What’s the fastest, easiest and often most secure way to take an impromptu getaway? Your car. Car camping allows you to see the world — or at least the surrounding countryside — without spending a ton of cash. It also provides a heightened sense of security for novices to the big woods who may feel a bit intimidated beneath the same tree-covered canopies where sasquatch may lurk. The right tips help your first car camping trip be a success.
1. Gather Your Supplies
The right supplies make car camping much easier. One of the most crucial is also one that many first-timers overlook — rain guards for your windows. Sleeping in your vehicle gets humid and stuffy without the windows cracked, but leaving them open without rain guards can soak you if a storm blows through. Wet vehicle interiors can spur mold growth along with being uncomfortable, but you can fix the problem for around $40 with an aftermarket pair or rain guards.
Of course, you could also get out of the cab with a tent designed for your truck bed or the roof of your car. Doing so gets you off the cold ground and cuts down on critter traffic, as long as you use bear-safe containers when camping in bear territory.
Other supplies every intrepid car camper should carry include:
- Communication devices, including a backup charger for your phone or a satellite communicator if traveling where service is spotty.
- A power bank, if you want to operate a small appliance like a hot pot or plug-in cooler or charge lanterns for after-dark use.
- A first aid kit, including your prescriptions and ample emergency supplies.
- Car maintenance tools, including a jack, spare, triangles and flares, lug wrenches, screwdrivers, tire gauge, jumper cables and a headlamp for working in the dark.
- A subzero sleeping bag for cold weather or sufficient blankets and a pillow for comfort.
- Clothes suitable for layering, with an inner wicking layer, middle insulating layer and top layer intended to keep the elements at bay.
- Water — at least a gallon per person per day — and whatever food you might like, from marshmallows to trail mix.
- Fire-starting materials, as you can’t toast marshmallows without a blaze.
- A good novel is always a treat.
2. Select Your Site
Your next order of business is determining where to camp. You can car camp at many public campsites intended for tents and RVs, although you should call ahead — some high-end resorts accept only newer models of RVs and restrict other vehicles. Established campsites are best for first-time car campers, as most sites have a host on-site if you run into issues. At the very least, there are always other people around if you encounter trouble.
Many people who car camp choose boondocking, which refers to camping at sites without developed services. While you get a more authentic backwoods experience, you might not have anyone around to help if your car gets stuck, you get a flat or otherwise need assistance. However, you can reach quite remote locations, especially with four-wheel drive.
Modern technology makes finding the best campsites easier today. Apps such as Campendium and iOverlander provide information about where to stay and the services you can find at each location.
3. Service Your Vehicle
It’s no fun if your ride breaks down while car camping, so do preventive maintenance before your trip. If your state doesn’t mandate regular inspections, give your car a thorough once-over anyway, checking your belts and hoses to ensure none are cracked or ready to snap. Top off your fluid levels if necessary, and check the air in your tires. If you plan on doing any four-wheeling, you should lower your tire pressure a bit to increase traction on rocky terrain.
Additionally, you should test your brakes by checking your pads for signs of wear and mindfully observing your ride when braking. If you notice pulling to one side, you might your brakes adjusted. Also, you should clean your brakes after getting muddy, so stop at the nearest car wash upon emerging from the muck before traveling too far down the highway when your car-camping trip ends.
4. Schedule Fun Activities
Car camping isn’t much fun if all you do is lay around in your backseat. Of course, if you needed the peace and quiet to finally dig into that novel you’ve been planning to read forever, you might prefer a laid-back getaway. However, car camping is generally more fun when you schedule activities to tucker yourself out before hitting the hay. For example, you might:
- Pick a random trail off a hiking app and follow it to the end.
- Take your rod and reel and go fishing
- Use an app such as PictureThis to identify local flora.
- Learn how to weave a wreath out of natural materials.
- Practice survival skills, like starting a fire in bad weather or building a primitive shelter with sticks.
- Master the art of cooking steak on a stake or other campfire cuisine.
- Canoe or kayak nearby lakes or rivers.
- Bring an easel and paint, or draw the natural majesty you see around you.
- Carry your camera and go on a photographic expedition.
- Download a geocaching app and search for hidden treasure.
- Refine your bouldering skills with the help of the right crash pad — which can double as a mattress for sleeping in your truck bed.
- Play games with fellow campers — a deck of cards goes a long way.
- Tell scary stories around the campfire or download some podcasts to listen to after dark.
5. Stay Safe
Fortunately, staying safe while car camping is easier than many people believe. Those looking to cause harm aren’t likely to seek it in remote locations, so you have a reduced chance of encountering the most dangerous predator — the two-legged variety.
One benefit of car camping is you can set your alarm to alert you if someone tries to break in while you sleep. Keep your doors locked and keys where you can quickly put them in the ignition to beat a hasty retreat if necessary.
If that’s not enough, you can find inexpensive perimeter alarms with a trip wire that sounds a screech if any critter stumbles too close to your camp at midnight. An even less expensive, low-tech method is to tie tin cans to a string you use to secure the perimeter. Forewarning reduces the need for a weapon, although bear spray also works against other predators and is wise to carry in the wild.
Enjoy Your First Time Car Camping
Car camping offers a convenient, inexpensive escape any time you need to get away. You’ll feel more secure locked into your vehicle at night instead of a tent. Plus, you can travel as far as your ride will carry you, enjoying some precious alone time or staying in an established site for a little modern convenience with your nature fix. A little preparation improves your chances of having a blast regardless of where you stay on your car-camping adventure.
