You don't need a luxurious RV to have an amazing time while camping. Whether you're driving a compact car, SUV or pick-up truck, or a cozy camping van, we've got some fantastic tips to ensure your experience is nothing short of extraordinary.
Join us as we explore how you can immerse yourself in nature without breaking the bank!
What supplies do you need for car camping?
Having the right supplies can make all the difference when you’re on a car camping adventure. The right gear will mean the best experience including staying comfortable and organized, preparing delicious meals, and enjoying outdoor activities.
Staying comfortable in your compact space is attainable! Transforming the backseat or cargo area into a cozy sleeping space doesn’t take too much effort, especially if you start with the right mattress. The AKUDY air mattress fits into the back of most SUVs and trucks, and also comes with two parts so you can choose to inflate just one portion. You can also add some cozy elements with an insulated and waterproof blanket and a small or inflatable pillow. You can extend the space available to you with a tailgate awning that will also provide some sun protection and privacy.
Keep organized whether you’re on the road or parked for the night! A backseat organizer will keep your items organized and easily accessible, whether you need something while driving or while you’re getting set up to sleep. You can bring along some hanging LED lights so you don’t have to leave your car running, or use a generator, but the party can continue on. Don’t forget a portable trash can so you can take out whatever you bring in, leaving nothing behind but some tire tracks!
Meals that you prepare while car camping should be easy to make, with minimal equipment, and with ingredients that are easy to store and travel with. Even better, try preparing your meals ahead of time so all you need to do is unwrap and eat. Some classics include sandwiches and wraps, foil packet cooking , and one-pot recipes. Any cooking you do while car camping should be approached with caution, and you should make sure that any flames or cooktops are well-vented and there is no risk of anything catching on fire. You should also check out what the status is for fire bans in the area you’re camping at, and make sure you are adhering to local rules.
What should you do before going car camping?
Prioritize the essentials when embarking on a car camping adventure. Before hitting the road, it's crucial to ensure that everything within your vehicle is in optimal condition. Take a moment to check and replenish your fluids including the coolant, windshield washer fluid, and motor oil. Engine oil shouldn’t be too dark or black (unless you have a diesel engine) and if it is, that means that an oil change is due. Transmission fluid also turns to a dark brown when it needs to be replaced. The fluid starts out as a bright red and as long as it isn’t a dark brown, you don’t need to take any action! While you’re checking fluids, take a look at the state your hoses are in, keeping your eyes peeled for any leaks.
You should also inspect the brakes and tires. Check the tire pressure while the tires are cool to get the most accurate measurement, and you can find the ideal pressure on the inside of the driver’s side door or in the owner’s manual. Incorrectly inflated tires can cause overheating, loss of traction, and the risk of a tire blowout occurring increases significantly. Brakes can be checked while driving, but try and do this before you start your real adventure - find a secluded road and drive at a slow speed to complete a few brake checks. If the brakes are responding irregularly or making squealing or grinding sounds, you should have a mechanic check them out before you journey out too far.
The final check before you leave should be the gas gauge - make sure you have enough fuel! These simple yet crucial steps will help ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey.
Where should you park for the night while car camping?
After you've taken care of vehicle maintenance and have all the supplies you need, the quest for a tranquil sleeping spot begins. The key is to distance yourself from the chaotic hubbub of traffic and other bothersome noises, seeking a secluded spot with plenty of shady trees. This idyllic setting enhances the ambiance and also provides a shield against any unforeseen rain showers or gusts of wind that may arise during the night.
Try and keep water easily accessible near your parking spot. This will eliminate the need to trek back and forth after darkness falls, as well as lighten your load and allow you to enjoy the car camping experience itself! However, it's essential to be prepared for the potential challenge of limited nearby water sources. Even if finding the perfect spot takes some time, the convenience and comfort will make your efforts worthwhile.
Watch out for places that don’t allow for overnight camping or parking - you wouldn’t want to get stuck with a ticket, a fine, or having your vehicle towed away!
Is there a more luxurious alternative to car camping?
If you’re looking for a slightly more luxurious alternative to car camping while still sticking with a budget, consider camping in a sprinter van or other easy-camping vehicle. The popularity of car camping has never been higher, so there are plenty of camping-ready vans and trailers that can be rented!
There are options out there like this simple campervan that gives you the bones and you’ll need to supply just about everything. You can also find small trailers that can be hauled with just a small SUV crossover or pickup truck. Depending on where you want to go, watch for trailers that are equipped for boondocking - meaning you won’t be connected to any site hook-ups.
Stretching the “luxury” part of car camping, you can even look at fully-equipped motorhomes and trailers, and if you stay in the right classification and size you don’t need to worry about upgrading your licence with a house trailer endorsement or an air brake endorsement . This motorhome even has the option to add camping chairs, bedding and linens, and even some small appliances!
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Now that you know how to make the most out of your car-camping experience, it’s time to crack open a map and pick the perfect spot. Depending on how far you want to go, and what you want to experience along the way, we have road trip guides for everything! Journey across Canada, starting in the west and continuing to the east coast or stay a bit closer to home and see what beautiful British Columbia has to offer!