The Bethany Camper was a perfect fit for our family when we were two. It had everything we needed. We put a tarp on top when it was raining and stayed dry. When it was cold, we zipped our sleeping bags together and stayed warm. It was designed with quirky storage spots and had a lovely, warm light that shone through the canvas.

We sold it after taking our (then) infant camping just one time. It was an experience. By that I mean that vintage infant camping was not fun, nor even enjoyable, but rather “character-building.” Her rolling around meant that she, and thus me, had to sleep on the floor. Just by coincidence, it ended up being cold and rainy, and I remember trying to breast-feed on the uninsulated, freezing rug and having her spit up onto the astroturf. By the way, milk is almost impossible to clean from fake grass shag.

She slept mostly, and we just didn’t have the space to move around and be comfortable as three. Our time was spent prepping, configuring, setting up, taking down, all while being as quiet as possible. We had about 45 minutes each day to relax or enjoy nature– definitely under ten percent of the time. Good times?

The photos below are from us showing the camper, pre-pandemic, at a neighborhood classic car show.

Our camper was bought in the early pandemic by Youtube’s Vintage Camper Gal Wisconsin. We met in a parking lot near Stillwater, and she was jumping up and down when she saw it rolling in to the parking lot! I was thrilled to have this cool piece of Minnesota camping history passed on to someone who appreciates original canvas.

I have to admit, I miss it. Mostly the light and the fun, circus-y color palette, which always cheered me up, plus the particular sound of rain on the canvas.

Vintage Camper Gal Wisconsin has posted three videos so far about the Bethany! If you are interested in Minnesota Camping history, keep an eye on her page because I’m sure there will be more to come.