If you’re looking for something to do with the family, look no further than car camping. It’s a great way to spend some quality time with the whole gang while doing some traveling and sight-seeing. Car camping is way cheaper than flying to another country for a grand vacation. It’s also a different experience compared to having a staycation as you are surrounded by the beauty of nature while enjoying various outdoor activities.
Those who’ve done car camping before know how important it is to be fully prepared. Plan your trip thoroughly before you jump into your vehicle and head out for your next camping adventure. Talk with your family about car camping. Determine what adventures you want to experience this time around. Where do you want to go? What do you want to see along the way? All that stuff.
Where To Park
The first item on your to-do list is to choose a place to go to. Decide whether you’re going to a music festival like Coachella or if you prefer primitive camping in the wilderness. If you’re thinking of the latter, check out this list of gear you need for a primitive camping adventure.
Some of you may just want to camp in a state park or in any of the popular campgrounds around the country. Visit online sites to look for parks. Book a spot in advance so you can strike this off your list.
If you’re planning a cross-country ride, you still need thorough planning. Check in advance where you can park and stay for a night or so. Make some calls to see if there are vacant spaces in campgrounds. If there’s none, you can try car camping on parking lots.
Boondocking, or free camping, is an option though some states have banned this practice. Walmart reportedly announced recently that it will no longer allow parking lot camping. You can still check them out, just to be sure.
Make a list of all the free overnight spots along your route. Some places where you can spend the night for some stealth camping include casinos, churches, stadiums, movie theaters, cracker barrels, and farms. If you’re a Planet Fitness member, you can camp at their parking lot, get some workout, and shower for free.
In any case, you have to determine possible car camping sites before you leave for your trip.
Some campsites don’t allow pets. Make arrangements for someone to take your pets in while the family is away. If you can’t leave them, know which campsites allow animals.
What To Bring
Since you’re bringing your car, you have a bit more space for your camping gear. However, you still have to think things through. Don’t waste valuable space on something you can do without. You also don’t have to spend too much on camping gear. Rent some gear or buy only the basics if you’re new to car camping. You can also make do with the things you have at home.
Shelter and Sleeping Gear
You don’t sleep in your car when you go car camping unless a rainstorm happens to pass by. Bring a tent that’s big enough to fit everyone and still have space to move around. You also need individual sleeping bags, blankets, sheets and pillows for everyone to stay warm and comfortable.
You don’t sleep in your car when you go car camping unless a rainstorm happens to pass by. Bring a tent that’s big enough to fit everyone and still have space to move around. You also need individual sleeping bags, blankets, sheets and pillows for everyone to stay warm and comfortable.
If you have an inflatable mattress at home, you can also use it. Sleeping pads or foam tiles will be useful when the ground gets too cold at night.
Water
Pack water for the drive and for when you’re at camp. You’ll need to hydrate often especially when it’s hot. You can purchase water along the way but it’s a good idea to have enough packed in your car.
Car camping in a secluded area has its risks, which includes the lack of running water. In case, your water supply runs dry, you should know how to purify water from other sources.
Food
Pack lots of food. A hungry camper is no happy camper. Bring snacks for the long drive and prepared meals if you plan on stopping at a picnic ground. More importantly, you need to pack tons of food to cook at camp. You can also re-stock at Walmart after spending the night there (if it is still allowed).
Pasta and rice are two of the popular meals to bring on a car camping escapade. You should also pack cereal and your children’s favorite food. Don’t forget the hotdogs and marshmallows for your bonfire. You’ll also be glad you brought coffee or tea when it gets cold.
Kitchen Supplies
Invest on a portable stove along with some pots, pans and other cooking utensils. These will make cooking and eating at camp a lot easier. You can bring kitchen stuff from home if you don’t want to spend that much.
Other kitchen and dining essentials you might want to bring to car camping include a grill, can and bottle opener, knives, cutting board, cooler, cups, water containers, and kitchen organizers. You’ll also need quick-dry towels, sponge and dish soap, drying rack, and trash bags.
Proper Clothes
Prepare clothes suitable for all kinds of weather conditions. Even if you’re car camping at a warm climate, bring clothes for cold weather since it usually gets chilly at night. There’s also a chance that it would rain or a storm heads your way. Don’t be caught off-guard. Pack rain gear for everyone.
You also need quick-drying and moisture-wicking clothes, long-sleeved shirts to protect from the sun and insects, bandanas, hats and sunglasses. Bring a jacket, poncho, a pair of gloves or mittens, thermal underwear, and socks for the cold.
Pack clothes designed for specific activities such as swimsuits, rash guards, water sandals, and hiking boots.
First Aid Kit
Never leave home without a first aid kit. You can purchase a pre-assembled kit online or you can build your own. Don’t forget your medicines.
Personal Hygiene
Being outdoors roughing it out doesn’t give you the right to let yourself go. Pack items for everyone’s personal hygiene. Start with the essentials such as soap, shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste, and toilet paper. Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, hand wipes, hand sanitizer, and feminine products.
Survival Gear
Always consider the possibility of things going wrong while you’re car camping. It’s better to be prepared for any eventuality than to be left not knowing what to do during an emergency. First of all, you need to have the skills and knowhow to deal with emergencies. Second, you need the right gear.
Some of the essential survival gear to bring to car camping include a mutitool, knife, flashlight, headlamp, waterproof matches, lighters, fire starters, fishing gear, thermal blanket, paracord, whistle, mirror, and tools for your vehicle.
What To Do
Plan, Plan, Plan
Start off by choosing a destination. Do the necessary research and book in advance. You should also make a list of everything you need for your trip taking into consideration what particular activities you might be doing. Familiarize yourself with tips on how to enjoy car camping fully. Learn skills that will come in handy when things don’t go according to plan.
Avoid Unwanted Visitors
There are a number of animals and critters in the woods. You don’t want them to creep up on you when you’re not looking. Avoid leaving leftovers scattered around your camp. Store food and scented toiletries properly to keep bears and other animals away.
Pee Before Going to Bed
Avoid getting up in the middle of the night to pee. Relieve yourself 20 t0 30 minutes before bedtime and again right before you hit the sack. Place your slippers or shoes near the tent entrance along with a headlamp. You should be able to grab them easily in case you still have to go out and pee.
Get A Good Night’s Sleep
Get enough sleep to prepare for a day of outdoor activities. Bring eye masks to help you fall asleep. Earplugs will help block night noises.
Don’t Use Fuel
How many times have you heard of people getting badly burned after pouring fuel on a campfire? Take the case of Courtney Waldon. In 2016, Courtney was engulfed by flames after her then-husband Mitch poured gasoline on their campfire. The two had been married for only two months at the time of the accident. Mitch later left Courtney after this life-changing event caused by his lapse in judgement.
It’s tempting to use gasoline from your car to help start or keep a fire burning especially when the weather isn’t cooperating. Please. Just don’t.
These car camping tips are by no means the only ones you need to know before embarking on your adventure. Take some time with your family to learn more camping tips and hacks. It’s a good idea to let everyone in so they’ll know how to handle things at camp.
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