Mud, marshmallows and making memories

How The Rolling Estate balances planning, spontaneity and family time on the road

For “Mama S,” “Mommy J” and “Little R” of The Rolling Estate, RVing isn't about packing every trip with destinations and activities. The Ontario family has embraced a part-time “weekend warrior” approach to camping, using their Coachmen Freedom Express to escape the everyday routine, explore new places and make time for each other, (with their furry family members, Ranger M, Ember and Ash, along for the adventure). Their travels might revolve around a NASCAR weekend, a favourite swimming spot or a campground they've been wanting to visit, but some of their best memories come from the unplanned moments along the way.

That balance between adventure and downtime is at the heart of The Rolling Estate. The family has learned that RV travel doesn't always go according to plan — and that's part of the fun. Uneven campsites, changing weather, forgotten items and tired kids can all become part of the story. We caught up with Mama S and Mommy J to talk about their approach to RV travel, finding family-friendly destinations, planning Ontario camping trips and making the best memories. 

What first led you to start travelling in an RV?

We're a part-time camping family, weekend warriors as some may say. 

Mama S grew up camping and Mommy J had a seasonal camper in her adult life. As our family grew, we knew we wanted to make our own camping memories with Little R. Camping is a way for us to escape the hustle and bustle of the day to day, and reconnect as a family. We love getting outside, exploring together, creating traditions, and experiencing new places. RV travel gives us the flexibility to balance work, family life, and adventure in a way that really fits us.

Why did you choose the Coachmen RV Freedom Express?

The Freedom Express ended up being the right balance for our family — lightweight enough for our setup, but still comfortable for longer trips. We wanted something practical for Ontario provincial parks and road trips, while still feeling cozy and functional for family travel. It makes camp life comfortable without losing the simplicity we love about camping.

How would you describe your RV lifestyle in three words?

Adventurous, cozy, connected.

What was the biggest adjustment when you first started RV travel?

Learning that RV travel isn’t about trying to do everything perfectly. Things go wrong sometimes — weather changes, things get forgotten, sites are uneven, things break — and we had to learn to accept those little challenges. We embrace the idea that a bad day at camp is still better than a good day at work or school.

How do you decide where to go next on your travels?

We usually start with a mix of practical planning and curiosity. Sometimes it’s based around a specific experience like NASCAR weekend, monarch migration season, or a campground we’ve always wanted to try. Other times we’re chasing waterfalls, swimming spots, or somewhere peaceful to unplug for a few days.

Do you prefer structured itineraries or more spontaneous stops?

We’re definitely a mix of both. Mama S likes planning local activities and having a solid meal plan. Mommy J needs to know the route logistics and site specifics. But some of our favourite memories have come from Little R's spontaneous plans like late night star-gazing or extending a beach day because nobody wanted to leave.

What does a typical travel week look like for you on the road?

A typical week usually balances adventure with slower family time. We’ll explore local attractions or trails during the day, spend evenings around the campfire, and try to build in downtime too. There’s usually coffee for Mommy J, tea for Mama S, swimming for Little R, and at least one camp meal that becomes the highlight of the trip.

How far ahead do you usually plan campgrounds or destinations?

For popular Ontario parks or summer weekends, we try to plan several months ahead because sites book quickly. For shorter trips or off-season camping, we can be much more flexible. Securing the type of site we need for our RV is crucial for a low-stress set up.

What’s your process for finding RV-friendly spots?

We love exploring Ontario Parks and are working on visiting all RV-friendly parks. We look at campground reviews, site photos, park maps, and family-friendly amenities. A good beach is essential for Little R. We also love hearing recommendations from other campers and discovering places through the RV and camping community online.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

One thing that’s important to us is recognizing that many of the places we camp and explore are on Indigenous lands. We try to include thoughtful land acknowledgements in our content as a reminder that these spaces have long histories and ongoing significance beyond recreation.

We also try to show a realistic version of RV travel. Not every trip is perfectly curated, sometimes it’s muddy shoes, burnt marshmallows, tired kids, or changing plans. But those moments often become the stories we remember most.

And at the end of the day, that’s really what The Rolling Estate is about: building memories together, one campsite at a time.