People who’ve never camped in their life or are camping after a long time are the first ones to ask, what is car camping? Car camping means driving into a campground and parking nearby to a designated campsite where you can set up your tent for the night.
What is Car Camping?
One of the most significant benefits of car camping is that you can now bring all the essentials you might need without worrying about having to carry it all up a mountain, as you would if you were backpacking.
From cooking dinner to staying cozy and entertained till the sun goes down, this ultimate guide will provide you with everything you need to know and pack for a successful car camping trip. It is usually the best type of camping for beginners.
What You’ll Need
Here is a list of the seven most helpful camping essentials you should carry on your car camping trip to ensure a smooth and pleasant experience.
Camping tent
- Dome tent with spacious interior allows you to move comfortably
- Easy setup in only 10 minutes
- WeatherTec system with patented welded floors and inverted seams to keep you dry
- Large windows and a ground vent for superior ventilation
- Measures 9 x 7 feet with 4-foot 11-inch center height
Camping sleeping bag
- USED FOR 3 SEASONS:Our Sleeping Bags can be used for 3 seasons.They are designed for 10~20 Degrees Celsius. Moreover, these bags also have a weather-resistant design to keep you warm even in extreme conditions and prevent you from any dampness - this is achieved through double-filled technology.our sleeping bags are designed to ensure that after a tiring day of trekking, hiking, travel or any other exploration you can get a good and relaxing night’s sleep.
- DESIGN: Separated zipper at the bottom can also make your feet often come out through the wind. Half-circle hood with adjustable drawstring keeps your head warmer even in extreme conditions.Our sleeping bags are designed to provide much needed rest after a full day of outdoor activities.
- MATERIAL:Outer Cover Material-premium 210T Anti-tearing Polyester Fabric which is waterproof and Breathable; Lining Material:190T polyester pongee
- SIZE&EASY TO CARRY:(190 + 30)cm x 75 cm.Can be wiped clean making it versatile and convenient. Each sleeping bag comes with a compression sack with straps, allowing for super convenient storage and easy carry maneuverability
- 100% SATISFACTION :100% NO QUESTIONS ASKED, no hassle money back or replacement .We try over very best to make sure every customer is completely satisfied. If theres a problem, message us! Order now!At your service,dear.Anyway,thanks for your com
Camping first aid kit
- Manufactured by the #1 leading manufacturer of First Aid Kits in the USA. 100 pieces of comprehensive first aid treatment products.
- This Kit meets United States FDA Regulatory Standards as a Medical Device. Ideal for most businesses and perfect for family use at home or travel.
- Fully organized interior compartments provides quick access. The rugged, sturdy, high density plastic case is impact resistant
- Compact size case measures 7.5in x 2.5in x 6.8in, is portable and can easily fit anywhere.
- Features Easy Slide Latches that securely locks into pla
Camping kitchen utensils
- Mess kit for camping, backpacking, scouting, and meals on-the-go; includes plate, bowl, camp cup, two-piece Switch Spork utensil set, and tether for securing kit and contents
- For meal storage and transport, the bowl and plate connect with an airtight seal; collapsible camp cup stows inside kit; included tether secures spork and keeps kit contents contained
- Two-piece Switch Spork set features a dedicated fork, knife, and spoon; , or connects together to form an extra long utensil; made from durable reinforced glass nylon
- Bowl and plate have rubberized grips on the bottom to prevent slippage on tabletop while eating
- Mess kit measures 8 x 8 x 3 inches, weighs 0. 6 pounds; BPA- and phthalate-free, dishwasher and microwave-s
Camping toiletry bag
- Portable Travel Toiletry Bag: Super-light, Only 150 grams / 0.34Pounds.
- Great on Look & Functionality: Has a sleek, compact design, roll it up tight, carry it or store it anywhere.
- Special Design: Great for overnight staying, a long journey, gym shower, and outdoor activities.
- Organized & Hygienic: All your travel essentials are organized, a compact bag that unrolls into a bag full of features and toiletries.
- Multifunction Travel Toiletry bag: Good ideal for vacation, business trip, camping, bathroom organization, study, and outdoor activi
Camping flashlight
- BRIGHT - The S1000 easily lights up an entire room and its narrow beam makes it the perfect all-around flash light for everyday use and outdoor activities
- DURABLE - This tactical flashlight is virtually indestructible. Made from military-grade aluminum, its also water-resistant and strong enough to survive a 10-foot drop.
- COMPACT - Easily fit this small flashlight in your pocket, backpack or purse for easy storage and quick access. Ideal for use around the house, dog walking, or camping.
- VALUE - This high lumen flashlight set includes (2) S1000 flashlights, (2) AAA battery holders (batteries not included), (2) 18650 battery tubes, (2) lanyards, (2) holsters, and (1) user manual.
- SIZE - Measuring 6.1 x 1.57 x 1.57 inches, these small flashlights are outdoor, camping and hiking essentials. They also work great as an everyday or emergency lig
Camping bug repellent
- Formulated with 25% DEET
- Repels mosquitoes that may carry the Zika, Dengue, or West Nile viruses
- Long-lasting protection from mosquitoes, ticks, biting flies, gnats, and chiggers
- Powder-dry formula—not oily or greasy
- Aerosol spray allows for easy application in a continuous sweeping mot
Finding a Place to Stay
The first step when going car camping should be to decide where to stay. If you have no idea where you want to go, you can look up a list of state or municipal parks near you. Your activities will help decide where you want to go better, so think about what you’re hoping to do during the day – do you wish to swim in the lake or hike with beautiful views?
Once you’ve settled on where you want to go, you need to figure out where you’re going to sleep. Consider your needs and priorities. Taken into consideration the following: is it important to have bathrooms and trash cans at your campsite? Will the terrain be accessible to you? Are you looking for a shaded site? These will help you plan better.
Gear Up for Anything
If this is a spontaneous trip and you don’t wish to buy your gear right away, you can always borrow from resale shops or friends and family who camp often. Wherever you get your gear from, you can quickly bring it all along. The best thing about going car camping is that you never need to worry about over-packing as a car is the most oversized bag you can get to fill in all your supplies.
While you can fill up your car’s backside with all that you like, here are the essential things to think about when planning your car camping adventure.
Tent
As mentioned earlier, car camping involves driving into a campground and parking nearby to a designated campground where you can set up your tent for the night. It’s best to buy a tent intended for two to three people so you can use it for years to come and have extra space to sleep comfortably and play games.
Sleeping Bag
Besides having someplace to sleep, you’re going to want to have something to sleep in. It is easy to opt for some comforters and blankets in the backseat, but using a sleeping bag is gets you in the spirit and gives you utmost comfort.
Flashlight
A flashlight is essential if you wish to explore at night or use the washroom in the unfamiliar campground. Stray rocks, roots, and even unsuspecting animals might make it difficult for you to cross the area at night. So, a flashlight will come in handy.
First Aid Kit
When you’re out in the woods, you’re prone to cuts and scratches. Your access to medical resources there will be limited, so you must get your stock. Make an entire kit so that you have all that you need in a safe place.
Warm Clothing
You should always have extra clothing to be comfortable at all times. It can get a little chilly in most places at night, so it’s best to carry layering pieces in your car. You don’t want to be stuck shivering in your tent.
Bug Spray
There is no way to can escape bugs in the outdoors so it is best to keep a bug repellant with you at all times to avoid unwanted burns or bites. You can keep with you a bottle of fresh aloe or sunscreen along with.
Food Supplies
It is best to keep a portable charcoal grill, kitchen utensils, plates, bowls, and cups with you when heading into the woods. Take advantage of the large space in your car and carry with you the grill you’ve wanted to cook in for a while. Winter campers should include carbohydrates in their diet to keep their body warm and provide energy.
Fun Extras
Now that you’re clear on ‘what is car camping’ and know of all the packing essentials, use the extra space to pack all the fun stuff! These will ensure you have a great time on your trip.
Pack with you:
- Outdoor games
- Cards and books
- Camera
- Musical instruments
- Journal
- Books
It’s Time to Hit the Road!
We hope this guide on ‘what is car camping’ has cleared out all your misconceptions and has pumped you up to take a trip down into the mountains or the woods with your friends and family. You are now all set to have a successful camping trip!