Car camping is a great way to visit nature that allows you to quickly get to and from a campsite that is directly accessible by car. You still use a tent and regular camping gear, rather than sleeping in your vehicle, but when the night or weekend is over, you can pack it all in your car and take off instead of carrying it on your back.
This method camping is ideal for those that are unable to hike long distances with a pack, families with young children, and for anyone with a limited amount of time to spend camping. If you’re new to the scene, we’ve got five great camping tips that you should know!
1. Do Your Research
While packing up the car and heading into the wild blue yonder sounds adventurous, you’re doing a huge disservice to yourself and your experience by not doing research ahead of time. Important things to know about your camping destination include type of terrain, whether permits are required, and what type of weather conditions to prepare for. You don’t want to show up to an open plain with no shade structure when full sun is ahead!
2. Pack Extras
There is no reason to not bring extras when car camping, as you will likely have a bit more available space than you would if you were backpacking. In addition to what you pack for each day, pack a spare set of clothing and leave it in the car in case your gear somehow gets soaked. Extra batteries, water, and first aid supplies could come in very handy if anything unexpected occurs.
3. Power Sources
Many people rely on their car battery to provide music or illuminate an area with their headlights, but all too often, the car battery gets depleted and must be jump started. If you’re camping with friends, this might not be a huge dilemma, but it’s a great idea to bring power sources for your camp electronics. There are many battery and solar powered gadgets designed specifically for use in the outdoors that can provide music, charging for your phone or camera, and camp lighting. Keep your car battery full so you can mobilize when you need to.
4. Pack it Out
It’s amazing how many car campers forget trash and recycling bags as part of their packing list. Never assume that a campsite will have a receptacle for your trash. Bring more than you think you will need, and separate recyclable items from refuse. Most paper trash can be burned in the campfire. When your camping trip is over, pack those bags into your vehicle and dispose of them properly at home. You can save a ton of space in your recycling bag if you crush cans before tossing them in.
5. Prep Food at Home
When planning your camp meals, do as much of the prep work at home as possible. Grating cheese, chopping vegetables, marinating meat, and even partially cooking some foods will go a long way toward making your camp cooking more efficient and less messy. Don’t forget to bring biodegradable soap and a scrubber to wash your kitchenware. Be sure to check if your campsite has greywater restrictions so you can bring extra vessels for greywater storage if necessary.
Related articles: Car Camping Hacks for Couples, Car Camping in Style
Featured Image from Jimmy Conover/Unsplash
