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When you hit the local campground for the weekend, you’ll encounter many people. They may all enjoy camping and spending time with family and friends, but the way they approach camping can be unique.
Let’s look at ten different types of campers, from people who love to party to those who love to relax. Then you can identify which one you are. Let’s dive in!
Different Types of RVers
Knowing camping styles is like knowing someone’s Enneagram number. It helps understand why they do what they do and gives a little insight into their lifestyle.
When your neighbor is out late, sitting at the campfire alone reading a book, it doesn’t necessarily mean they have no friends. It could be that this is their way of relaxing after a long work week.
They aren’t looking to party or participate in activities or make many friends. Relaxation is the goal.
Let’s look at ten examples of different types of campers!
1. The New Gadget Lover
If you’ve parked next to a Class A motorhome with Starlink, Dish Tailgater, and solar panels, your neighbor may be a new gadget lover. These campers usually have all the coolest toys, and everyone goes to their campsite to check them out.
They may buy new gadgets to leave reviews. They may even do YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok reviews. It may be that they love having the latest new RVing toy.
When someone new hits the market, they’ll be the first to make the purchase. These RVers can be knowledgeable and helpful when you’re deciding between products.
If you want to know if the latest Garmin RV GPS is worth upgrading to, they’re the ones who can give you a good recommendation.
2. The Partier
Partiers are probably the easiest campers to identify. They’re loud, they play music, and they’re never alone.
They always have a campfire burning and a drink in their hand. Partiers know what’s going on around the campground and can give you the best spots to have a good time in town.
They’re looking to enjoy the weekend with their buddies because they know Monday’s coming.
3. The Planner
While the partier isn’t a challenge to identify, the planner is trickier. This is someone who does all of the behind-the-scenes work to make the weekend the best.
Every detail of the trip is written down, from the best hiking trails to dinner. Planners will often end up in the best sites and have the best outdoor area set-ups because they booked in advance and know precisely what everyone in their family needs to have a good time.
Planners are excellent campers who can help you get the latest scoop on activities at the campground or find local attractions.
Keep in Mind: Full-timers probably know what they’re doing, but you’re not a True RVer Until You’ve Done These 10 Things.
4. The Ultimate Relaxer
Some people may have the impression that all campers are the ultimate relaxers. While many campers do enjoy relaxing, there are a few who embrace this more than others.
You’ll find them reading by the pool or in a hammock taking a nap. They have no agenda or plans to do anything except relax.
Some may order out every night or go to town to eat every meal. They aren’t interested in making friends or hanging out. Most of them would prefer to be left alone or with their partner.
Pro Tip: Think you want to go full-time, but your partner isn’t all that into it? Read our tips on How to Convince Your Partner to Go Full-Time RVing!
5. The Tailgater
Another easy camper to identify is the tailgater. These campers deck their rigs out with their favorite team’s logo, and you can find them sitting in front of their outdoor TV all weekend long.
Instead of the typical “Welcome to Our Campsite” flag in their yard, the tailgater has a sports flag flying proudly. You’re welcome to join them in watching the game but be prepared for some trash-talking.
Their goal for the weekend is to watch their team win the game.
6. The Ghost Camper
Ironically, ghost campers are easy to identify because you never see them. They aren’t jamming out to the latest country hit or yelling at the TV screen because the referee made a bad call.
Many pull into the site, spend the weekend inside their camper, and leave without walking to the dumpster or starting a campfire. Ghost campers could also be tailgaters or ultimate relaxers, but you’d never know because they stay inside the whole weekend.
On the other hand, you might never see a ghost camper because they’re rarely at the campsite. As soon as they arrive, they take their car and head out to the nearest hiking trail or check out the downtown area.
They don’t come back to the campsite until after dinner, and then the next day, they’re gone before you take the dog out for a walk.
7. The Off-Grid Elitist
If you’re boondocking in a National Park, you may run into the off-grid elitist. This isn’t the regular camper that likes dry camping.
These people never fail to tell you how many days they’ve boondocked in a row. You sense them judging you for using a generator because their roof has solar panels from end to end.
Off-grid elitists know down to the minute how long their batteries will last and when they need to empty their tanks. These campers are proud of their accomplishments as dry camping professionals.
8. The Retiree
Generally, you’ll find retirees at pleasant campgrounds or RV resorts. They want all the amenities and are willing to pay for them.
They attend the morning pool aerobics class and enjoy driving around the campground in their golf cart. The retiree may also be a new gadget lover who seeks the latest toy to outfit the rig and enhance the camping experience.
Usually, these campers aren’t ghost campers or off-grid elitists. They want to get out, enjoy the amenities of the RV park, and camp in luxury.
Keep in Mind: Thinking about full-time RVing in retirement? Make sure to read these 10 Signs that you will not make it as a full-time RVer first!
9. The Wingin’ It Camper
Unlike the planner, the wingin’ it camper makes no plans. These campers show up at the campground, hoping to get a site that day.
They may get stuck in the worst place at the RV park, but they make the most of it and still have a great time.
They may run out to the store several times during the weekend because they forgot to pack certain kitchen items or ignored the weather and needed different clothes. These campers go with the flow and make decisions on the fly.
Similar to the partier, the social butterfly will surround themselves with people. You’ll find them at every campground activity and watch them ride around in their golf cart, looking to strike up a conversation.
They come up and talk to you on your site while walking the dog, whether you want them to or not. They know every detail of the campground gossip and can bring you out of your shell if you give them a chance.
Which Type of Camper Are You?
Maybe you’re a three on the Enneagram spectrum or an ENFP according to the Myers-Briggs test. These personality tests help us know more about ourselves and others and what makes us tick.
But understanding different campers may make your weekend experience more enjoyable. You’ll see why that guy is always stopping to say hello. You’ll know why that mom has a checklist in her hand all day long. People camp with different goals in mind.
Do you like to bring the party or want to withdraw inside your cozy Class A? Do you have the whole weekend planned out, or are you just winging it to see what happens? Which camper are you? Let us know in the comments below!
Winging it ghost camper
We are #11
We are actually a combination of numbers 4,6,and 8
I’m definately the planner. I use RV Trip Wizard for the entire trip, including rest areas and gas stops. Without RV Trip Wizard I would be lost and be on edge!