Craving a nature getaway but new to the camping scene? Car Camping offers the perfect blend of comfort and adventure. Hanging out around the campfire, cooking in the open air, sleeping under the stars, showering in the river, and waking up to the morning dew dripping off your tent as you ease into a nice slow sunrise under the trees. If this sounds dreamy to you, then a weekend of car camping is in order!
Car camping has significantly fewer limitations and more comfort than backpacking and is a way more immersive experience than sleeping in your car or booking an Airbnb. Car camping is my go-to when it comes to adventuring outdoors and enjoying a full weekend getaway. It's a fantastic option for beginner campers and experienced campers alike, so with a few tips and tricks, you can perfect your car camping setup and have yourself an amazing weekend anytime, anywhere!
How to Find the Perfect Car Camping Spot
If you’re new to car camping, you might be wondering where do I find a spot to camp and how do I know where exactly I can camp? Don’t worry, we got you covered!
Car camping is all about finding the ideal location where you can drive to the site, set up a home base, travel around the area exploring and adventuring, and then come back to your cozy campsite to relax and rest for the evening, waking up in your tent to do it all again the next day!
State or National Parks are fantastic options to find designated camping sites as they provide drive up accommodations as well as other amenities such as potable water, bathrooms, fire-rings, grills, and of course, quick access to Mother Nature’s beauty!
Start by researching nearby State and National Parks and checking the availability on their website. This will provide an easy view of what campsites are available. Don’t forget that holiday weekends get booked up early and peak seasons range across the country, so availability can be limited at times and it’s best to book early.
If there are no State or National Parks nearby, or they’re full, you can also look into booking through a private campground. They provide similar amenities, but are run by private individuals or businesses. These sites typically have more availability, but may be more expensive to book.
Another option is to take your chances at a first-come, first-served site, such as the free sites you can find on Forest-Service Roads or BLM land. Sites like this are hosted on open land that anyone can use and allow you to set up camp wherever you want, usually deep in the woods, as long as you abide by Leave No Trace Principles.
Pro-tip: Use HipCamp, a mobile app similar to Airbnb but for campsites, to find a budget friendly option. Locals offer spots on their private land for camping with plenty of amenities to choose from. If you are looking to disperse camp, use iOverlander, a mobile app where users can drop pins and provide reviews of areas that allow dispersed camping. This is a great resource for finding forest service roads, public land and other areas that allow you to camp overnight, and the reviews give you a better sense of what to expect when you arrive.
Gathering your Gear
Once you find a spot that fits your needs for car camping, it’s time to figure out what gear you need to bring. One of the main benefits of car camping is that you can bring anything you want, as long as it fits in your car! This means that your gear list can be more extensive and you can pack those extra luxuries you’ll want to stay cozy by the fire while you cook a nice warm meal.
The gear list for car camping typically falls into four categories: Sleep, Kitchen, Entertainment, and the Essentials. Let’s dive into each of them below.
Cozy Sleep Retreat:
It doesn’t need to be ultralight
Pack a footprint and rain-fly
Sleeping Pad
Pillow(s)
Extra Blanket
Want to know how to pick the right sleeping bag? Read this article!
Camp Kitchen:
Fold-out Table
Drinking Water
Extra Water Jug for Washing Dishes
Two-Burner Stove With Propane
Pots & Pans
Recommended: Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Collapsible Basin
For storing and washing dirty dishes
Cutlery and Plates
Seasonings/Condiments
Biodegradable Soap
Mugs
Campsite Entertainment:
Headlamp or Lantern
Don’t forget batteries or portable charger
Pop-up Gazebo or Rain Tarp
Lawn Games
Hammock
Speaker
Your new favorite book
Must-Have Essentials:
Toiletries
Battery Pack
Car Jumper Cables
Bug Spray, Sunscreen, Bear Spray
First Aid Kit
Clothing:
Be sure to bring extra base layers
Warm comfortable clothes for sitting around the fire
An extra insulating layer like a puffy in case it gets cold at night
Light Layers or technical clothing for going on adventures during the day
An extra set of shoes or camp slippers
Pro-Tip: The beauty of car camping is that as long as it fits in your car, you can bring it, so don’t be afraid to bring some of the luxuries you enjoy at home! Bring a bunch of comfy clothes and some slippers for sitting by the fire, bring your new favorite lawn game or maybe even a project you’re working on, and always be prepared with backups of anything the group might need, it always pays to have a spare. One such item that I love to bring car camping, is a blow-up mattress! The one that I have is designed for the back of my car, so it’s a bit lighter and more ergonomic. It fits perfectly in the tent and serves a dual purpose. This is one of my favorite luxuries to bring car camping because it makes my tent extra comfortable, keeps me off the ground, and is much easier to set up and put away than my traditional blow-up sleeping pads.
Tips for Packing Your Car
Packing your car can either be an elaborate game of gear-jenga or an organized planning system. It’s up to you, the size of your car, and the number of passengers. But a few quick tips can make your life a little bit easier while prepping for a car camping trip.
Start by loading your car with gear in the order that you will be unloading it. When you arrive at your campsite, you’ll typically want to set up your tent first, so leaving your tent and sleep set-up at the top of the gear pile will prevent you from tearing your car apart to take it out.
I recommend putting snacks, a day pack, hoodie, headlamp, and camp chairs in the passenger or back seat for easy access. Keeping your cooler and other food items in the car all weekend while camping helps keep it slightly cooler as well as protect it from wildlife. The method also provides easy access to grab before a day hike or other excursion.
Pro-Tip: Get 3-4 various sized bins to store all your gear in your car while camping. This will make it easier to categorize and stack accordingly. Put all your tent and sleep stuff in one bin, all your camp kitchen gear in another, and then you can pack a smaller bin for those miscellaneous items you want to bring but might not need constant access to. This also makes it easier to keep your camping gear clean and organize it when you’re packing up to head home.
Planning your Camp Meals
Planning your meals is a crucial step for a successful and enjoyable car camping trip. Unlike backpacking where every ounce counts, car camping allows for a wider variety of delicious and convenient options. Consider the length of your trip, the number of people, and dietary restrictions when creating your menu. Prepping some ingredients in advance at home, like chopping vegetables or pre-marinating meats, can save you precious time at the campsite. Utilizing coolers and camp stoves allows you to pack fresh ingredients and prepare hot meals, turning your car camping adventure into a true culinary experience under the stars.
Need Easy Camp Meal Ideas on a Budget? Head over to this post and find some of our team’s favorites!
Hitting the Road for Your Camping Adventure
Gear packed, campsite booked, and meals prepped - you’re almost there! Here are some key tips to make setting up and breaking down your campsite a breeze, ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable camping experience:
Choosing Your Perfect Pitch:
Location: Look for a dry spot on level ground, preferably near a tree or other coverage to help keep the sun or rain off your tent.
Campsite Etiquette: Try to set up your tent sites away from the campfire or camp kitchen area. This will give you privacy for peaceful sleep while allowing others to enjoy late-night marshmallows around the campfire without disturbing you as you’re nuzzled up in your sleeping bag.
Packing Smart, Staying Organized:
Minimize Car Chaos: Remember your well-organized car packing from earlier? Taking things out should be a smooth process. Minimize trips back and forth from the car by grabbing only what you need because whatever you take out has to go back in! If you find yourself going back and forth from the car a lot, this might be a sign you need to restructure your gear bins or consider labeling gear bins for easy identification on future camping trips!
Rainy Day Breakdown: Don’t let a little rain dampen your spirit. Keep an extra large garbage bag in your car camping bin to store a wet tent. Isolating it from other gear will prevent everything from getting soaked. Once you get home, fully dry out the tent before repacking it - never store a damp tent in its stuff sack before it’s fully dry!
Campfire Know-How:
Fire Safety First: Enjoy the warmth and ambiance of a campfire but always prioritize safety. Follow the local fire regulations and build your fire in a designated fire pit. Clear away any flammable debris around the pit and have a bucket of water or sand on hand for emergencies.
Leave No Trace: When extinguishing your fire, ensure it’s completely cool to the touch. Drown the embers with water and stir the ashes until cool. Leave the campsite as pristine as you found it.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to a smooth and enjoyable car camping adventure. Remember the key is to plan ahead, pack efficiently, and respect the environment. Enjoy the great outdoors and if you’re missing any gear, head over to our website to see available rentals near you!