11 of the greatest things about living in an RV camper

One of the best ways to experience America is via its roadways. One of the main advantages of living in an RV camper is you can travel whenever you want. There's something freeing about being able to pack up your belongings and just hit the open road. Like the shell on a turtle's back, living in a camper allows you to take a piece of home wherever you go.

If you don't like the view from your front door, then it's very easy to change it. Some of the sights I've seen living in a camper include snow-capped mountains in Montana, the windy, isolated plains of South Dakota, and the sun coming up in a small Northern California town.

You can join the popular "snowbird" migration in the winter months, escaping harsh cold and snow by moving to Southern states like Florida. During the summer, if the heat is too much for you, you can move north for milder weather.

I feel like I go outside more often living in a camper than when I lived in an apartment or a house. Part of that is out of necessity — I need to go outside to stretch my legs because there is less room — but I'm also physically closer to nature. Trails and the forests at some campsites are only a few feet a way.

Many people have turned to RV campers as a cheaper and simpler way of living. An RV camper can be a great alternative for those looking to save money.

For instance, where we're staying in South Carolina, a two-to-three-bedroom house costs between $1,200 to $1,500 to rent a month, while the lot rent at our campsite is around $400. A monthly payment on an RV camper runs around $300, saving us around $500 to $800 a month.

You'll also use less utilities in a camper, saving money on water and gas bills.

Every little nook and cranny counts when living in an RV. Such small space doesn't allow you to live like a hoarder, and you have to decide what belongings matter most to you. In some ways, it can be liberating to downsize.

Due to the nomadic nature of RV campers, you'll come across a variety of interesting people in your travels. If you're staying in an RV park, most campers are only a few feet from each other so you'll have plenty of opportunities to get to know your neighbors. People who live or travel in RVs are an eclectic bunch who come from all walks of life.

Due to the confined space, you'll be seeing a lot of your travel companions and family, which can be great. I'm grateful for how living in an RV has made me closer to my family during the coronavirus pandemic.

Being able to work and travel is the dream for some. Living in an RV can be beneficial for someone who works remotely or whose job requires them to travel frequently. An RV allows you to pursue work or employment in any state without worrying about where you're going to sleep when you get there or how you're going to move your house.

Given the limited space, it's easy to tidy up and keep your living area clean. Wiping down the counters takes less time than if you were living in a house or apartment. Sweeping or vacuuming the camper also only takes a few minutes due to its size.

With summer, the grass may be greener but it's also growing twice as fast. Unlike house owners, you never have to worry about your yard. Most campsites hire staff to maintain their lawns.

• Read more:
• I'm staying in an RV with 6 members of my family during the coronavirus pandemic. Here's how we're making it work.
• Before-and-after photos show how a woman transforms vintage RVs into chic vans fit for glamping
• 14 struggles of living in an RV that no one tells you about
• 11 things you should always look for when buying an RV