I do this now with ~4 state parks close to Austin. It works for me because:
- I get to try out some equipment
- I've sometimes gone with others, typically neighbors who go car camping but then we meet up and socialize in the evening
- If the weather looks like a complete downpour I can bail (haven't done that often)

In January to March this year I also did the equivalent in a credit card overnight, riding on Saturday to nearby town, staying overnight and riding back Sunday. That got me into a mode before setting off on a six-month tour from April to October.

What is different between the weekend trips and a multi-month trip is my mindset and planning horizon. For a weekend trip I mostly know where I am staying and how I am getting there. On the months long trip, I have the large parameters organized (how long in time and rough mileage budget, area/climate I am visiting, visa requirements, etc). However, I don't decide where I stay or how I get there until the day or shortly before that. I also adjust some larger pieces (e.g. where to visit, rest days) keeping in mind a larger time/distance budget.

A good example was my six month trip. I ended up visiting 26 US State Capitols. For example, I had an approximate approach (e.g. Madison to St Paul to Des Moines to Lincoln to Pierre...). But I didn't work out specifics until I was in that section (e.g. Madison to St Paul). I took rest days when it made sense (e.g. one day with extreme heat warnings in Iowa). I even adjusted my plans a little so I intersected with one day of RAGBRAII.

That mindset/style of an extended tour is something I don't get on my weekend trips - and something I really enjoy about touring.