The only guide you’ll ever need to go car camping
Car camping is like renting a slab of cement that resembles your driveway
By Kevin Woo | Your Mechanic
Each summer, millions of Americans hit the road and head for the great outdoors. They ditch their cellphones, sit on beach chairs under a string of battery powered Christmas lights, and make s’mores. These people are called campers.
Happy campers
Happy campers are easy to identify. They seem genuinely excited to stuff their car with sleeping bags, inflatable mattresses, tents, fishing equipment, coolers, grills, curling irons, electric razors, and, of course, a string of battery powered Christmas lights. Campers are easy to spot as they drive down the highway. If you see a bloated car, you’ve found the campers.
People who camp pack a lot of stuff. The problem with taking all of this stuff is that at some point you have to carry it from your car to your campsite. Depending on how far the parking lot is to your campsite, you could work up quite a sweat hauling your gear from here to there.
Try car camping
If you want to experience nature, but you’re not so keen on hauling stuff around, you could try car camping, or as some people call it – camping-lite.
Car camping is kind of like camping on your driveway (minus the cement). You pull up to your assigned parking spot, pitch your tent next to your car, put your grill next to your car, and enjoy nature … next to your car. In other words, you can pack as much as you want, you don’t have to haul anything around because everything is in your car. You can just enjoy nature.
Car camping can be relaxing
The upside of car camping is pretty simple to remember – park, pitch, relax. Maybe you’ll need to get up from your beach chair to stretch your legs once in awhile, but for the most part – park, pitch, relax.
The downside of car camping – your neighbors are really really close so you need to use your inside voice when you’re outside. If you have kids, it’s more of a challenge.
Once you get the hang of it, car camping is a peaceful way to vacation. It’s usually accessible, relatively affordable, and it’s a great way to relax in the crisp, open air. A lot of planning is necessary to ensure you don’t forget and essentials so your trip is fun and safe. Here are some helpful planning tips to get you well on your way.
Before you start packing
Before you start packing, you need anticipate what you’ll need when you get to your destination. You can expect to be cut off from civilization so prepare appropriately. You’ll need to bringing food, shelter, and any medical supplies you might need on your trip.
Choose a few favorite things to do and places to see and pick your car camp site plans accordingly. Having more than one option is a good idea in case something unexpected arises and you have to change plans. If your destination is popular, it might require a reservation, so be sure to schedule that well in advance.