Camping in a tent or sleeping on the hard ground isn't everyone's idea of a meaningful experience with nature. Nowadays, a camping trip often means "roughing it" in a recreational vehicle.

It makes sense. Most Baby Boomers have graduated from backpacking and even tent camping. A slab of uneven, rocky soil isn't as forgiving as it once was. Many campers today are looking for something a little more comfy.

A motorhome, travel trailer, or other RV is like a small cabin on wheels -- usually complete with stove, oven, refrigerator shower, toilet, beds, heater and 12-volt electrical power.

Smaller units may not have bathrooms or hot water. Some rigs, though, have lounge areas, air conditioners, bathtubs, microwave ovens, built-in color televisions and generators for extra power. More often than not these days, an RV comes equipped with at least one slide-out room. Push a button and a side section of the RV extends out, vastly expanding the interior living space.

When asked why they like the RV lifestyle, RVers cite the convenience of cooking their own meals, sleeping in their own bed and taking a hot shower at any place, any time, even in a remote campground. They also mention that with an RV they are always packed and ready-to-go.

Compared to automobile travel, where motorists eat at restaurants and sleep in motels, vacationing in a RV is economical. Gasoline and campsites are the major expense. Food costs the same as at home because you cook your own meals. And even though fuel prices have increased in recent times, most RVers say they will keep on traveling. Sales of recreational vehicles in 2005 were at all time highs.

Campsites are reasonable -- most from about $15 to $35 a night. A surprising number of public campgrounds are still free or less than $10.

There is, of course, an initial investment. Motorhomes, the most expensive RVs, sell from $30,000 to $300,000 with most between $40,000 and $100,000. The over-$100,000 units are favored by "full-timers," mostly retired couples who live in their rigs much or all of the year. Less expensive motorhomes are best suited for part-time RVers. These units may not have wet bars, trash compactors or built-in televisions, but they're ideal for weekend camping trips and summer vacations.

Truck and van campers are more compact than motorhomes, but offer many of the same features at a lower price. Travel trailers, tent trailers, and fifth wheelers (trailers with a raised forward section) have no engines and are therefore less expensive to purchase than motorhomes. They may, however, require a special tow vehicle, which can be costly if a would-be RVer doesn't already own one.

A good idea for many first-time RVers, or buyers on a budget, is to start with a used unit. Second-hand trailers are often available for less than $10,000; used motorhomes sell from $15,000 and up. Buyers should take caution when buying used, and never buy off a shopping center parking lot, campground or other non-traditional place. Its best, too, before buying a used unit to hire a RV technician and mechanic to check it out for problems. Repairing hidden water damage can cost thousands of dollars.

For those who have never camped in a recreational vehicle but are thinking of buying one, it's a good idea to rent one first to see if they're suited to the RV lifestyle. Motorhomes rent for about $600 to $1,200 a week depending on location, model of rig and time of year. Trailers are considerably cheaper. To find a local rental dealer, consult your telephone directory under "Recreational Vehicles -- Renting and Leasing."

Before buying your first recreational vehicle, learn all you can about the different types on the market. Talk to people who own RVs and ask them what they like and dislike about their rigs. Magazines like Trailer Life and Motorhome offer excellent advice; both are available on major newsstands. Hundreds of how-to books and DVDs are available on virtually every aspect of RVing. Check your local library or RVbookstore.com.

Be sure, too, to attend RV shows that are held periodically in large cities. These shows are a great place for would-be RVers who are convinced they want a rig but still need help deciding which type of vehicle best suits their needs and budget. But be cautious about buying at a show, and don't buy on impulse. Special show prices will almost always be honored two weeks later back at a dealership, no matter what a salesman claims at the show.

For most RVers, a recreational vehicle is the second biggest purchase of a lifetime next to a home. And, like buying a home, it pays to shop around carefully before making a choice.

Chuck Woodbury is the editor of RVtravel.com and the host of the Better Business Bureau Video Series DVD "Buying a Recreational Vehicle." As an RVer, he has been profiled on ABC World News Tonight and NBC's Today Show, and in People Magazine, USA Today and in hundreds of other newspapers and periodicals. When he is not on the road in his motorhome, he lives and works in Edmonds, Washington.