Expert: Steve Summers - 1/27/2009

Question
Dear Steve, a while ago I read an article on CNN online about some camping sites/companies that provide camping services such as setting up tent, making bed, cooking meals, carrying stuff, etc. Do you happen to know them? I hope so! We are 2 adults (46 and 55 years old) + a child (10 years old) and we want to explore the coast of California or even the US West coast by car in August/2009 but we don't like to rough it out too much! Thanks! Wilza

Answer
Hi Wilza,

I'm familiar with most of the campgrounds in California, but don't know of any that will carry your gear. But El Capitan Canyon north of Santa Barbara offers luxury camping, but that's the only one I'm aware of. www.elcapitancanyon.com.

May I suggest purchasing a smaller RV? Once it's been purchased and loaded, you don't have to set up tents, stoves, etc. And you can go up and down the coast as you please. Check into a Class C RV (like a Tioga)for starters... it's a bit smaller, so you don't have to necessarily drive a big 40-footer. We enjoy the freedom our RV provides us, and have taken some wonderful family vacations in it. My wife and I aren't too far in age from you, and we've perfected our setup and breakdown, so it only takes a couple minutes to park, level, and hook up the RV.

Good luck!