Great advice, everyone! Size 13 combat boots outside the tent or RV is one of the deterrents I like best. And, I'm mostly serious.

LOL @ Fred! Although not the worst idea, with maybe an empty ammo box next to them?

I'm facing the same situation but am in just inside the 70's in age. I don't want to stay in developed campgrounds anymore, or at least only when I'm joined by my kids & their families. I have to admit I'm a little unsettled by the thought of being vulnerable in a tent, although I'm normally not frightened by much.

As for the tent, I bought one last year (Big Agnes) that I can walk into and stand up in the middle of. I also have an air mattress that allows me to roll off of rather than stand up from a lying down position. Next I'm going to trade a cot for the air mattress.! When my old dog is gone I will probably go down in tent size but will always want to be able to stand up in it.

Thank you! I like all of these suggestions. The Big Agnes (for standing up in--didn't think of that), a cot AND size 13 boot suggestions.
That said, I think I still might have to get my knees replaced first.
(Unfortunately, I'm not kidding.)

Had a hip replaced a couple of years - best thing I've done for myself. Good luck with your knees. You'll have all winter to heal and get ready for camping next year. Two tips: Ice is your friend and does help the healing; and, Get one of those thin plastic shopping bags and use it anytime you sit down. It makes the moving across the seat easier. Hope to see you next year in the woods.