A Family’s Journey into Camping

Bill and Kimberly’s outdoor journey began shortly after their boys were born. Their favorite local activity was driving on the beach for a day trip, but with a new baby, the amount of gear required increased while the time they could comfortably spend decreased. That’s when they discovered that some beaches in their area allowed camping just a few feet from the ocean—solving all their problems. They purchased a basic travel trailer, and from that moment, they were hooked on camping.

Once they had their travel trailer for beach trips, they quickly realized they could take their young children to incredible spots within a few hours of home—all while keeping their belongings with them. The cost-effectiveness of camping also made a significant impact, especially in the beginning. However, it was the family bonding and the joy it brought to their kids that truly solidified their love for this lifestyle.

The Evolution of Their Adventures

Life changed dramatically for the family within just two years—they started their family, bought a house, and dove headfirst into the camping lifestyle. However, they travel far more now than they ever did in the past, and they wouldn’t trade it for anything. One of their favorite aspects of traveling is seeing how other people modify and adapt their motorhomes for different regions and purposes. As a hands-on car enthusiast, Bill could not wait to customize their Entegra Coach Esteem 29V Class C motorhome to make it their own. His profession as a steamfitter also gave him valuable insight into winterizing their rig for cold-weather camping. Still, they feel the most at home on the beach—their family’s happy place.

Their original goal was simple: to enjoy more quality family time at the beach with their young children. However, camping quickly became so much more. The more they travel, the more their children gain invaluable life experiences. Their adventures have bonded the family in ways they never imagined, creating memories they’ll cherish forever.

Unexpected Benefits of Traveling

One of the biggest surprises of traveling in their motorhome has been the versatility of their Entegra Coach Class C motorhome. They use it not just for vacations but also for day trips to kids' sporting events, concerts, and more. The 29V floor plan allows them to enjoy their motorhome even when the slides are fully shut, making it perfect for tight parking situations.

Although they are not full-time, they make the most of their time on the road. During summer vacations and holidays, they embark on long trips, covering significant ground across the country. Some of their most memorable experiences include exploring Acadia National Park in Maine, whale watching, visiting the Henry Ford Museum in Michigan, and enjoying the magic of Fort Wilderness in Florida. Niagara Falls—both the U.S. and Canadian sides—is another family favorite.

Looking ahead, they’re eager to travel west to explore national parks such as Arches, Grand Canyon, and Moab.

Moments That Make Travel Special

For the Savage Trails clan, the best travel moments happen unexpectedly. One such experience occurred when they stopped for a quick lunch in an open parking lot, only to discover a stunning river flowing through a deep canyon. These kinds of spontaneous discoveries happen often and are part of what makes traveling so rewarding.

Their Camping Style and Travel Philosophy

With their kids still in school and both parents working full-time, their travel schedule revolves around school breaks and holidays. Fortunately, the Kim is a teacher, and Bill has flexibility in selecting his jobs, allowing them to maximize family travel time. They take advantage of every opportunity to get on the road, and when they do, they move fast—exploring as much as possible rather than staying in one place for extended periods.

Planning is key to their travel style. Kim meticulously organizes trips, creating travel plans that outline GPS locations, estimated travel times, and arrival schedules. While they allow time for spontaneous discoveries, their overall trips are carefully structured to maximize their experiences. They’re big fans of Harvest Hosts, frequently discovering hidden gems through the program.

While they agree that the term “Modern Nomads” applies to some in the full-time lifestyle, they also recognize that many are highly structured and less nomadic in nature. Still, they embrace the term and its meaning within the community.

Unforgettable Experiences on the Road

Among their most surprising travel experiences was encountering a mother bear and her cubs fishing for salmon right near their campsite. Watching the bears catch fish and feast on the riverbank was a sight they’ll never forget.

One of their funniest travel moments happened after six years of camping. They accidentally left their campsite with the awning still extended. They initially thought fellow campers were waving goodbye, only to realize they were frantically signaling to warn them. Luckily, one particularly serious camper got their attention just in time to prevent a collision with a tree!

Advice for Aspiring Campers

For anyone considering this lifestyle but feeling hesitant, Bill and Kimberly has one simple message: just do it. Renting or borrowing a motorhome or travel trailer is an excellent way to start and will quickly show how simple and rewarding the experience can be. The community is incredibly supportive, and help is always available when needed. There’s never been a campground where someone didn’t offer a friendly wave or lend a helping hand.

Travel is about taking that first step. Too many people talk about seeing the world but never take action. Life is short, and there’s a whole world beyond one’s hometown. Bill and Kimberly believes that adventure starts with a single step forward—so why wait!

Follow Savage Trails

For more of their adventures, follow them on social media:

Instagram: @savage_trails_ny

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