Camping provides a wonderful chance to create lasting memories with family, friends, or even just by yourself in peaceful surroundings. The camping adventure can be diverse, from sleeping in a tent or camper, to gazing up at the starry night sky without any barriers.
Sleeping in a tent is one of the most popular ways to camp. Tent camping can be done on dry land or water, depending on your preference. Regardless of where you camp, it is fun to get away from normal comforts like beds and bathrooms.
To novice campers, picking out the right gear can be daunting. There are many different brands and models of tents, sleeping bags, and other essentials that can make choosing them overwhelming. Luckily for you, we have written articles about the best camping gear here at Camplify!
This article will talk about going camping in your car- specifically your car trailer to be more specific! How would you like to go camping out of your Prius? Well, you can! Read on to learn all about it.
Buy camping equipment
Once you have a vehicle, the next step is to buy the camping equipment you will need. You can do this at any store, but we recommend going to a camping store where they can help you find what you need.
There are many different types of camping gear, and it can be expensive if you want all the best stuff. However, as long as you have the basics, you will have a good time!
You will need to get a tent, sleeping bags for yourself and any companions, a mat or sleeping bag liner, some kind of water filter or bottles, and some kind of bag to carry it all in.
Some helpful tips are to get light-weight gear if you plan on hiking much, invest in good quality stuff that will last, and get gear that fits everyone in your car so you are comfortable.
Make a list of what you need to bring
Before you go shopping, make a list of everything you’ll need during your trip. This includes items for cooking and cleaning, keeping warm, and entertainment.
Don’t forget to include things like toilet paper, towels, washcloths, and dishware for eating and washing up after yourself. You can find lists of camping essentials online and in print.
Many online resources also list specific gear recommendations depending on the type of camping you will be doing. For example, if you are backcountry skiing or snowboarding, you will need different gear than if you are just car camping where you will stay in a tent or RV.
Make sure to check how many cubic feet your vehicle has before purchasing too much gear! You do not want to have to go out and buy new equipment after your trip because you overpacked.
Pack your bags
Before you do anything else, make sure you have all the things you need to camp. This includes your tent, sleeping bag or sleeping pad, lantern or headlamp, and clothes depending on the weather.
Tents come in a variety of sizes depending on how many people it can fit and how much space it has. Smaller people and people who are tight on space may look into smaller size tents.
Sleeping bags come in degrees of warmth. If you plan to sleep in a cold environment then invest in a warmer one! A good trick is to layer your sleeping bag depending on the temperature to keep warm.
lantern or headlape? Both serve different functions. Lanterns provide ambient light across an area while headlamps allow for directed light so you can see what you’re doing.
Make sure you have adequate insulation
When sleeping in a car, you will want to make sure you are well insulated. You do not want to get too warm or too cold while in the car.
If you get too warm, you may sweat and cause moisture on the interior of the car, which can lead to mold and sickness. If you get too cold, you may not sleep well and may be uncomfortable.
Using blankets or sleeping bags is a good way to keep yourself insulated. You can also use one as a cover over the window to keep out more light and heat retention. If it is hot outside, use lighter covers to prevent sweating!
Sleeping pads also help with insulation, so investing in some of those is helpful.
Use blankets instead of sheets
If you’re going to sleep in your vehicle, skip the sleeping bag and replace the mattress with a few blankets. It will be much easier to get in and out of your vehicle if you do not have to deal with sheets.
You can also use blankets as coverings instead of sheets. Use one as a covering for yourself and use the other(s) to cover your belongings in the car.
If it is warm outside, you can probably get by with just the blankets. If it is colder outside, you can use additional layers to keep warm.
Another tip for camping inside your car is to place items in plastic bags.
Use lights carefully
While it is important to have lights for when it gets dark, it is important to be careful with how you use them. If you have a large tent that takes a while to pitch, start the setup before dark so you have time to get it tight and finished by the time it is dark.
If you have a teepee style tent, keep the interior light off until someone enters then turn on the interior light. This way people can see where to enter and get in and out safely.
If you have a flashlight or headlamp, make sure it is in hands-free mode so that your hands are free in case of an emergency. Make sure they are charged and working properly too!
When letting down your tent in the morning, start before sunrise so that others can begin their day as well.
Stay close to camp sites
While it may be tempting to find a nice secluded spot, it’s best to stay close to established campsites. This way, if you need help, you can find someone at the nearby site or pass someone in the trail.
It is also safer because there are already established spots to put your tent. You will also not get too close to someone else’s space or into trouble with the way they set up.
You can also get water closer to camp sites and avoid having to carry too much with you. It can get heavy fast!
Lastly, if there is an emergency at the campsite, such as a bear attack, you can easily run for help. Trying to do that in the middle of the woods is not very effective, so stay close!
General safety tips: Even if you are camping in your vehicle, make sure you lock your doors and keep things secure.
What Are the Best Camping Spots in Chowchilla?
Looking to go camping in chowchilla? The area offers some fantastic spots for nature enthusiasts. One such spot is the nearby Hatfield State Recreation Area, which boasts beautiful campsites and facilities. Another popular choice is Laguna Seca Recreation Area, known for its serene lakeside camping grounds. Whether you prefer lakes, hiking trails, or stunning scenery, camping in Chowchilla promises a memorable outdoor adventure.
Avoid noisy areas or times
Even if you can’t get away from the city, try to camp in quieter parts or at less busy times. Many cities have parks close by where you can get in some outdoor time.
If you are camping near a large city or a popular hiking trail, check the wildlife warnings and take appropriate precautions. Most parks have information about wildlife and safety on their websites.
Nighttime is usually quieter, so consider pitching your tent then if you are nervous about wild animals or neighborhood noise. You will also save some money on gas since you will not have to drive as far to get to the park!
The worst part about camping in the city is having to deal with the noise. Try investing in ear plugs and a comfortable mattress to get a good night’s sleep. A good sleep will help you wake up refreshed and ready for the day.
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Olivia is the Editor in Chief of Laienhaft – a website dedicated to all things outdoor and camping. If you’re looking for the best tent to take on your next camping trip, or need some advice on how to get started with recreational camping, Olivia has you covered.
