Since retiring four years ago, my wife Diane and I have gone all in on vintage camping. We often come home from a rally excited to share stories from the weekend, only to be met with polite smiles and puzzled looks. If you haven’t experienced it yourself, it can be hard to understand the appeal. As the saying goes, it takes one to know one.
There’s something special about nesting into a vintage camper and spending time with people who share the same passion. One look through this magazine shows just how deeply people connect with their trailers. Our go-to camper—and favorite of the six we’ve owned—is a restored 1961 Shasta Deluxe 19’. It has everything we need to be comfortable, and the moment you step inside, the honey-colored birch interior feels warm and welcoming. Add in the classic canned-ham shape, wings, and two-tone paint, and it’s easy to see why these trailers turn heads.
Rallies usually kick off with a meet-and-greet and quickly roll into potlucks, games, demonstrations, swap meets, dances, and even classic movie nights. Campgrounds buzz with activity, especially during open houses when locals stop by to admire the trailers. But you rarely need a formal invitation—vintage campers are usually happy to show off their rigs anytime, whether they’re rough originals or freshly restored showpieces.
The people are what truly make vintage camping special. Campers come from every walk of life and every age group. While we once expected the crowd to skew older, we’ve been delighted to see so many younger families joining in. Sitting under the awning in a camp chair, drink in hand, as friends wander by to visit is about as good as it gets.
After years of rallies, the campground now feels like a familiar but ever-changing neighborhood. Some faces and trailers return year after year, sometimes in new spots or with new campers. There are always newcomers too, adding fresh energy and stories to the mix. Creativity is everywhere, from themed decorations and colorful lights to different approaches to restoration—some keep things original, others blend modern comforts with vintage style.
Evenings bring campfires, music, laughter, and shared stories. Advice flows as freely as conversation, and we’ve never left a rally without learning something new. Vintage camping is about far more than trailers—it’s about community, creativity, and the simple joy of slowing down together.
Ten years ago I never would have guessed that our lives would center so much around vintage camping as it does today. Nor could I have imagined how life-giving this involvement has been for Diane and me. If you are not yet on board but are considering joining the vintage camping community, I am confident that you will be in for a great ride once you put your hands on that first vintage camper! And I know you will be warmly welcomed when you show up in the “neighborhood”. Find a rally near you!
