Car camping

If you’re looking to save some money on lodging and car rentals, driving and car camping can be a good option. I like to do this because it allows you to take your “house” with you wherever you go, so you always have whatever you need.

Planning ahead

  • If you’re planning to car camp, it’s likely because you want to save some money. You absolutely must investigate ahead of time where you are allowed to park and camp before leaving for your trip. Some states have BLM land (Bureau of Land Management) that allows you to camp for free, but it can be remote and sometimes fills up. Other locations will allow you to park for free overnight in parking lots, but rules can change so be sure to check p—to-date info before you depart. There are several websites and apps you can find to give info about free or cheap camping, but I have never used them.

  • While I love saving money and don’t mind spending a couple nights camping, I really don’t like roughing it. Because of that, I almost always book a site at a campground, even when planning to camp in the car. This provides access to bathrooms and showers, water, and electricity. If travelling alone, booking through a campground (or even a campsite through AirBnb) can provide a way for you to check-in daily, and makes it easier to share your plans with a friend or family member. This obviously requires advanced planning and may remove the “go with the flow” nature of car camping for some. For me, I have a much better time knowing that I have a secure place to sleep each night.

  • I grew up camping with my family, and we’ve had luck with state park campgrounds, but they’re different in every state, ranging from very nice to rather *ahem repulsive. Check ratings and reviews from other campers to find a good spot. KOA campgrounds are also known for being very nice and often have lots of amenities.

Amenities

  • Speaking of amenities, like any trip, it’s important to know before you go what’s important to you. Do you want to be close to the freeway, food, or attractions? Will you need laundry during your camp stay? Do you need electricity to charge your devices each night? Are flush toilets a requirement (for me, yes)? Campsites can range from near luxury amenities all the way to nothing but a grassy space to pitch a tent, so be sure to know your priorities in order to choose the right place for you.

Packing List

We’ve done most of our car camping in our 2008 Honda Fit, which is surprisingly roomy. While we’ve only spent around a dozen nights sleeping in there (and just a few nights in rented vehicles) here are some of the things I’ve found helpful to bring:

  • If you plan to cook or eat meals at your campsite, you’ll want to bring some kitchen/eating supplies.

    • Bowls (I love these ones for both eating and leftovers)

    • Utensils (plastic, washable, or something like this)

    • If you’re serious about your coffee, I have this kettle and this coffee maker that uses K-cups for quick and easy coffee. (I have decided I am not that serious about my coffee, and now I just grab bottled coffee drinks to take with me

    • Dish soap and sponge or scrubber

    • Dish towel

    • A pot for heating food over the fire, and a hot pad to set things on

    • Table cover (an easy way to keep your eating space clean)

    • Cups or travel mugs

    • Food seasonings

    • Easy campsite foods includes single serve ramen or mac n cheese and canned foods with a pull-tab top

  • For sleeping, you’ll want to plan to fold down your back seats for a flat sleeping area. If your seats don’t lay totally flat or you can’t avoid parking on a hill, you’ll want to make sure you orient yourself so your head is higher than your feet. For us, this usually means pushing the front seats all the way up and sleeping with our heads right behind those seats.

    • Blankets, sheets, and/or sleeping bag (I like this one that can be zipped together for 2 people, or separated into 2 individual sleeping bags)

    • Air mattress is optional, but highly recommended, as cars are not generally made for comfortable sleeping. I have this one and it’s great for 2 people, you can inflate each of the 4 sections independently and only use what you need, plus it’s specifically made to be used in vehicles, so it fits better than a standard air mattress

    • You’ll want to make sure you also have a way to inflate your air mattress, and may need to take a battery-powered air bump if you won’t have easy access to electricity

    • Pillows (take a decent one)

    • These great window screens (available in varying sizes for different car types). They both block light and allow you to roll your windows down at night to get some airflow in your sleeping area. You will want to adjust how much air you let in depending on the outside temperature, but even if it’s cold you’ll still want a small amount of fresh air coming in throughout the night

    • To cover the rear window, I’ve created make-shift light blocks out of blankets, bungee cords, shower hooks, suction cups, binder clips, and more (because who wants random passers-by seeing you while you sleep in your car). I haven’t found a perfect solution yet, but think about a way to block your back window if it isn’t tinted

    • You can use your back-window solutions for the front window as well, or get a sun deflector that’s easy to set up

  • There are a few optional things to consider bringing, which may depend on how far and how long you’re going, if you’re flying and renting a car or driving to your destination from home, and what you’re planning to do

    • A rope or extra long bungee cord for hanging laundry

    • A bucket for washing dishes, clothes, or other needs that may arise

    • Towels for showering and/or drying clothes or dishes

    • A blanket for sitting on the ground, camp chairs, a hammock, etc

    • A flashlight (other than your phone)

    • A lighter and firestarter

    • Take wood or consider purchasing it once you arrive (camp stores usually have wood available to buy)

No matter what your camping plans, always be sure to be safe. Share your whereabouts with a trusted contact, get access to maps ahead of time in case you don’t have cell signal, fully extinguish your fire before leaving the site or going to bed, keep an emergency kit on hand, and carry a car emergency kit with jumper cables, flares, a flashlight, etc. Car camping can take a lot more planning than staying in a hotel or other booking, but can be a good way to travel on a budget and open up opportunities for new adventures!