There are a number of reasons why most people prefer car camping. Campers who were not able to prepare for a longer period of time can easily resort to this camping type. On the other hand, it is also a cheaper alternative to explore the outdoors without staying in an expensive place.
Car camping is also recommended for those who cannot or does not want to carry heavy camping gear. This eliminates the risk of injuring or experiencing body aches ay the end of the trip.
But do you know what to bring car camping?
Lastly, most beginners deem this camping type preferable as car space is generally better than tight tent area. Cars provide a spacious and comfortable seat which can serve as your bed throughout the night.
Preparing for Car Camping
Car camping does not restrict you on how to set up your sleeping area. Some car campers sleep inside the car on the site while others set up a tent near it. There are also other who utilize dispersed camping.
In general, you can do whatever sleeping set up you want when you are taking part in car camping. It fits well for those people who seek various types of adventure in the wilderness.
Here are some camping in car tips you need to complete before you participate in such activities. We recommend you go through them first to make sure that you leave no stone unturned.
#1 Create a plan
You need to create a camping plan which should include your preferred site, sleeping set-up and rules you must follow. As you look for places to camp in your car, you must know if you can reserve in advance or not.
The camping location can also dictate what sleeping set-up options you can consider as you spend the night. You can opt for sleeping in the car on a road trip. On the other hand, you must also know the rules and regulations in the site. In this way, you will not encounter a police officer in the middle of the night telling you to go.
#2 Ensure proper ventilation
Most car campers prefer to sleep inside the vehicle. Should this happen, you must ensure that there is proper ventilation inside. With this, you can allow the airflow in by cracking your window a little bit.
Aside from providing better air flow inside the vehicle, it can help your car dry. It also allows you to sleep well even on cooler temperatures. Note that having a cracked window means that it is not big enough for a hand to fit in.
#3 Identify games
As you explore outdoor locations, there may not be a network or cellular connection. With this, you are left with no electronic device to keep you entertained. With this, we recommend you plan games where your family can perform.
You can bring along board and card games that can easily be packed inside the car. This allows you to have fun even when you are in the middle of the wild. Moreover, it can serve as great bonding activities to you and your company.
By being prepared, you can surely find comfort even when you are away from home. These are some of the preparation activities you can complete. Should you have other special requirements for the trip, we suggest you plan it well.
Car Camping Essentials
Unlike other camping types, car camping provides you the luxury of bringing along more items. Your car offers you more space compared with just bringing along a single backpack. With this, you are provided with more room to bring along your camping essentials as you travel.
There are several things you need to bring as you camp in your car. These basic items should be in your basic car camping list. This aid you in being prepared for the basic or emergency situation while on the campsite.
Nevertheless, you must remember not to over pack. This might slow down your car due to heavy load or consume more fuel. Here are some of the items we suggest that you bring along.
#1 First Aid Kit
When you are exploring unknown terrain, it is pertinent to bring along a first aid kit. It helps you adapt well to the environment you shall be camping on.
#2 Water
Nothing beats a well hydrated camper. Nevertheless, it is important to bring at least two times the normal drinking water amount. You need it for different purposes such as cleaning the dishes and brushing your teeth.
We recommend you to bring along or purchase your water supply before reaching the campsite. Most car camping destinations tend to be away from the city. With this, the nearest convenience store shall be far.
#3 Food
Food is important to keep you going throughout the day. Nevertheless, bringing easy to perish food items is not preferable. With this, we recommend you bring food that can easily be stored even for a long time. These include but not limited to canned food, trail mixes and ready to eat meals.
#4 Protective clothing or items
The weather condition in the outdoors is unpredictable. With this, we recommend you to bring a waterproof jacket even if there is no rain forecast on your travel date.
On the other hand, you can bring other items that can protect you from extremely cold temperatures such as blankets and warmers and sleeping bags.
#5 Cooking equipment
You do not need to bring sophisticated cooking equipment. All you need to bring are portable ones such as camping stove, utensils and pots. Most camping cooking activities involve open fire.
We recommend you bring along the best backpacking stoves with two burners and multiple cooking equipment. These can help shorten the cooking time, especially if you are cooking for a huge group.
These are just some of the car camping must-haves we recommend you to bring along. Feel free to add some of the things you need on camping activities to help you feel comfortable throughout the trip.
Final Reminders When Camping
We recommend you bring your camping must-haves and store it well in your car. When organizing camping equipment, it is suggested to get storage bins that also double its purpose for organizing space.
Clear or transparent colored ones are better as you can easily find the item you are looking for. We also suggest that you label the bins well to prevent mixing or losing pertinent items.
As you bring along food, it is pertinent to protect it from those who may destroy or eat it. There are camping bear boxes that are sturdy and can secure your perishables. With this, you are assured of getting your well-deserved reward at the end of the day.
It is suggested to bring only items that are important. Despite having a huge space in your trunk, it does not mean that you should pack heavy. You must be mindful with how much space you are leaving for other items you may acquire along the way.
Lastly, you must be friendly to the environment. Most campers participate in dispersed camping which means you are free to camp anywhere. We recommend you bring along trash bags where you can put your trash in it. This eliminates the risk of leaving garbage in the campsite.
As a way to thank the nature in providing you a great view and fresh air, caring for it is the way to go.