The term “back to nature” is pretty hard to avoid when out car camping, and yet taking a car along with you is an essential part of the hobby. When exploring a large and diverse country and getting as far away from the urban setting where most Americans live, naturally you’ll need a car. For that reason, any type of camping bar only situated close to where you live will involve the use of a car. But car camping is not just taking a car in order to get to wherever you want to camp. It involves instead traversing a large area in your car, then camping wherever you stop, whether that be on an offroad trail or at the foot of a mountain or hill you plan to climb that day.
Car camping is distinguished from RVing by the fact that you will still be sleeping under the stars and by being more about the exploration of an area of nature, not a long trip over which you go from A to B. Of course, those differences are somewhat blurry and there is naturally a fair degree of overlap.
The main advantages of car camping are twofold. Firstly, you can, of course, bring a lot more gear and a bigger – or more luxurious – tent. Secondly, you can explore a much wider area. For these reasons, it can seem an incredibly attractive option, but there is much to consider before you set off – and not a few challenges to overcome if you don’t want to get caught out.
Where to Go?
When it comes to car camping, you should of course only go somewhere where you can find a spot to park your car before you set off exploring. You don’t necessarily have to rely on campsites, but it’s certainly not the case that you can park anywhere you like. There may be areas where you are not allowed to park and, of course, there may be areas where it is physically impossible to park. Be sure to plan your route carefully and, if you do plan to make use of a campsite, be sure to check whether you need to book ahead of time.
What to Bring?
The advantage of car camping is, as mentioned, that you have the ability to bring a good deal of equipment, supplies, and a few home comforts. The trick is to first cover the most essential bases and ensure you have enough food to last the journey between places where you can top up. You should also be sure to bring some emergency items and, if you are really going off the grid, spare gas and tires are a must.
Of course, you can take as much as you can fit in your car, but you can also take whatever you can fit on top of your car as well. If you do plan to strap anything to the top of your vehicle, make it secure. For cargo of this size, cam straps should be more than sufficient. Rollercam, a company specializing in cam straps for outdoor activities, recommends that you ensure a tight enough cam strap tie-down to ensure your cargo does not move at all when your car is in motion. If you plan to work some adventure activities into your trip, then this is a great option. Most cars will be able to have a kayak or a couple of mountain bikes mounted on top.
Ultimately, car camping offers a back-to-nature experience with the territorial reach that car travel brings. This is a combination that offers endless possibilities.
