Camper Life Chronicles: Things I Miss (And Things I’m Glad I Left Behind)

When I tell people I live in a camper, they either look at me like I’m a pioneer or a woman on the edge. Maybe a little of both. Truth is, there are a few things I miss - and a whole lot more I’m glad I left behind. Turns out, 200 square feet can hold a whole lot of peace, a whole lot of coffee, and just enough room for a big life.

Home isn’t four walls — it’s a wide-open sky, a patch of earth, and a view like this — the place where I finally found myself.

💛 This one’s for the folks who asked, “Wait... you really live in a camper?”

Read all about it 👇

When I casually mentioned that I live in a camper, a few folks messaged me like I’d just said I live on the moon. So let me clear it up: yes, I live in a camper. On purpose. And no, I haven’t lost my mind (yet). Turns out, there’s a whole lot of beauty, comfort, and solace crammed into 200 square feet.

What I Gained from Downsizing:

There’s a strange kind of peace that comes from knowing exactly where everything you own is… mostly because it’s all within arm’s reach. I traded cluttered drawers and endless laundry for quiet mornings with fog rising over the mountains. Freedom? It’s real - and it smells like fresh air and eggs sizzling on a single burner.

What I Miss (But Don’t Actually Need):

Sure, I miss a full-size oven. And a couch that doesn’t double as storage for all my shoes. Sometimes I miss a nice big bathtub especially when the day has been long and I need to unwind. But the truth? I don’t need any of it. I’ve learned how little I actually require to live a full, rich, beautiful life.

Life Lessons from Camper Living:

Living in a camper will teach you patience real quick. Especially when it’s raining and you’re sprinting back and forth to your mom’s house just to do laundry. It teaches resilience too - like how to stay calm when your heater dies in December or your propane runs out at 3AM. But it also teaches gratitude. Every small comfort - a hot shower, a warm cup of coffee, a soft bed - feels like a win. And hey, I’ve become a five-star chef on a hot plate, thank you very much.

Funny Realities of Camper Life:

Camper living keeps you humble. It’s hard to take yourself too seriously when you’re dumping your own wastewater or swapping out a propane tank in your pajamas in the freezing cold. But most importantly - for me - it keeps me calm. I’ve learned that, for my mental health, small spaces bring big comfort. Like a warm hug. Over time, I kept downsizing my home until I eventually landed in the smallest one yet… and somehow, it gave me the biggest life I could imagine.

What People Don’t Understand About It:

Some folks think camper life is what you do when you’ve run out of options. But the truth is, it’s the option I chose. It’s not always easy, and it sure as heck isn’t glamorous - but it’s real. It’s raw. And it’s mine. There’s comfort in these walls. And I wouldn’t trade it for a McMansion with a wine fridge and a walk-in pantry.

Turns out, you don’t need a big house to live a big life — just a sky wide open, a patch of earth, and a place to call yours.