CAR CAMPING FOR BEGINNERS
The weather is getting warmer and the days are longer. Weekdays have more time left for adventure, and so do weekends...which means overnight trips suddenly reappear on the agenda and the thought of sleeping outside doesn't immediately turn you into a popsicle.
All of this to say, car camping is back on the roster and a really awesome way to break the ice into outdoor exploration!
Before we get into it we should be clear that in this case, car camping refers to camping at drive-up sites where you typically pay in advance or operate on a first come first serve basis. While we might recommend some of these items for comfortably sleeping in your car (which your author has done many a time), that is an entirely separate blog.
So, without further ado, let’s explore the beauty of car camping, what to bring, and why.
For many people, car camping is accessible, fits into a schedule a little bit easier than backpacking, and offers just a few creature comforts that make the unforgiving nature of the outdoors a little better.
Car camping is a fantastic option for those just starting out or those who, enjoy a little more cushion when sleeping under the stars. Because you are not limited by what can be packed onto your back, you have options to make the stay a little more customizable. Below are some key items that are totally worth bringing along to make your experience extra sweet.
A COMFORTABLE TENT + TENT ACCESSORIES
When you have the room in your car, there’s no need to skimp on shelter. Bringing along a larger tent can not only give you a better night's sleep while camping, but also potentially aid in recovery. When you’re not confined to a smaller space such as a bivy or another ultralight option, you gain the comfort of “excess” design. For example, thicker materials used for tents keep out more wind, and a larger floor gives you room to sprawl.
Not to mention you will be able to fit a thicker sleeping pad or even a full-on air mattress depending on the size of the tent. A thicker pad is awesome, especially after a long day of hiking, biking, rafting, or whatever it is you’re getting up to outside. The final thing a larger, sturdier tent can provide is the ability to accommodate some sort of light. Hanging lanterns or string lights are a fun touch that makes a difference in getting ready for bed when the sun goes down.
Luci String Lights
Mountainsmith 4P Tent all on geartrade.com
FOOD STORAGE & COOKING EQUIPMENT
By all means, bring your favorite filtration system along for day hikes. It’ll lighten the load and there's really nothing better than fresh spring water. But, you can rest assured when there’s also fresh water back at camp. With car camping, you can transport more water than you typically might while backpacking. The options for containers are really endless; you can bring a large water jug/ a few gallon bottles with you, or take a whole water cooler if it makes sense!
Unless you are really in the middle of nowhere, there should be a gas station or town where you can refill these if needed.
And with water comes food. Bring a cooler! Unless you have a freeze-dried meal you absolutely adore, there’s no need to limit yourself to this kind of food. The joy of having your vehicle is that you can bring pots, pans, a fold-out stove, and ingredients to make your favorite meals at camp.
FURNITURE
We would be remiss if we did not mention the camp furniture that can keep evenings around the campfire comfy. There might be a day or two (depending on the length of your trip) where you need a day to recharge, or tt the very least, you’ll want a chair or two for hanging out and cracking open a cold one with pals.
So, as mentioned, foldout camp chairs are great (especially this one from Geartrade). You can even use something compact like a Crazy Creek chair if you’ll be happy.
The next two items are probably more “nice to have” than anything, but a tablecloth can be nice for easy clean up and eating as well as a foldable table if you know your site has limited space/no table included.
A sun shelter can also be pretty clutch if you’re somewhere with high sun exposure/little to no tree coverage.
Camping is camping no matter which way you slice it, and if having an air mattress in your tent makes it easier for you to enjoy the outdoors than so be it!
Car camping is such an easy way to enjoy the outdoors and can really be suited to fit the needs of you, your family, or friends who are tagging along. Whether you were looking for advice on how to soup up your site or tips as a first-timer, we hope this guide helped break some things down for you.