But how do you enjoy food, drink and women if you're stuck in a campground 10 miles out of town?

How did you find camping in Mexico, Cent. America? Tell me where you camped there. I lived in Guatemala and El Salvador for 3 years ... did not seem like a good place for camping? (I did camp at Tikal!)

What about Colombia, Ecuador, Peru' and Bolivia? I only spent 7 months in those countries, I never camped. Can you tell me how it went? ... especially if any where near a town or City? I found Bolivia the least camp friendly with a combo of harsh weather, people everywhere and very cheap lodging in every town. I'm quite sure it can (and has) been done, but is it enjoyable or torture? (TIP: I'm not into torture! )

My strategy was to take "breaks" along the Gringo Trail, stop in a place that was nice, rent a house or apt. or long term hotel room and hang out, re-charge the batteries and enjoy the Wine, Women and Song Throttlemeister refers to.

I would use these places as "Home Base", then take small trips around the region. I did this in Guat. Colombia, Ecuador and Argentina.

As has been mentioned, camping in Southern Chile and Argentina is really good. (if you have the gear!) But for many, the Southern reaches seem to be the only place they feel comfortable camping out.

Younger riders/travelers are probably tougher and can handle the hardships of camping better than older folks. We Fossils like our comforts!