Year One of Seasonal Camping: Hits, Misses & the Road Ahead

Exploring the Journey of Seasonal Camping with Janine Pettit on the Girl Camper Podcast

Ever wondered what it’s like to set up a home-away-from-home at a campground for an entire season? Janine Pettit, co-host of the Girl Camper podcast, dives into her first season as a seasonal camper. She unpacks the highs, the lows, and all the lessons in between.

Janine’s journey wasn’t just about setting a camper down and calling it home. It was about embracing a new lifestyle and creating a base where friends, family, and fellow campers could gather. In this episode, she reflects on why she chose seasonal camping, her experiences, and how it impacted her day-to-day life. Here’s a peek into Janine’s thoughts and advice for anyone thinking about seasonal camping.

Why Choose Seasonal Camping?

Seasonal camping isn’t just about saving on travel costs or avoiding the hassle of setting up and tearing down. For Janine, it was the allure of a steady retreat that sparked her interest. She explains how her decision was shaped by the convenience of always having a space waiting for her. A spot perfect for spontaneous getaways and family get-togethers, without the logistics of constant planning.

The Convenience of a Seasonal Site

With a dedicated campsite, Janine enjoys a ready-to-go setup, where all her camping essentials are already in place. No more packing, repacking, or frequent RV maintenance, she notes. The stability offered by a seasonal campsite made family gatherings easier and helped her think differently about her “camping home base.”

Family Time and Unexpected Benefits

Seasonal camping also became a great excuse for family time, creating opportunities to come together. Janine touches on the “homey” feel of having her own spot in nature and even weighs in on the real estate-like value of a seasonal site—getting “the best of both worlds” without a mortgage.

Work and Maintenance Benefits

For anyone who needs to work remotely, Janine mentions the surprising benefits of setting up a workstation at her campground. It allowed her to enjoy peace and productivity that her usual workspace couldn’t always provide. She even goes into practical details about truck maintenance and managing the unique needs of an RV in a seasonal setup.

The Choice of Campground: Spacious Skies Country Oaks

Janine chose the Spacious Skies Country Oaks Campground for her seasonal adventure, highlighting the amenities and the welcoming environment. With activities that range from cozy fire pits to community gatherings, she found herself soaking up the social side of camping and benefiting from a supportive, ready-made community.

Weekday Serenity and Weekend Fun

One of the highlights of seasonal camping, according to Janine, is the unique blend of serenity on weekdays and a vibrant, bustling campground on weekends. She enjoys the quiet time during the week and the lively atmosphere on weekends—an ideal balance that’s a bit of a hidden perk of seasonal camping.

Challenges of Seasonal Camping

No journey is without its drawbacks. Janine is candid about some of the challenges she faced, from scheduling conflicts to routine RV maintenance. And while she loves the flexibility of seasonal camping, she’s realistic about the occasional need for additional upkeep and time management.

RV Selection

Janine shares her joy in having her camper as a seasonal retreat. She discusses the process of choosing the right RV for a seasonal stay, weighing the benefits of different setups, and what worked best for her needs.

Special Moments: Halloween Celebrations and More

From holiday gatherings to themed events, Janine notes the special community spirit that’s unique to seasonal camping. Celebrating Halloween at the campground with her seasonal neighbors added a new experience, blending tradition with the nov