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October 13, 2022 5 min read
If taking a tent and hiking to a remote location sounds like too much effort, there’s a great alternative for you - car camping.
This guide explains what it is and gives you all the essential information to get started.
Car camping is an outdoor activity during which you drive a vehicle loaded with gear to a campsite and stay there for some time.
It doesn’t necessarily entail sleeping in a car. Although it’s an option, many campers prefer using a tent.
More and more travelers choose car camping over its traditional counterpart. This is largely due to a variety of advantages it has, including:
The list goes on! In fact, every camper is sure to find something to love about setting out for a car camping trip, so it’s definitely worth a try.
The set of items you need to pack for your trip will depend on whether you will be camping in your car, in a tent beside it, or a vehicle tent.
Yet, there are some equipment categories that are fundamental to every car camping experience. Here is their brief overview with examples:
These are just some items that you might need on your trip. For a complete guide on what to pack, take a look at the detailed checklist of car camping essentials we’ve prepared.
Here, we will focus on ensuring that you master the art of “Car Tetris” or, in other words, learn how to use the space wisely when packing, regardless of your vehicle’s size.
You can get ready for your camping trip efficiently by following these simple steps:
Laying out all the items you intend to bring with you near the car guarantees a smooth packing process.
This way you will be able to visualize and plan the arrangement better. Besides, you are sure to notice if you forgot any camping essentials before you leave home.
Start loading your car with heavy and bulky items, such as:
Remember that it is essential to distribute the weight as evenly as possible when packing.
If it happens to be raining when you set out for your camping trip, the first things you will have to take out from the trunk are rubber boots and raincoats. Make sure that they are at hand!
It is highly recommended to pack your sleeping bags or mattresses in a way that they are easy to grab right after you place the tent. This way, you will be able to set the camp easily as soon as you arrive, without having to unload all of the items from the trunk.
Clothes are typically the easiest to fit in, especially if you are traveling during the warm season.
Depending on the size of your camping car, you can either pack clothing into a bag or backpack or simply fill the gaps with them as soon as other essential items are arranged.
If the trunk doesn’t seem to be fitting all the equipment you are willing to bring, you can use rear footwells with little to no effect on your passengers’ comfort.
For instance, cooking appliances, gas stoves, and a coolbox can be easily distributed and placed under the front seats, saving space for bulkier items in the back.
You probably have some things in mind that you would love to take but don’t necessarily need to, like camping tables and chairs. Don’t pack them until all the essentials have their spot.
In this section, you’ll find expert tips on getting settled during your first-time camping experience based on your sleeping place preference.
This type of car camping will be a piece of cake for those who have done traditional camping or backpacking.
All you have to do is load your camping equipment into the car and drive to your destination. At the spot, you will have several options of tent placement to choose from:
If you decide not to set up tents of any kind, you can opt for sleeping in a car when camping. However, while it may seem like an easier choice at first glance, you will have a lot of preparations to make and are likely to sacrifice the comfort provided by options like rooftop tents.
Here is how to get the vehicle ready for the night:
If you own a pickup truck, one great idea is to get a camper shell. This way, you will have a specially dedicated sleeping place always available.
Besides, some travelers use a specialized car hammock to spend the night in their vehicle.
When it comes to car camping destinations, nothing compares to national parks. Here are five top spots we would recommend visiting:
Find even more car camping trip inspiration here!
Now, you have all the essential information to go on your first car camping trip. However, we have some additional quick tips that are sure to make your experience unforgettable:
Keep in mind that it is crucial to invest in high-quality equipment to ensure your trip goes smoothly. Get ready for your next car camping adventure with CVT to make the most of your experience!
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