The Perfect Car Camping Packing List
Car camping is a budget-friendly alternative to traditional camping, unlike traditional camping, which requires paying for a campsite and using your equipment.
It is more affordable with a vehicle you already own. While there are many details to consider, your car camping essentials are divided into three groups.
1. Your tent and sleeping gear.
2. Your cooking supplies.
3. Your supplies for car camping in general.
It’s important to pack light because there always be extra stuff. Although it might not seem like the most exciting activity to engage in, it’s a great way to travel on a budget.
What is Car Camping?
Car camping is when you park your car somewhere and sleep inside it, or you can camp out for free. It is a great way to experience nature and save money simultaneously.
Some locations include national parks, state parks, and other public lands. The best way to find these places is to look up “free campsites” on Google Maps.
Packing for camping trips is never easy. You need to take a lot of things into consideration, such as;
- The weather.
- The time of year.
- The type of camping you’ll be doing.
- What type of camping equipment you’ll be bringing.
Families often enjoy car camping. It usually involves sleeping in a tent. The tent is usually set up in a designated camping spot or on private property.
Some tent camping is done in a designated spot, while the other is car camping. Car camping usually involves a campsite with a site or mobile home.
When camping, it is important to find a safe campsite. With this car camping packing list below, you should have everything you need.
Car Camping Packing List #1: Finding a Safe Campsite
Finding a safe place to camp classic is the most important aspect of camping. There are several things to consider when finding a safe campsite.
So remember these basic tips, and have fun!
1. Look for a campsite with a fence around the perimeter of the area. It will prevent any unwanted visitors from entering your campsite.
2. Look for a campsite that has a fire pit. A fire pit is essential for cooking food and keeping warm at night.
3. Look for a campsite that has plenty of shade trees. Shade trees protect against the sun during the hot summer months.
4. The best way to find a safe campsite is to ask around local parks, campgrounds, and state lands.
5. Check out the DNR website, which has maps and information about camping areas across the U.S.
5. Be aware of the local laws about firewood gathering and disposal.
6. Check out reviews from other campers.
Car Camping Packing List #2: Packing your Basic Car Camping Essentials
A perfect car camping packing list should include all the essentials for a comfortable trip. Packing for car camping can seem daunting, but this guide lists the essential items to pack for any car camping trip. Here are some things you need to pack:
- Sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and camping blanket
- Outdoor camp chair, table, and tent
- Flashlight
- First aid kit
- Water bottle
- Basic stove and firestarter
- Cooking utensils, camp knife, cooking oil, cutting board, and dish soap.
- Food and water source
- Toiletries: toilet paper, wet wipes, toothbrush, dry shampoo, and others.
- Clothes and bath towel
- Basic tools
- Rain jacket or gear
- Hiking Boots or campsite shoes
- Insect repellent or bug spray
- Camera
- Deck of cards, board games
- Biodegradable trash bags
- Portable speaker
- Extra batteries, tap lights, and battery-powered light
- Trunk organizer and camping box
- Maps, a compass, and a GPS device
Car Camping Packing List #3: Follow Car Camping Safety Guidelines
Car camping adventure can be fun but follow these safety guidelines. Taking these precautions will help you have fun and feel comfortable during car camp.
One of the most important rules is never to leave the campfire unattended. While a campfire can be dangerous, it can also be a great source of warmth and light.
The last thing you want to worry about when camping setup is getting robbed. Protect your valuables with a tent door screen and a padlock. Also, practice situational awareness and keep an eye out.
If a party member gets up on a cold night, take a couple of steps away. Don’t sleep next to any tents if you’re on a campground.
While wild camping, you may be exposed to different weather conditions. Keep your phone charged so you can call for help if needed and take pictures to remember your trip.
How Can You Find Out If There Will Be Potable Water Near Campsite?
To find out whether there will be potable water near your campsite, you must first know where your campsite is located.
Use Google Maps, which has a “My Location” feature that allows users to pinpoint their exact location. Search for nearby campgrounds using the “Find Nearby” function.
- Look at the map of the area and search for “potable water” or “water source.”
- You can ask someone who has been there before or call the local campground office.
Authorities that handle water issues have a website with up-to-date information. Plan and make sure the water is potable before drinking.
How Do You Shower While Car Camping?
If you’re camping in a tent, you’ll need to use a showerhead for your shower. But, if you’re using a pop-up camper, you don’t need any plumbing at all.
Hook up a hose from the water tank to the showerhead, then turn on the tap. The base camp shower is one of the most important and simple sanitary facilities on any camping trip.
When camping outdoors, it is important to keep yourself clean and hygienic. If the shower is not available, the avid camper must rely on clean freshwater sources, such as streams, lakes, and ponds.
When using limited freshwater sources, fellow campers must avoid camp soap. It is to prevent the soap from washing away the aquatic species.
What Do You Eat While Car Camping?
When camping, you need to eat something while driving—the best thing to eat while car camping is a sandwich.
If you want to be healthy, you should eat some fruits and vegetables. Packed Lunches are a great choice for car camping. It’s easy, fast, and simple to prepare.
My suggestion is to pack a meal so that you don’t have to stop for food. If you are traveling with others, you should plan to share meals so that one person doesn’t carry all the weight.
To save money, you can pack food for breakfast and dinner. It’s helpful if you can bring a cooler with ice to keep cold foods cold.
Menu planning is key to having a successful car camping experience. The things that people avoid eating on a car camping trip are often the things that would be the most flavorful to have.
Planning meals has many benefits. But remember that if food spoils, you’ll have to throw it out.
How Do You Deal With Inclement Weather?
Car camping is fun, but it can be dangerous when bad weather. If you camp during inclement weather, prepare well for the elements.
Bring extra clothes, food, water, and other essentials. Make sure you know where you’re going, what kind of terrain you’ll encounter, and how long you’ll need to stay at your destination. Also, don’t forget to pack your tent!
Car camping can be a lot of fun, but bad weather can ruin the trip. Make sure to take regular breaks and avoid engaging in strenuous activities.
The best thing you can do is prepare for whatever the weather brings. Staying safe means being prepared for any situation, including driving during rainstorms.
Plan for the worst (or better) but be prepared for the best. Make sure everything is packed and ready for whatever Mother Nature throws at you.
Final Thoughts
Car camping is a satisfying experience. The adventure and excitement of planning your trip and then going off to find your destination are exciting.
But what makes it special is when you get to set up camp and have your dinner.
It’s important to explore the situation in the area you’re camping in. When you go to your campsite, look around the area, and identify where there is potable water.
