Car Camping Basics: How to Successfully Take on Your First Trip
Some adventurists car camp out of convenience for an early morning excursion, and others like it so much, they choose to explore the world this way! Whether you’re looking to be one, the other, or somewhere in between, take on this new journey with excitement! Helpful advice and the right supplies might be a good idea too. Here are some tips to make your first car camping experience even more enjoyable, from where to go and what to pack, to how to set up your site and sleep comfortably.
The Prep:
Location
The first step is to find your location. For first-time car campers, it’s best to stay close to home. Being familiar with the area can add an extra level of safety and comfort to your first trip. If you still decide to head somewhere unfamiliar, make sure your phone is always charged and in service. Staying local can also make it easier for you to find a safe, legal place to park. Regardless, always research whether or not you’ll need a permit to stay overnight. No one wants to wake up to a tow truck hauling them away in the middle of the night!
Weather
Whether you decide to stay close to home, or not, you’ll need to check the weather while you plan. You wouldn’t want to be all prepped for your trip just to find out there’s a nasty storm coming — or worse — have it happen while you’re there. The weather will also affect how and what you pack for your trip. If you’re braving chilly nights or there’s a chance of rain, you’ll need extra supplies. Although, it’s always good to be prepared regardless of the forecast.
Packing Your Car
This is where you decide how luxurious or rustic you want your camping trip to be. To start off, here’s a list of basic car camping essentials:
- Sleeping pad
- Pillow
- Sleeping bag/blankets
- Cooler for food
- Water storage/filter
- Headlamps
- Flashlights
- Toiletry kit
- Portable charger
You can always go beyond these basics, as long as your car has room for it. Some car campers like to bring window covers to block the light while they sleep. Another tried-and-true item for seasoned campers is a camping stove. While you can go with prepackaged food for your trip, it can also be a fun experience to cook in nature — and maybe even make for a tastier meal. Like we said before, do your research to find out what works best for you.
The Camping:
Arrival
Once you reach your destination, it’s time to get set up! Staying organized is important so you don’t lose anything — keep this in mind while you unpack your supplies. You’ll first want to turn the lights off inside your car. Throughout the trip you’ll be in and out often, and your battery could burn up quickly. Next, set up your sleeping area and make it comfortable! This way you won’t have to worry about it when you’re tired and it’s dark. Lastly, if you brought a camping stove or any sort of set up for outside your car, get it ready for the day ahead!
Sleeping
The most important thing to know about car camping is that your car should not be on while you sleep. This is very dangerous — and, quite frankly, a waste of gas. It’s also wise to lock your doors for safety, but crack your windows for ventilation. In case there’s rain during your trip, you can invest in some side window deflectors to keep you dry, but still let the fresh air in overnight.
Once you’ve enjoyed the morning and you’re ready to head home, it’s time to clean up your campsite. The general rule of thumb for car camping is to leave the site better than you found it. Make sure everything’s clean and all trash has been picked up and thrown away. As you begin to pack up and drive off, celebrate this new and exciting accomplishment — and maybe even start planning your next car camping adventure.