Car Camping for Beginners

Before we get into it, in this case, car camping refers to camping at drive up sites and perhaps in dispersed camping areas.We've recently heard some folks using the two interchangeably and while you certainly can, this is not referring to the latter. While we might recommend some of these items for comfortably sleeping in your car (which this author has done many a time), that is an entirely separate blog. So, without further ado, let’s get into the beauty of car camping, what to bring, and why. We get it, before the hardcore backpackers start ; backpacking is great, we are not disagreeing. Car camping is not the same and maybe nothing compares to taking off with everything literally on your back, but for many people, car camping is accessible, fits into a schedule just a little bit better, and offers just a few creature comforts that make the outdoors a little better. Car camping is a fantastic option for those just starting out or those who, enjoy a little more cushion when sleeping under the stars. Because you are not limited by what can be packed onto your back, you have options to make the stay as much or as little like home. Below are some key items that are totally worth bringing along to make car camping extra sweet.

A Comfortable Tent + Tent Accessories

When you have the room in your car, there’s no need to skimp on shelter. Bringing along a larger tent can not only give you a better nights sleep while camping, but also potentially aid in recovery. When you’re not confined to a smaller space such as a bivy or another ultralight option, you gain the comfort of “excess” design: Thicker materials keep out more wind, a larger floor gives you room to sprawl. Not to mention you will be able to fit perhaps a thicker sleeping pad or even a full on air mattress depending on the size of the tent. A thicker pad is awesome especially after a long day of hiking, biking, rafting, or whatever it is you’re getting up to outside. The final thing a larger, sturdier tent can provide is the ability to accommodate some sort of light. Hanging lanterns or string lights are a fun touch that make a difference in getting ready for bed when the sun goes down. Luci String Lights UST 4” Pad REI Arete ASL 2 Tent all on geartrade.com

Food Storage & Cooking Equipment

By all means, bring your favorite filtration system along for day hikes. It’ll lighten the load and what’s better than fresh spring water? But, rest assured there’s also freshwater back at camp if you bring a large water jug/ a few gallon bottles with you. Unless you are really in the middle of nowhere, there should be a gas station or town where you can refill these if needed. And with water comes food. Bring a cooler! Unless you have a freeze dried meal you absolutely adore, there’s no need to limit yourself to this kind of food! The joy of having your vehicle is that you can bring pots, pans, a fold out stove, and ingredients to make your favorite meal at camp.

Furniture

We would be remiss if we did not mention furniture to keep lounging around the campsite comfy. There might be a day or two (depending on the length of your trip) where you need a day to recharge. At the very least, you’ll want a chair or two for hanging out around the fire. So, as mentioned, foldout camp chairs are great. You can even use something compact like a Crazy Creek chair if you’ll be comfy on it. The next two items are probably more “nice to have” than anything, but a tablecloth can be nice for easy clean up and eating as well as a foldable table if you know your site has limited space/no table included. A sun shelter can also be pretty clutch if you’re somewhere with high sun exposure/little to no tree coverage. ALPS Folding chair UST Foldable Table available on Geatrade.com Camping is camping no matter which way you slice it, and if having an air mattress in your tent makes it easier for you to enjoy the outdoors than so be it! Car camping is such an easy way to enjoy the outdoors and so customizable. Whether you were looking for advice on how to soup up your site or tips as a first timer, we hope this guide helped break some things down for you. Have fun, be safe, and we’ll see you out there! Finola McDonald thinks bios are really hard but here is her best go: Finola is a runner, a writer, a climber, snack enthusiast, cat mom, and city lifer turned nature lover who loves getting people outside. She is a firm believer that time in Earth’s wild spaces is time best spent and we need it more than ever. She hopes by sharing her passion for our planet and outdoor recreation, she can convince others of the same. In her free time, you can find her touching cool rocks, running around SLC and the Wasatch, and trying her hardest to leave this earth better than when she entered it. Follow us on Instagram + Facebook: Tag us @geartrade with the hashtag #unnewoutdoor #wearitout on your post or story for a chance to be featured on our page.

Have Summer gear to sell? Get cracking.

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