(Newswire.net — April 27, 2020) — The term “car camping” can mean two different things: it can mean sleeping in your car, or it can mean carrying camping supplies in your car (instead of in a backpack). You then set up the campsite next to your car at night.
Whichever kind of car camping you intend to do, some useful tips can help make the experience enjoyable and stress-free.
Tip #1: Bring Plenty of Water
Car camping can bring great flexibility. You can camp in a campground or anywhere else where you are allowed to park.
Having essential supplies in your car means that you can camp anywhere without needing to be sure you are near a place where you can purchase these basics.
The most crucial item that you need is water. Without a source of water, you’ll have to cut your camping trip short. If you are camping far from civilization, not having a source of water can be dangerous or even fatal.
Regardless of your camping plans, you should understand that many people underestimate how much water they need on a trip. Campers bring enough water for drinking, but they may not consider other water needs for cooking, brushing their teeth, or first aid.
The advantage of car camping is that you have a place to carry cargo. You can bring extra water without having to take it on your back.
To avoid a lack of water, you can decide how much you need for drinking, cooking, and other tasks that require fresh water. Then, double that amount.
This extra supply can help in the event of an emergency, such as your car breaking down, and it can also protect you from having to cut your trip short because of a lack of water.
Tip #2: Bring Plenty of Non-Perishable Food
Next, after water, food is also essential. You’re going to enjoy your camping trip a whole lot more if you’re well fed.
Take foods that are easy to cook and will not spoil, such as rice or pasta. Dried fruits and nuts can also serve as non-perishable staples. Foods that you do not need to cook, such as bread and peanut butter, can be useful in a pinch.
How to store food depends on where you are camping. Dried foods and non-perishable items can stay in your car as long as it is not too hot.
If you are in bear country, however, you will need to follow local guidelines and keep your food stored out of reach in a place away from where you are sleeping.
You can also choose to bring a cooler with ice or ice packs. Just keep in mind that perishable items will not last indefinitely, so you need to use them before the ice or ice packs melt.
Tip #3: Invest in a Storage Bin
A car allows you to carry a lot more than you could have had you been backpacking. However, that doesn’t mean that the space in your car is any less valuable.
You’re probably going to want to bring a lot of things along for the ride when you’re car camping. To avoid a disorganized car, buy a large storage bin or opt for several smaller containers that you can use to separate items.
Tip #4: Bring Lights
Having a good light source can make a car camping trip a lot more enjoyable than it would otherwise be. You do not only want to rely on your car lights because they will drain the battery and leave you stranded if you are not careful.
A separate, battery-powered light source allows you to read and see without having to turn on your car lights. A separate flashlight can also be useful to have on hand.
Of course, since these are battery-powered devices, you will need to ensure that you have enough batteries or a way to recharge the light.
Tip #5: Bring Some Heat
If you have a car, you can always turn it on and run the heater if things get too cold.
A separate heater, or even a hot water bottle, which you can slip inside your sleeping bag, can increase the level of comfort without forcing you to keep your car idling at the campsite.
It is vital to get a heater that you can use safely in a car or tent.
Get the Most Out of Car Camping
Car camping allows you to bring extra cargo and have a few luxuries when you are camping. The key is to make sure that you take advantage of the positive aspects of car camping by bringing the right supplies and equipment.
If you plan correctly, you can get organized and have all the supplies that you need to enjoy your trip and give yourself a few extra comforts that you wouldn’t get to enjoy on a backpacking trip.