Vacation has always been a priority. Our family needs that downtime away from home to reconnect and rejuvenate. We always come back ready to tackle the day-to-day tasks with renewed energy. As a large family of 9, vacation affordability is always a challenge. However, we have found our happy place in becoming proud glampers.
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Why We Chose Glamping Over Tent Camping
When the kids were very little, our vacations primarily consisted of visiting family or traveling with them. I grew up camping as a child, and I’ve always desired camping experiences for my kids. Paul was unsure, but as always, he was willing to try.
We did try tent camping once, and quickly found that it was not for us. It could have been the time of year—it was October—that was our downfall. It ended up being rainy, and at night we were all freezing. Nursing a baby in the middle of the night and trying to stay warm was futile.
I also really struggled with keeping the tent clean. Even without rain, mud and dirt made their way into the tent no matter how hard I tried to control it. Props to anyone who can tent camp with little kids, but I had already been spoiled by a camper growing up—and Paul was not a natural camper. There was no way I was going to win him over to the camping lifestyle with a tent.
How We Became Glampers
Our homeschooling group does an annual 4th of July camping trip. We were successful renting a pop-up camper a couple of times. At that point, we hadn’t thought seriously about purchasing one, but we were content renting once a year.
Then, an old family friend of my parents gifted us their old pop-up camper. It was amazing how we weren’t even searching, and this one generous act opened the door to family camping adventures.
Our First Glamping Adventure: Florida Family Camping in a Pop-Up Camper
We finally had a way to do an affordable family vacation. Maryland is tough in January and February, and I decided I needed some sunshine in winter. We had the pop-up camper, and I started researching where we could go for a family-friendly camping trip.
Little did I know, Florida State Park campsites book up a year in advance! (I am now very savvy at booking those sites!) But I found an opening at Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park, located in Niceville, Florida. We didn’t know much about the Florida Panhandle, but we decided to go for it—and it turned out to be a beautiful first vacation in our pop-up camper.
Glamping Comforts in Nature
Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park has large, spacious campsites with electric and water hookups. We fully realized we were glampers—we loved having our own camper, but also enjoying the modern luxuries of electricity and running water.
Our kids were among the few children at the campground, but they brought joy to the elderly campers as they waved at every passerby. The kids immediately fell in love with the camping lifestyle—waking up outdoors and living freely is truly the definition of a magical childhood.
There were pesky but entertaining squirrels who eagerly waited for the chance to snatch food. I’ll never forget watching a squirrel carry a whole loaf of bread into a tree—an unforgettable glamping memory!
Discovering Florida’s Emerald Coast
We were also introduced to the Emerald Coast when we discovered the campground was near Destin, Florida. I could not believe the white sand beaches and green-blue water—this part of Florida was an absolute gem.
While we did get some torrential rain, it didn’t ruin the experience. As all the retirees ate in restaurants or inside their massive campers, we joyfully cooked under the awning in the rain. With a better system for shoes and a clean camper, the mud was manageable.
It made such a difference to have more space and beds off the ground. After dinner, we snuggled up with some Little House on the Prairie on a laptop and listened to the comforting rain on our tent beds.
Glamping While Pregnant? Yes!
I was 30 weeks pregnant with Gregory during this vacation, and the fact that we returned home happy, relaxed, and energized was a very good sign. It was refreshing to have a true family vacation that was budget-friendly and full of memories.
We also found a favorite destination in Florida. We knew we would be back to the Emerald Coast, and Paul was—well, mostly—converted to the camping lifestyle. We still had a lot to learn about how to be great glampers, but we were definitely on our way.
From Pop-Up Camper to Hybrid Camper: Finding the Right Fit for Our Large Family
We took the pop-up on one more weekend camping trip. Then the following July, we packed it up again for our annual 4th of July family camping trip. Much to our dismay, as we were packing, we realized the roof was collapsing. This trip was vital to our kids—it had become a tradition they looked forward to every summer.
In a bit of a panic, I called my parents, who owned a Jayco hybrid camper, and asked if we could borrow it so we wouldn’t have to cancel. They graciously said yes. That’s when we were quickly converted to the love of a hybrid camper.
A hybrid camper has fold-down beds on either end—giving you that tent-camping feel—but the middle section is a traditional travel trailer. This type of camper offers the best of both worlds: the fresh-air openness of tents and the solid structure of an RV.
Upgrading to Our Own Jayco Hybrid Camper
After the pop-up was no longer usable, we weren’t sure what to do next. But then Paul got a new job opportunity, and in October 2021, we were thrilled to purchase our very own Jayco hybrid camper.
This camper was a perfect fit for our growing family. With three fold-down beds and a great family-friendly layout, it offered exactly what we needed. The dinette slides out, making the camper feel incredibly spacious, and best of all—a bathroom! No more middle-of-the-night bathroom runs in the dark!
Why a Hybrid Camper Works for Us
Packing for camping is now so much easier—we have a fridge, freezer, and plenty of storage space to organize everything for our large family. And one of my favorite parts? By owning our camper, we provide our own beds away from home, creating consistency and comfort wherever we go.
Yes, there are more luxurious vacations out there—hotels and Airbnb stays (which we’ve done and will share in future posts)—but camping holds a special place in our family. There’s something uniquely bonding about quality family time spent outdoors. Camping creates memories we’ll never forget.
And of course, there’s still a bit of wildness that defines our family. Like the time our vacation kicked off with an urgent care visit and stitches—on day one!
Our Favorite Glamping Campgrounds (So Far!)
So far, we’ve traveled to Cowan’s Gap State Park, PA, Acadia National Park, ME, St. Andrews State Park, FL (twice!), Anastasia State Park, FL, and Pymatuning State Park, PA.
St. Andrews State Park is by far our favorite—with full hookup campsites and waterfront views for just $28 a night. It’s a gem for families looking for affordable glamping destinations with kids.
We have many more family camping adventures planned as we continue to elevate our travel to the glamping level. Camping is not only manageable for our large family of nine, but it also truly still feels like a vacation.
Whenever possible, we search for full hookup campsites so we can enjoy all the comforts of home—yes, even our espresso machine! There’s nothing quite like sipping a latte from our Breville espresso maker while watching the kids ride bikes around the campground.
Cheers to proud glampers and affordable large family vacations!
Continue to follow us for more camping reviews, glamping tips, and family travel inspiration—with 7 kids in tow!
Before You Go – Don’t Forget the Free Camping Checklist! – a way to not forget the forgettables!
Planning a camping trip can feel like a lot to remember—but I’ve got you covered. I created a free printable Camping Checklist that we personally use as a big family to make sure nothing gets left behind (not even the s’more sticks!).
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