I don't want to quit

[cmartin748]

I am slowly losing my sight due to diabetic retinopathy. Not looking for sympathy but for someone that wants to go camping but doesn't have the means and is willing to drive. I've looked at some websites but most sound like hookup sites or dating sites. I'm 65 and am not looking for that sort of thing. Anyone have any sites to recommend?

[thrifty bill]

Adventure touring companies. For example, we did a hike down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon at age 61 with a friend that was 69. We used Wildland Trekking for both a guide and to provide all arrangements.

You can still seek adventure, but not perhaps with your Scamp.

On the more expensive side, I met a guy camping that hired someone to do all the setup and driving. Kind of a driving Miss Daisy operation. Had to be expensive. But if you have the money, you can't take it with you!

[ShelbyM]

There are lots of hobbies and recreational activities to choose from. Why try to force a square peg into a round hole? Time to move on

[mary and bob]

I think Charles should continue to pursue his idea. We have seen several older couples that due to loss of a spouse have joined together so that they can continue to camp. Most have RV's larger than a Scamp, but it could be made to work. There has to be someone out there for Charles, but it may take some time to find the right person. Maybe join some of the camping groups, like Tin Can Tourists, or Escapees, or look on Facebook for camping groups.

[NW Cat Owner]

Originally Posted by thrifty bill

On the more expensive side, I met a guy camping that hired someone to do all the setup and driving. Kind of a driving Miss Daisy operation. Had to be expensive. But if you have the money, you can't take it with you!

I was talking to one of the camp hosts at an OR State park last year. Another camp host did the same thing - hired someone to move her trailer to another park she was hosting at. He did all the set up and everything for her. Heck if I know where she found him, though.

[Mike Magee]

Regarding your eye and overall health, you might google Dr Esselstyn at Cleveland Clinic. He is helping people stop and even reverse the progression of diabetes as well as cardiopulmonary diseases, via a whole foods plant based diet. Best wishes to you, and I hope you can keep camping for a long time.

[Darral T.]

I'm sorry but I have an opinion on this. Camping is NOT for the "faint of heart" with anyone in perfect health. Wife and I have learned that over the past 9 yrs of ownership of my Scamp 13'er.

IF someone that's basically disabled wants to camp, I see NO option but to have enough funds to support "hiring" a driver/setup person. Therefore, you will be taken to the campground and just walk in....IF I'm interpreting the topic by the OP correctly.

In Foley, AL, we spoke with a gentleman (non-handicapped) who owned a huge 5th Wheel Toy-Hauler that didnt own a truck!! He kept the 5th wheel in storage there at Johnny's RV. When he got ready to camp, he called, they pulled it to a camping spot for him and he was off to the races!

That's it.

Originally Posted by cmartin748

I am slowly losing my sight due to diabetic retinopathy. Not looking for sympathy but for someone that wants to go camping but doesn't have the means and is willing to drive. I've looked at some websites but most sound like hookup sites or dating sites. I'm 65 and am not looking for that sort of thing. Anyone have any sites to recommend?

[Rzrbrn]

What Darrel said.

We were out west and a company towed in a very large fifth whee, then drove off. We talked to the lady, her husband was going to arrive later in the week with their adult son. They did not own a tow vehicle, just paid to have it towed. They were only going to be in that spot for about a week then have it towed elsewhere.

First thing she did was to have the driver set up a table before he left. She then put on a table both and had a flower centerpiece. Glamping at its finest!

Encountered something similar on the Hwy 1 near Westport, CA. Some guy had his fifth wheel being towed by a commercial rig.

[monB]

Think maybe that comes under the header "differently abled".

Scamps being "a little close" might be a problem...you open to going in a different trailer?

Maybe someone who can see/drive fine but is physically unable to set up, maybe in a wheelchair?

Maybe a driver who is young, broke, but wants to see the world and is more than willing to sleep in a tent? (seems like that may entail a small salary though)

There SHOULD be a website available somewhere....maybe Escapees?

Mon

[Kai in Seattle]

I would not want to be in such close quarters with a stranger ("new friend"). Even old friendships sometimes cannot survive such endeavors.

I think the having it towed by a commercial hauler is quite a good idea. You can ride in the towing vehicle in comfort.

PS: I, too, am slowly losing my vision due to diabetic retinopathy/macular edema. I am avoiding the surgery for now as the best upsides are small and the worst downside is blindless. I've had my condition about 15 years. Avastin eyeball shots helped a LOT but it takes months to really enjoy the effects. Scattershot laser treatments helped as well.


At this point I am still "allowed" to drive. My two eye doctors both said as long as I drive in daylight in familiar territory...I quit driving on the freeway a long time ago.


That said, I couldn't go camping if it were all up to me. Without Paul, Peanut becomes an unattached bedroom in our driveway. I would probably sell it.


I know you don't want sympathy--neither do I. I do take 20mg lutein with xeaxanthin daily (for whatever that's worth)--and have lost 50 pounds. I saw online that sometimes losing weight improves your vision. Sounded too good to be true, but my retinal specialist has told me that my vision hasn't deteriorated in two or three years.

Regardless of your decisions, I wish you the best that your life still can give you. May you have enjoyable pastimes and good friends.

BEST
Kathleen
"K"

[CindyL]

I am a special education professor. I train teachers of students with disabilities. Of course you can make this work! There are groups that are visually impaired and do things like kayaking, camping, etc.
Now, do I have someone who can go with you and drive, no. However, I have a link where you might start asking questions: http://www.http://lighthouse-sf.org/ They are a group in Chicago that may have some idea of where to steer you to a solution. In fact, they are the group who arranges kayaking for the blind. I am sure that they will know local groups near you to contact who might eventually lead you to a solution.

Heck, there are enough people looking to buy fiberglass campers that might welcome the chance to drive for you to test out if they would really like fiberglass campers. Maybe post to the Facebook group on fiberglass campers?

Try this: https://lonersonwheels.com/index.html?

This can be done.


CindyL

[sharon_b]

charles, many years ago my parents bought membership in Outdoor World campgrounds. the campers were already on-site & set up. dishes, TV, the works! you just had to bring food & sheets/blankets. that sounds like what you're looking for. i've heard some of the campgrounds sold off the campers, but you may want to check it out.
good luck!

[thrifty bill]

Many larger campgrounds in destination locations have storage lots, where you call ahead, they pull your camper out, set it up at a site, and it is ready when you arrive.

[cmartin748]

Thanks to everyone for your input!

[Stephen_Albers]

I hear you. How about a no holds barred effort to get rid of your diabetes? Dr. Fuhman's book might do the trick. https://www.amazon.com/End-Diabetes-...y+joel+fuhrman

[ldsharp]

Charles, you may look into the growing group of van-dwellers. Most have self-contained rigs that are also capable of towing a trailer. A few thousand of them are currently gathered at the RTR near Quartzsite, Az. A good number are physically capable and have to fund their camping from various workcamp-type jobs (i.e. would probably rather drive and camp with you than work the beet harvest or at an Amazon sweat-shop warehouse for minimum wage). The trick, obviously, would be finding a good fit and someone you could rely on...

[Fransie]

Look up Escapees.com!
The best support company for rv’er s!
Their headquarters rainbow park in livingston, has a Care Center! You can stay in your rv on site and they have different support programs to let you keep on living the rv life style!

[Lee Senn]

sounds like a possible good match for college students who might want to travel during the summer. Post on nearby campus boards might yield some positive responses. Lee and Norma

[jodimckenna56]

I’d go camping with you. Don’t know where you are at? I’m camp hosting in the REDWOODS in Cali right now. I’m of age as well but get around all over the map but love living free in coastal Cali while I can.

[Pete Drewcock]

As others have noted, your trailer is mighty cozy for stangers. Perhaps you should start by expressing the preferred gender of your companion.