when I camped in his set up.
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H4Adventures
Minot, North Dakota
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I have been all up and down the west coast through Canada and Alaska camping out of the back of my Ford Ranger and had a blast and didn't spend a whole lot. Life is different now, but I do miss those younger days but my body doesn't.
I do still have all the gear (Stove, tent, etc.) and use some of it from time to time in camp now.
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kenrob
Hamilton,Georgia
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I appreciate all the feedback! I guess it would make since to go ahead and pitch a tent or screen tent to keep our gear, table, chairs,etc.while we are gone.We probably will eat out some but most meals will be at the campsite.Are most parks safe at night? When you're not used to camping alot I guess I'm alittle unsure.
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SemperFiCop
USA
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Joined: 10/19/2007
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Wecome to the Forums!
Sleeping in you vehicle should not be a problem.
Many people do the same thing.
As for Safety,
Just be aware of your surroundings... 
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Ray,IN
IN, USA
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Joined: 03/22/2001
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You'll be fine camping in your van. Equipment is expensive if you buy from a camping store. Local hardware stores often have what is required for cooking, eating, hygiene,etc, and the sales-person actually knows about what they sell. You can spend a small fortune buying specialty items when normal stuff works great.
If you plan to buy a tent, watch for sales at big-box stores. They are also cheaper than specialty camping stores.
Safety, I've camped over 50 years to date, with only one serious incident, we were in a travel trailer then. State/National Parks are normally a safe place.
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grump daddy
Westland, MI
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kenrob wrote:We are brand new to rving (without an rv)!.My husband and I are driving up the east coast this summer and due to high gas prices, we will not be able to afford hotel lodging. We camped when we were younger and love state parks.Question? Can we use our toyota sienna van as our (camper?) We have chosen 2 state parks to stay at First landings in Virginia Beach area and wompatuck near Boston. These could serve as our home base while we see the sights. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Just a suggestion, you may want to check out the tent camping section of the forum. There was a post there just the other day about camping in your vehicle with a lot of good suggestions about it. Good luck and have fun.
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ebcgoodhope
Walton County, Georgia
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Joined: 02/25/2006
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Go for it. It should be fun. Just act like you are tent camping only you dont have to sleep in a tent.
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