The Campers Hub

The Camper Book

The Camper Book will captivate all those who dream of waving good-bye to the rat race from the window of their own moveable home, be it a camper, RV, travel trailer, camper van, or tiny camper. Not just for placid retirees anymore, camper culture has sprung up among simplicity-seeking millennials, retro-loving "glampers," sports and movie stars, aging hippies, contract workers, "road-schoolers," and others. Award-winning journalist Dave Hoekstra hit the road in his own custom camper van, named Bluebird, to explore the history, culture, subcultures, and future of camper life. Traveling and talking his way through US campsites, RV parks, landmarks, and communities, Hoekstra draws out revealing stories from all walks of life—from Americans who are downsizing material goods while upsizing spiritual pursuits to RV enthusiasts such as Grammy-winning singer-songwriter John Prine and Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon. A modern-day Studs Terkel, Hoekstra provides a delightful mix of oral history, in-depth reporting, and practical information, while photographer Jon Sall's beautiful color photographs illuminate the unique people, places, and rigs that typify camper life.

Rural Californian

Sunol

In 1839, Antonio Sunol acquired this beautiful valley, originally inhabited by Ohlone Indians, to raise his cattle. Thirty years passed, and the First Transcontinental Railroad was poised to make history, completing the last segment of rail from Sacramento to Oakland. The final link was laidstraight through the middle of Sunoland a small village was suddenly transformed. The valley prospered with new wealth; hotels and railroad depots were built along with hay warehouses, a grocery and a mercantile, a blacksmith shop, post office, five schools, and a church. San Francisco families built summer homes in the new resort destination. The Spring Valley Water Company purchased property in the valley, where some of their largest water mains to San Francisco would flow, and even commissioned famed architect Willis Polk to design his Italian-style masterpiece, The Water Temple. Early prosperity eventually gave way to the grim realities of the Depression and the war years, however, and families began occupying the summer cabins lining Kilkare Road year-round. But as the towns permanent population grew, a new and unique community emerged.