Hi everyone! We're looking at picking up a 13' Scamp with bathroom at the front by next spring, but there are 3 of us and we're concerned about space. It's two adults and a toddler (will be 2 next summer). We don't mind if it's a little tight -- we've done tent camping for many years! But we'd prefer of course to be as comfortable as possible (part of the reason for moving on to a camper instead of tent camping).
I'd prefer to stick with a 13' model so that we can pull it with our current crossover vehicle. Going up to a 16' would obviously provide more room, but then we'd have to get a new tow vehicle.
Anyone with a 13' able to provide some thoughts on this? Could 2 parents and 1 child fit reasonably well on the bed? Could we lay a mat down on the floor for nights if needed (is there enough room on the floor...)? Anyone thoughts are appreciated -- thank you!
If you are used to tent camping and want to stick with a 13', a better option might be to check out one without a bathroom. There is not a whole lot of floor space for sleeping, and unless you and your husband are quite slender, the bed would be super-tight for two adults and a toddler. The front couch/bunk bed adds a significant percentage of space to the interior.
Rhonda Riebow
Thank you! This advice is very helpful. We were considering this option but weren't sure if we really "need" the bathroom or not. While I'm sure the bathroom is convenient, we ARE used to tent camping and I think better sleep beats out a convenient shower. :)
Thanks again
I use my Scamp for short trips on my own (no bathroom), but we also camp in a big fifth wheel. We rarely shower in it because it uses up our fresh water quickly--we usually don't camp in full-hookup situations. When I Scamp camp I get a spot close to the bathrooms for my inevitable 3:00 am "wakeup call". I think most people who camp in small trailers never use the shower, but like the convenience and privacy of their own bathroom. You give up a lot of space for that in a Scamp 13' though.
Rhonda Riebow
We've had a Scamp 16' front bunk since 2006 with no toilet, shower, holding tanks, or water heater. Never missed them and like the simplicity. Our 16' has enough space for a side bathroom, which we ordered empty, and we have a porta-potti in there. You can slide one of those into the front storage under the bench/bunk in a 13' for night time use.
I've since added an electric water pump to make the sink more convenient and would probably order a gray water tank if I had it to do again. Water for washing is easily heated on the stove. Most campground showers are quite nice. Everyone's idea of what is "needed" for camping is different.
BumpShaman, Try to find a 13 Scamp or two in your area that you could look at. Calling Scamp may get you names of people who have bought them near you.
In a "big bed" 13 Scamp the bed is almost a full queen size to give you an idea. Would you three be able to sleep in a queen size bed?
Our 13 does not have a bath and we have found that we don't need one. As above most campgrounds have passable toilets.
My concern with three of you in one bed is; are you going to want to get a different camper in four or five years? Kids grow up fast! With the front bunk 13 Scamp three of you could sleep in it until the kid is a teen at least.
Our 1974 13' SCAMP (with no bathroom) has a couch across the front that converts into bunk beds. Our two boys slept on them into their teen years. When they were small, for safety we put a board along the outside of the upper bunk: this method could be used to create a safe "bassinet" for the baby.
Scamps come with queen/full bed size options. I got the queen size with bathroom. Toddler will have to sleep in same bed if queen (I can't speak for full).
My fiance suggested she come along when I used my Scamp for a bicycle tour event and bring my Basset Hounds. That just wouldn't have worked, there's barely enough room for the two of us, but no way there'd be any floor space with the two medium sized dogs. The 3am trip to the bathroom would have been absolute chaos.
But, I can see it working if you opt out of the bathroom option.
A while ago, I watched a youtube video of a young couple and a toddler living (not camping, living) in a 13' without bathroom. It was incredibly cramped, and the bunk beds were critical as the second bed added storage space. I'm pretty sure the living arrangements were temporary, and my memory of the video (I couldn't find it just now) was meant to be upbeat and to show it's doable, but it was a difficult enough looking of a situation without the bathroom. I don't think they could have pulled it off with the bathroom.
As for the other comment about the shower, I find so far that I can take three showers on a tank, maybe four at best. I always pack a 6 gallon water jug to use if needed, two trips to a water source and your fresh water is pretty much full again.
I generally don't use the toilet during the day, opt for campground facilities but it sure comes in handy for late night uses.
Hey everyone -- thanks for all the great responses! We really appreciate it.
We put in an order with Scamp for the 13' without the bathroom (front bed(s) instead). After reading the responses and considering everything, we decided this made the most sense for us. We're used to tent camping so... NOT having a bathroom right there in the camper with us is no big deal.
I'm going to make a separate thread to see if anyone in the NY (preferably Long Island) area has a 13' without a bathroom that we can check it. If I don't get responses, I'll reach out to Scamp and see if they can get me in contact with anyone around here.
Thanks again for all the insight and thoughts