The Vintage Trailer Trot

March 2024 Issue
By Elizabeth Skenes Millen
Photos submitted by the Southern Area Sisters

Are you ready for “The Vintage Trailer Trot?” What is it, you ask? Well, you’ve heard of The Yacht Hop, right? The popular fundraiser for Hospice Care of the Lowcountry, where attendees go from one fabulous vessel to the next feeling like a million bucks. The Vintage Trailer Trot is a lot like that, except with the cutest vintage campers and travel trailers you’ve ever seen.

Meet the Southern Area Sisters, an all-female group of glamping enthusiasts who own vintage travel trailers and RVs. These women gather at two set events each year—the “Ground Hog Girls Camp Out” at Hunting Island and “The Frolic.” They try to get together more, but these two long weekends are their foundation dedicated to rest, relaxation, and reconnection. The group started as a Facebook page to coordinate local camping events and turned into fun, forever friendships. You can only imagine how close they have become, relying on each other to back up trailers, and set up camp. (No men allowed, at least for the weekend.)

The “sisters” lost one of their own last spring to cancer. Karen Wilson, a treasured member of the group, fought an arduous battle with cancer on and off for years. She was a beloved teacher at Hilton Head High School, and her “sisters” miss her dearly. They wanted to do something to honor her and so this year’s Frolic will include the Vintage Trailer Trot. The monies raised will go to Hospice Care of the Lowcountry, who, along with her husband, cared for Karen so wonderfully until the end of her life. In addition, a portion of the proceeds will help fund the Karen Wilson Empowering Special Education Scholarship at Hilton Head High.

Fifteen to 20 vintage—or highly interesting—RVs of all ages and styles will be rolling in from three states to be on display for the event. The Trot will be the first charity open house of its kind in this area. It's a great opportunity for lovers of campers and the great outdoors to come see the unique details these owners have put into their trailers. From a conversion van to a huge Estate model complete with a turquoise bathtub, guests will have a wonderful time leisurely visiting the campers while learning the unique stories each camper has to offer. There will be a camper gift table where you can make a donation and take home a wonderful memento of the event. A casual lunch will also be available on site. Come to tour and stay for lunch.

On Saturday, March 23, the Frolic will be hosted by the amazing, brand new Savannah Lakes RV Resort in Hardeeville, SC. CCR, the resort’s parent company, has spared no expense in developing this resort. The sprawling property brims with never-ending greenery, giving guests a relaxing getaway that brings them closer to the calm and quiet of nature. The campground embodies the Lowcountry’s authentic spirit, overflowing with cultural and historical richness. It shines with the Outpost Check-in area and features a beautiful club house equipped with a full gym, game room, party space, pool, and sun deck. The dog park will be enjoyed by road-trip companions of all sizes. Especially treasured by conference and rally groups is a spacious pavilion which provides a nice large gathering area. The resort itself is a must see!

Meanwhile, when you arrive at the Vintage Trailer Trot, look for some of the “sisters” dressed in attire from the same era as their camper. Feel free to dress in your favorite era and pose with the campers of your choice.  

Karen Wilson loved every minute of her adventure on earth. The Southern Area Sisters are forever grateful to Hospice Care of the Lowcountry for making her passing as gentle and peaceful as it could be. It's our pleasure to join with several of Karen’s fellow teachers to support Hospice Care of the Lowcountry and fund Karen's Hilton Head High Special Education Scholarship.

the details
The Vintage Trailer Trot
Saturday, March 23rd
Noon - 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: Donation of $10 or more at entry
Savannah Lakes RV Resort
Just off Exit 5 on I-95
170 Savannah Lakes Drive,
Hardeeville, SC 29927