As hotel prices have steadily been on the rise in recent years, and sites like AirBnb fair no better, many people have begun looking into an alternative: car camping. The affordability, flexibility, and safety that this option offers can turn road trips into exciting experiences for the whole family.
However, setting up your car for the perfect car camping experience isn’t easy. You need to take action ahead of time to get everything ready to go so that you can go from driving to sleeping in a matter of minutes. Learn everything you need to know before hitting the road for your next mobile camping trip.
These types of vehicles also often have customization options as they are often meant for the outdoors. This means items like window shades and ventilation upgrades may be possible, which can make a major difference in your comfort when camping. Balance these vehicle options with your budget to find a choice that suits your needs.
On top of this item, you will also want to bring a sleeping bag that suits the climate you are driving in. Don’t be fooled either. When your vehicle is off and the temperature drops it will get cold inside your car, so don’t skimp on blankets either. For those concerned about safety, consider also buying an extra pair of blankets or blackout curtains to cover the windows of your vehicle while sleeping.
You should also look into buying a cooler or car fridge if you intend to bring perishable food items. On top of this, be sure to pack cooking utensils, a mess kit, and any cleanup essentials you might need.
Apps like iOverlander, The Dyrt, Hipcamp, and l Roadtrippers are all excellent ideas for finding such spots. When parking in an area overnight, try to cover all windows, lock your doors with a specialized lock, and consider keeping a legal weapon on hand for personal safety.
Camping out of your car is a fun an exciting endeavor, but will only be this if you actually take the time to prepare properly.
However, setting up your car for the perfect car camping experience isn’t easy. You need to take action ahead of time to get everything ready to go so that you can go from driving to sleeping in a matter of minutes. Learn everything you need to know before hitting the road for your next mobile camping trip.
Choosing the Right Vehicle for Car Camping
Naturally, the first step in having a successful car camping experience is choosing the right vehicle. SUVs, vans, trucks, and hatchbacks tend to be the best option for car camping as they have folding seats, ample cargo space, and roof racks in most cases.These types of vehicles also often have customization options as they are often meant for the outdoors. This means items like window shades and ventilation upgrades may be possible, which can make a major difference in your comfort when camping. Balance these vehicle options with your budget to find a choice that suits your needs.
Essential Gear for a Comfortable Car Camping Experience
Remember that camping in your car can still be dangerous as other drivers may not see you. One of the common causes for car accidents on the road is drivers pulling over on the shoulder and then getting rear-ended. This is why the most important piece of gear to bring in your car is an emergency kit. Being this, though, the following areas are where to start gathering gear:1. Sleeping Setup
First and foremost, one of the most important pieces of gear to bring is your choice of bed. Depending on the size of your vehicle, you could choose between an inflatable mattress, sleeping pad, or foldable cot.On top of this item, you will also want to bring a sleeping bag that suits the climate you are driving in. Don’t be fooled either. When your vehicle is off and the temperature drops it will get cold inside your car, so don’t skimp on blankets either. For those concerned about safety, consider also buying an extra pair of blankets or blackout curtains to cover the windows of your vehicle while sleeping.
2. Cooking & Food Storage
Naturally, cooking supplies are an important part of camping. You can opt to bring a camp stove or portable propane grill given that you’ll be traveling by car, but think about spacing and where you’ll put this item while trying to sleep.You should also look into buying a cooler or car fridge if you intend to bring perishable food items. On top of this, be sure to pack cooking utensils, a mess kit, and any cleanup essentials you might need.
3. Safety & Emergency Preparedness
As mentioned, you should have an emergency kit on hand at all times when car camping. Within this kit you should include items like flares, band aids, water, a portable power bank, emergency blankets, and more. Also, consider adding in safe heating and cooling solutions like insulation blankets or battery-powered fans.4. Staying Organized in a Small Space
Finally, having everything compacted into your car will keep things tight. Bring out some storage buns or space-saving organizers that can help you keep things just a little more organized. Also, don’t forget to bring separate containers to store your trash and recyclables while on your journey. After all, you have no way of knowing when the next trash can will appear.Finding the Perfect Campsite for Car Camping
With all your gear in hand, packed up and ready to go, you’re going to need to find the perfect campground. Don’t forget that it isn’t legal to sleep in your car everywhere so you need to be sure to choose a location where you won’t get in trouble with the authorities.Apps like iOverlander, The Dyrt, Hipcamp, and l Roadtrippers are all excellent ideas for finding such spots. When parking in an area overnight, try to cover all windows, lock your doors with a specialized lock, and consider keeping a legal weapon on hand for personal safety.
Tips for a Stress-Free Car Camping Experience
Beyond all of the aforementioned pieces of advice, it’s important to keep yourself as comfortable as possible on your journey with some quick car camping tips to enhance your experience:- Use a quality sleeping pad or air mattress, install window coverings for privacy, and keep your gear organized for a functional setup.
- Pack biodegradable wipes, bring a portable shower for quick rinses, and use a pop-up privacy tent with a portable toilet for restroom needs.
- Use insulated window covers to retain warmth in cold weather, a reflective sunshade to block heat in hot climates, and moisture-wicking materials to reduce condensation.
- Store food in airtight containers to prevent pests, keep a first aid kit handy, and bring a power bank to charge your devices.
- Research safe and legal parking spots ahead of time, arrive before dark to set up comfortably, and follow Leave No Trace principles to keep the area clean.
- Keep a flashlight or headlamp easily accessible, lock your doors at night, and let someone know your travel plans for added security.
Camping out of your car is a fun an exciting endeavor, but will only be this if you actually take the time to prepare properly.
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