Hit the Road: The Complete Guide to Car Camping
Are you ready for a good ol’ fashioned car camping adventure? If you want to hit the road and explore the great outdoors, car camping is the way to go. It’s a great way to get out of the city and experience nature without the hassle.
For people who want to enjoy the great outdoors while still having some home comforts, car camping is the ideal solution. You can pack all the necessities to make your camping vacation enjoyable and fun by using your car as your base camp.
Car camping is a fantastic way to discover the wonders of the United States, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time camper. From the majestic mountains of Colorado to the untamed coasts of California, there are countless places to go car camping. So pack up, hit the road, and get ready to enjoy the freedom and adventure of Car camping!
What is car camping
Before I answer that question, I would like to ask you, the reader of this article, what is the difference between car camping and tent camping?
If you know the answer, that’s what I’m going to tell you. Car camping allows you to sleep in your car instead of a tent. Car camping is an affordable and comfortable way to enjoy the outdoors without investing in expensive camping equipment. Car camping allows you to bring luxuries that you wouldn’t consider taking camping, such as a generator, more camping gear, grills, large tents, cooler full of your favorite food and drinks, etc.
Car camping is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and explore the great outdoors. It’s perfect for families, couples, and solo adventurers who want to experience the beauty of nature without sacrificing the comforts of home.
How to pick a car suitable for camping
If you are planning to car camping, it is important to choose the right vehicle. First of all, check out the sleeping area and trunk of the car you already own. For small cars where space is really limited, you can carry an extra tent and sleep in it.
In general, the most suitable cars for car camping are four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, reliable, spacious, and models that can handle the rough terrain outdoors.
The size of your camping party should be your first priority. If you’re going with a large group of friends or family, you’ll need a vehicle with plenty of seating and cargo space. A large SUV or minivan is a fantastic option for this.
Next, consider the terrain you’ll be traveling. You’ll need a car with high ground clearance and four-wheel drive if you plan to explore rugged dirt roads or rocky trails. A reliable pickup or SUV with off-road capabilities would be an excellent choice.
Last but not least, don’t overlook sleeping accommodations. Make sure your car is long enough for your height and that the back seats fold down to create a level sleeping area if you plan to sleep in them.
Here are some popular car models for car camping:
The Ford Bronco – For 2022, this venerable SUV is back and better than ever. The Bronco is ideal for both camping and off-roading, with four-wheel drive, plenty of storage space, and a retractable top and doors.
The Subaru Outback – The Outback is a go-to vehicle for outdoor enthusiasts because it is roomy, dependable and has four-wheel drive for rough terrain. It also has a roof rack for kayaks or bikes and plenty of space for camping gear.
The Jeep Wrangler – Another classic off-road vehicle built for exploration. From the two-door Sport to the four-door Unlimited, it comes in a variety of models and combinations, all with plenty of cargo space and off-road capability.
The Toyota 4Runner – A versatile SUV with a powerful V6 engine, the 4Runner’s rugged body-on-frame construction makes it ideal for camping and travel. It also offers a large cargo area and optional features such as a sliding cargo deck and power rear window.
Overall, the key to picking the right car for camping is to prioritize space, reliability, and off-road capabilities. With the right vehicle, you’ll be able to hit the road and explore the great outdoors in comfort and style.
How to Car Camping
Research and plan
It’s also fun to learn in an area you don’t know (first exposure to car camping). You can learn how to set up your vehicle in the space you have by watching YouTube videos.
You can learn more about the equipment you might need, such as a camp stove, by visiting and supporting local outfitters.
You can connect with members of the vehicle camping community by joining Facebook groups and Reddit communities. You can also get discounts on used gear and answers to questions you didn’t even know you had.
Purchase and setup
The most important component of car camping is your vehicle. Your current vehicle should be adequate for your car camping needs. Make sure it’s reliable and large enough for you to sleep in and store your belongings.
You will also need to plan for the camping items you want to bring, such as the three big, food, pots and pans, other essentials, hiking boots, etc.
Explore campsite
Consider using your first car camping trip as an opportunity to learn more about your local area before planning a off-road route. Start in a nearby park or campground. State parks are a wise choice because they offer resources, services, and activities to help you get used to a new style of camping.
Buy the right car camping gear
Getting a good night’s sleep is key to enjoying your car camping adventure, and that starts with preparing your sleeping gear.
Sleeping System
Sleeping bags – provide insulation to keep you warm on cold nights. Another backup option is to bring a few blankets to use when the temperature is not too high and use the blankets as a quilt to cover your body.
Sleeping pads – provide cushioning and support for your body, helping you get a better night’s sleep. Pro tips：If it’s cold, you don’t want to use a sleep pad. The air inside will be so cold that you might as well sleep on the furry surface of the car seat.
Pillows are also very important, not only to increase sleep comfort, but also to give your neck support so you do not wake up the next day with an uncomfortable neck. Pro tip: Don’t worry if you forget your pillow, you can fold your clothes and put the side without zippers or buttons to fit your head and neck.
Tent – Since you already have a car, a tent is not necessary. But if you can’t sleep in your car, carrying a tent is very necessary.
Hammock – A hammock can provide a comfortable and relaxing place to rest and unwind after a day of outdoor activities. You can hang it between trees, posts, or even on the roof rack of your car if you have a roof hammock stand.
When choosing a hammock for car camping, consider factors such as weight capacity, durability, and ease of setup. You’ll also want to make sure you have the appropriate straps or ropes to hang the hammock securely.
Cooking
STOVE & COOKWARE – While cooking over an open fire is possible, it can be time consuming and unpredictable. A camping stove and cookware give you the ability to prepare meals quickly and efficiently, regardless of the weather or location. Choose a stove that can be used for multiple purposes and a stove with a long burn time. This will give you plenty of time to grill or cook foods that don’t cook easily.
KNIFE – A good knife is not only useful for cutting meat and chopping vegetables, but also for cutting ropes.
ELECTRIC COOLER – With a New Air Electric Cooler, you can go camping and still bring your favorite meals and snacks.
FLINT LIGHTER – When you’re car camping in the wilderness, fire can be your best friend, providing warmth, light, and a way to cook your food. That’s where a flint lighter comes in. It’s reliable, safe, versatile, durable and affordable, making it a must-have for any camper.
Food
Breakfast – A full meal is the perfect way to start the day. Make some pancakes or waffles, or scramble some eggs with bacon on your camping stove or griddle. Remember to bring coffee!
Lunch – Sandwiches are a quick and delicious lunch alternative. All you need to bring is bread, deli meats, cheeses and sauces. Try a vegetarian sandwich with hummus or avocado for a more nutritious option.
Grilled meats – Fire up the grill and make some burgers, hot dogs, or brats because grilling is a classic camping activity. You can also grill chicken, steak, or seafood for a heartier lunch.
Dinner – One-pot meals are great for camping because they’re easy to make and clean up. Try cooking a pot of chili, stew, or soup on your camping stove, or pack a pre-made meal such as canned soup or chili.
S’mores – No camping trip is complete without s’mores. For a delicious dessert, roast marshmallows over the campfire and layer them with graham crackers and chocolate.
Snacks – Don’t forget to pack some snacks to munch on throughout the day. Trail mix, beef jerky, fruit, and veggies with dip are all great options.
Water & Beverages
As a general guideline, plan to pack at least one gallon of water per person per day. This should be enough for cooking, cleaning, and drinking. You can purify water from natural sources, such as streams or rivers, if you’re running low. To make sure the water is safe to drink, you will need a water filtration device, such as a water filter or iodine tablets.
Remember to drink water regularly throughout the day, and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Be intentional about drinking water throughout the day, especially during periods of high activity or heat. If you are going to have a drink beverages, it is recommended to have a drink with electrolytes.
Other Car camping essentials
Lighting – You’ll quickly discover that using your phone’s light or a campfire to navigate isn’t enough. For comfort and ambiance, lighting is a worthwhile investment. You can use headlamps, lanterns, or even solar lights.
Wet Wipes – You shouldn’t be wasting your drinking water on something as trivial as cleaning your smelly armpits! Your need for a shower is sorted by the wet wipe.
Camping Table& Chair – They’ll be your trusty sidekicks for all sorts of activities, from cooking and eating to playing cards and just chilling.
Toiletries – Finding a bathroom when you’re outdoors can be difficult. With a disposable urine belt, you can relieve yourself discreetly and comfortably without leaving your campsite.
Making what I like to call “poop stations” is one of the coolest hacks for living in your car. We all do it, and it’s okay to talk about it (though you might want to avoid bringing it up with ruffians you meet at campgrounds). Put a roll of toilet paper, a bottle of hand sanitizer, a shovel, and a bag of wipes in a small duffel bag. This makes a handy grab-and-go kit for when you need to go to the bathroom, especially if it’s late at night, since you probably won’t be camping at places with restrooms every night.
Car camping tips and tricks
Can you sleep in your car while camping?
Yes, you can. But you have to be careful where you park for the night. While rest areas across the country are great places to stop, stretch and rest, not all of them allow you to sleep in your car.
In fact, only six states in the entire country allow you to stay overnight. Before you hit the road, check each state’s highway website to find out where you can stop and sleep without risking a ticket.
At most Walmart locations, you are allowed to leave your car parked overnight unless a sign specifically states otherwise. It’s usually safe to assume you can stay if you pull into the lot and see other overnight guests, but be sure to check with the manager on duty.
The reason for this is that even though Walmart may not care if you park there overnight, the city may have a law against it, and you may find yourself in an awkward situation if a tow truck arrives in the middle of the night.
A Walmart on or near an interstate is likely to be friendlier to vehicle camping than one in or near a city.
No matter where you choose to lay your head, remember to be considerate of the business and park in an area that is out of the way, while staying in a well-lit area for safety.
In addition, truck stops allow overnight parking and offer amenities such as Wi-Fi and showers. Keep in mind that the vehicles can be loud, so you may not get the quiet you’re looking for. Bring earplugs if you decide to go this route.
Here are some places you can sleep safely：
- Highway Rest Stops
- Walmart Parking Lots
- Truck Stops
- Campgrounds
Should I open the car window to sleep at night?
Depending on where you’re camping, nighttime temperatures can vary widely. If it’s cool enough outside, you may want to open a window to let in some fresh air. But if it’s hot and humid, keeping your windows closed and using a fan or air conditioner can help keep you comfortable. Another way of looking at it is that if the campground you are in is not secure enough, you can crack the car window just a little (enough to fit half a finger).
If you feel that the above two approaches do not meet your needs, then I recommend you try to buy a window screen that allows you to open the cracked half of the window to let the breeze through and protect your privacy.
How do I cover a window while sleeping in a car?
When sleeping at night, there are several ways to cover a window. You can buy curtains or window treatments, or you can buy a roll of Reflectix (insulation) material and make your own window treatments.
You should have a shower
There’s nothing like a refreshing shower to wash away the day’s sweat and grime. That’s where a portable camping shower comes in.
Sure, you could take a dip in the nearby river or lake, but the water can be cold and not always the cleanest. And who wants to hike back to camp wet and shivering? With a portable shower, you can have a nice, warm rinse right at your campsite.
These showers come in all shapes and sizes, from simple bag-style designs to more complex systems with pumps and hoses. Some even have a built-in privacy tent for added convenience. All you need is a water source and some privacy, and you’re ready to go.
The best national park campsite for car camping in the United States
Yosemite National Park in California comes first. This park is a nature lover’s paradise with breathtaking views of Half Dome and Yosemite Falls. Car campers often choose the Upper Pines campground because it gives them access to the surrounding amenities and hiking trails.
Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park is next. The Moraine Park campground is an excellent option for those who want to camp in their cars, as it offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and convenient access to hiking and fishing trails.
California’s Joshua Tree National Park is a must for anyone looking for a desert experience. With spacious campsites and breathtaking desert views, Black Rock Campground is a great choice for campers.
Don’t forget to visit Maine’s Acadia National Park if you’re traveling to the East Coast. With access to hiking trails and stunning coastal views, the Seawall Campground offers car camping near the water.
Finally, we cannot overlook Wyoming’s Yellowstone National Park. With access to hot springs and nearby attractions like Old Faithful, the Madison campground is a fantastic option for campers.
Car camping is a fantastic way to get outside and experience nature. With the right supplies and planning, you can have a relaxing camping vacation without giving up the convenience of your car. Always check local laws, have enough food and water, and think about how your actions can affect the environment. So hit the road, choose a beautiful location, and enjoy the great outdoors while relaxing in your own vehicle.
