vintage camping photos

1970s california camping trip

My grandparents loved camping. My mother often talks about the camping and boating excursions they took as a family when she still lived at home. After she graduated, they bought a bigger camper that was always known as "the motorhome." They spent much of their free time enjoying it with family and friends until my grandpa died of cancer in 1984. 

Instead of immediately selling the motorhome, my grandma kept it parked at their home until I was five or six years old. For that reason, I remember hanging out in it. I thought it was the coolest thing ever.

I think those childhood experiences are responsible for my love of vintage campers. I expect Jonathan and I will own one of our own someday. We have dreams of taking a cross-country trip and a trip up the California coast.

I'm not going to lie -- I googled "1977 Dodge motorhome" after I wrote this post. Turns out, a few of these guys are still on the road.

Joan and Sid's motorhome and boat parked in front of their home in Cerritos, California in 1977.

Joan and Sid's motorhome and boat parked in front of their home in Cerritos, California in 1977.

Camping with friends.

Camping with friends.

My grandpa Sid wearing a very nice apron!

My grandpa Sid wearing a very nice apron!

Sid and his friends all donning aprons.

Sid and his friends all donning aprons.

A toast to good friends inside the motorhome.

A toast to good friends inside the motorhome.

Also had to share this photo....

A photo of a beautiful butterfly that was taken in their backyard.

A photo of a beautiful butterfly that was taken in their backyard.