A Look Inside the Reed Family’s Dream RV

"I went camping quite a bit with my dad,” remembers Jeff Reed, recalling growing up in the Ozarks and camping as part of their fishing trips to local lakes. The two would spend the day fishing, camp overnight and then fish again the next day. That was years before Jeff would take his daughter, Cerise (15), and wife, Cynthia, along for their own family camping trips.

Things have changed quite a bit since then. Today, the Reeds hit the open road in a Jayco Jayflight RV and enjoy the comforts of modern day camping. “We wanted a comfortable place to hang out on those occasions when a rainstorm pops up,” says Cynthia. Their camper has a comfortable couch for moments like that, and it requires a lot less set-up than the pop-up camper they used to use. Now, they can pull up to their campsite and be ready to relax almost right away.

A bright, shiny new camper was a dream come true for the Reed family, but it lacked personalization and the coziness they craved for their home away from home. “Jeff and I love color, and we have a very colorful house,” says Cynthia. “I wanted to add color that was fun, but also relaxing.” They ended up using pops of color inspired by Pendleton’s iconic Glacier National Park blanket. The couple had to be careful to not add things that would add too much weight, so they used lightweight rugs, blankets and pillows for added color and warmth.

They used tapestry signage as artwork so they could adhere it to the walls without nails, and they hung brightly colored hooks and cubbies where they could store fun books and display colorful and functional objects. “Everything needed to have form and function,” says Cynthia. “With little space to work with, we have to be smart about what we display and how we display it.” The teen’s bunks have fabric cubbies that are loaded with nature journals, art supplies, colorful flashlights, and thriller novels like In the Woods by Tana French. Throw pillows feature their favorite national parks, and the family charts their travels on a giant map on the wall with push pins.

For these veteran campers, food is a big part of the camper experience. Having a small kitchen at their disposal has really upped their food prep game, but they still love the simpler campfire meals. “We still enjoy doing foil packet meals on the fire,” says Jeff.  “One of our favorites is smoked sausage, onions, potatoes and peppers.” When it comes to dessert, the classic s’more is still a go-to, but sometimes they add an extra spin and make a big s’mores tray with unique toppings.

The Reeds hit up campsites and national parks all over Missouri and well beyond. “We recently went to Nashville and stayed at Seven Points Campground at Percy Priest Lake,” says Jeff. “It was an amazing campsite overlooking the lake, and we had so much fun hanging out in Nashville during the day and then returning to our beautiful view of the lake.”

With a new camper and lots of free weekends, this is just the beginning for the Reed family as they adventure on the open road. “We are looking forward to exploring the western states, especially Utah,” says Jeff. “Our daughter is excited about seeing the Grand Canyon and Mesa Verde soon.”