Only thing that puts me off the campervan touring is you arrive somewhere and set up, then if you want to see the area you have to up sticks and drive around in it. Ideally you'd carry bikes but then your limited to the area you could see.
If staying one night in an area then hotels are best but it can get expensive as you say, we prefer a few nights in the same place so usually go self catering.
A smaller van, like your thinking about wouldn't be so bad as a monster truck though. 🚚
