Car camping is a fun and cost-effective way to go camping. It’s a great way to save both money and resources. With car camping, you don’t need to spend a lot on equipment because all you really need is a tent and sleeping gear!
Camping out of a vehicle can be tap if you plan correctly. How would you organize your car to make camping easier? What things would you need to make this happen?
The first thing you will need is some sort of cover for the windows. You will want to have some sort of ventilation, so get those fans ready! You will also need something sturdy to set your sleeping bag on.
Bring along supplies
While you can theoretically sleep in your car without bringing any supplies, this is not recommended. You will want to have some basic supplies with you to make your night in the car comfortable.
These include a sleeping bag, pillow, extra clothes, and a bottle for water. Depending on the season, you may want a hat, gloves, and a sleeping bag liner as well.
Of course, if you have these things already, you can also go to a store and buy them instead of purchasing online. Thrift stores are even better since you can get high-quality items at a low price!
Sleeping bags are not very expensive so it is pretty reasonable to just buy one for this purpose.
Pack enough clothes for the time you will be camping
While this may seem like an obvious point, it is very important. You do not want to be camping out of a car with no space for your belongings!
You will need a sleeping bag, a pillow if you use one, a tent if you plan on having some privacy, clothes for the weather, and extra in case it rains.
Also, make sure to have enough water containers or bags to hold water. You will need one for drinking and one for washing up. A portable toilet is also a great thing to have while camping out of a car.
If you are unsure of what weather conditions to prepare for, look up the average temperatures and weather for the place you are going and pack for the middle ground between too warm and too cold.
Bring bug spray
This may seem like a no-brainer, but you would be surprised how many people do not bring bug spray when camping. Even if you are camping in a protected area with little to no wildlife, bugs can still find you!
Insects love warm weather and darkness just as much as we do, so taking precautions is important. Plus, having the tent covered in netting makes it difficult to avoid insects.
A good rule of thumb is to bring two bottles of insect repellent per person, just in case it runs out. That way, everyone has adequate protection against the creepy crawlies.
General tip: When camping in a vehicle, make sure to cover up all windows and vents to prevent any animals from getting in.
Bring a flashlight
Even if you are planning to stay in your car, it is a good idea to bring a flashlight. If you are camping in a field, you can put the flashlight in your tent to use as a spotting device when walking to the bathroom or getting something from the car.
If you are camping in the woods, the flashlight can be used to see trees and brush when looking for firewood, or checking for wildlife before getting out of the car.
A flashlight is also useful if there is a power outage at your camp site. Many campsites provide lanterns for this reason, but if the power fails and you did not bring one, you will be out of luck. A flashlight is a simple way to keep you slightly more comfortable and safe in that situation.
Camping overnight in your car does not require much space so bringing a small yet good quality flashlight is important.
Bring a camp stove
If you want to stay in your car, you will need to bring some essentials. The biggest one is a camp stove to cook your food on. If you are camping in the summer, you will also need a fan to keep yourself cool.
If you are camping in the winter, you will need a warm sleeping bag and possibly a heavy coat. A tent is also a good idea if there is going to be heavy snow.
You will also need some dishes and pots for eating and cooking your food in. If you are staying in your car for several days, then you will want to bring lots of water so you don’t run out.
Pack utensils and dishes
While camping out of a car is possible, it is harder to set up your camp. Most cars do not have enough room for all the necessary camping gear.
To solve this problem, pack some utensils and dishes in your car camping gear. You can then use these to set up a temporary camp area where you park your car.
You will need something to cook on and things to cook in, a plate, bowl, fork and knife, and a flashlight or lantern.
It may seem silly to add these extra items when you are already tight on space, but they will help you set up a full camp site outside of the car.
Camping mats can also be used to provide some comfort outside of the car for sleeping. These are cheap and easy to find online or at outdoor stores.
Bring paper towels
Even if you don’t need to wash your hands, paper towels are an important camping item. You will use them to clean up after eating, cleaning, and of course, toilet trips.
Toilet paper runs the risk of being very inadequate as a camping item. While it may be suitable for everyday use, it is not very practical when out in the wilderness.
Wild animals can smell your waste and may come near your camp seeking their own food. Even if you bury it, it may not be fully sanitized due to the lack of chemicals in soil.
Paper towels are more durable than toilet paper and can be used for several things besides cleaning up after toileting. You can also use them to dry off after swimming or fishing or for general cleanup around the camp.
Is Camping Off Grid the Same as Camping Out of a Car?
Camping off grid typically involves disconnecting from public utilities and relying on self-sustaining resources. While camping out of a car can sometimes overlap with camping off grid, it doesn’t necessarily guarantee self-sufficiency. The main distinction lies in the level of self-reliance and the extent to which campers disconnect from modern amenities when engaging in camping off grid.
Plan your route carefully
Once you’ve decided to go camping, the next step is to decide where you want to go. For campers who prefer to stay close to home, nearby state parks are a great choice.
State parks have pre-marked camping spots with tents marked and defined areas. This makes it easy for beginners as well as experienced campers.
For more experienced campers, night time astro navigation can be used to find good spots for setting up a tent or camping area. Once you’ve got the hang of it, it’s a great way to find new and interesting places to set up your camp.
Once you’ve arrived at your destination, it’s important to note that wildlife is a concern when camping out of a car. Animals can become territorial and may try to force you out of their area.
It’s important to keep an eye on wildlife and make sure not to provoke them.
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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.
