It’s mid-January 2020 but you wouldn’t know it from the thousands of people exploring campers and motor homes at the Washington Camping and RV show at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly, Va., from Jan. 10 to 12. Some came to explore, others to buy that dream camper before peak season arrives.

From the pop-up roofs in vans like the Dodge Ram, reminiscent of the VW’s old pop-top bus, to full size, deluxe motor homes, prospective buyers with backpacks, strollers, and walkers had an opportunity to step inside to see how they’re equipped. And equipped they are.

When driving on the highway, I always wonder what the interiors look like. My favorites in terms of appearance are the small ones made by Airstream. They’re compact, have an aerodynamic design, and are furnished comfortably with double beds, bunks, kitchens with cooking areas and refrigerators. Some have built in showers, tubs and toilets.

The larger vehicles can be quote luxurious. Even Mercedes is in the game, in addition to all the other brands one sees on the road. Sleeping for six, nearly full-size kitchens, fold out awnings to protect your outdoor cooking space, and for those who just cannot free themselves from electronics, space for a large flat-screen TV! Fuel efficiency depends on the model and how you use it. According to the manufacturers, many smaller, Class C camper vans can get up to 18-20 mpg.

To borrow a phrase from Irving Berlin, “from the mountains to the prairies to the oceans white with foam,” camping however you do it is a wonderful way to get outdoors to enjoy nature and see the country. Be sure to take in some of it in 2020!

For more information about future shows, see http://www.gsevents.com/rv-shows.cfm. They are sponsored by Good Sam Media & Events, which produces MotorHome and Trailer Life magazines and their companion websites.

Not to be overlooked, the campground reps were there in strong numbers, including several from KOA and a few east of Richmond – Jellystone at Gloucester Point, and Bethpage at Urbanna. Both are less than 20 minutes from the Chesapeake Bay. For those able to handle the sleeping bag experience, many of today’s campgrounds have wonderful amenities. Others rent cabins and are dog-friendly.