How to start car camping for beginners

Are you looking to get started with car camping? Are you planning your first car camping adventure but unsure where to start and what to pack?

I’ve been in your shoes. I started with car camping, not having a clue of what to do or where to go. I just knew that I wanted to get out there. I’ve made a lot of mistakes and learnt a lot of lessons.

And when I started out, I wish there was an article like this out there. One that actually explains it for beginners with tips, hacks, and other stuff to keep in mind. So, if you’re like me, keep on reading!

What is car camping?

Car camping is a popular form of camping in which you sleep in your car or a tent outside of your car.

In this article, car camping refers to sleeping in your car.

Why should i car camp?

If you want to explore the outdoors and still sleep in the comforts of your own space, then car camping is for you. It’s a great way to get a taste of camping. That’s the reason I started. I was so inspired by van life but wanted to try something budget-friendly before actually committing to it.

If we compare car camping to other related methods, it’s the most flexible and budget-friendly. All you need is a car and a mattress. The conversion from a normal car to a car camping setup is minimal!

You can, of course, make it really luxurious with a grand set up. Some people even do this and live full-time in their car, roaming around and sleeping at the most beautiful places every day.

Car camping is also doable year-round. With the correct setup and preparations, you can sleep in your car in the coldest of weather. Perfect if you want to ski and powder hunt during the winter months!

What gear do i need?

This is what makes car camping so neat. If you want to, you only need a mattress and a car to start camping. This makes it available to almost anyone!

But that setup is only going to last you that long. If you’d like to live comfortably for multiple nights without worrying about water and food, then you’ll need this gear:

What to wear when car camping?

When it comes to clothes, pack some that can withstand a lot, such as jeans and work clothes. Also, bring sweat-wicking base layers for those colder days.

Sweatpants and a hoodie are nice to have when driving far distances or just walking around in camp.

A pair of crocks or flip flops are great when showering!

Don’t hesitate to wear unwashed clothes and skip showering for a few days. You are out there living the nomadic life, after all!

How to plan and execute your first trip

It’s no secret that car camping gives you lots of freedom and space for spontaneuity. But that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t plan your trips, especially the first one. This is where you’ll learn and experience the most. So first of all, do a smaller trip.

First of, do a smaller, local trip

Before you head out on a multi-day camping trip, do a smaller and local trip. This way, you’ll test the waters and learn what gear is missing or isn’t necessary in your setup.

Research a local camping spot, or just do it in your driveway!

Also, bring a friend who knows what they’re doing. This is the most efficient way to learn the ropes and get a idea of things.

Also, get a grip on things before investing. Don’t go haywire on gear; keep it simple and bring stuff from home, especially if it’s your first trip. Even though car camping is such an awesome and adventurous experience, it might not be for everyone. So, before you sink in hundreds of dollars, be sure you know what you’re doing and that you’re committed to it.

Planning before heading out

Okay, first of all, you need to plan your car camping trip. And I don’t mean planning every stop and travel time, I mean how many days you’ll be out there and how many supplies you need to bring.

Water and food are your own fuel through these trips, so make sure you have enough or the ability to buy more along the way.

It’s quite easy to plan food, but water is trickier.

You need to consider that you use water for more than just drinking it. You’re going to need it to make food, wash your hands, brush your teeth, and wash your body. Water is often underestimated when packing for car camping trips. So bring loads of extra water!

How to find the best parking spots

Your camping spot is essential if you want a good camping experience. Remember to follow all rules and regulations for parking your vehicle and sleeping overnight. A lot of places don’t allow it.

There are a couple of apps that are going to help you out loads with finding good parking spots:

ioverlander
park4night – Great for car camping in Europe
Campendium
Freecampsites.net
reserveAmerica – Focuses on state park campgrounds

How to pack your gear

Now when you’ve planned your route and acquired all your gear, it’s time to pack it.

But packing all your food, water, and gear in a little car camper can be tricky. You can’t just throw everything in the truck like going on a roadtrip, no, you’re actually going to be living in this thing.

This is why smart packing solutions are key. And keeping your stuff tidy is even more important. In this small space, just a t-shirt lying around is going make everything feel super messy.

Here are a few tips on how to pack and keep things tidy when car camping:

1. Get an elevated bed. Build or buy an elevated bed out of wood and install drawers underneath it. This way, you can store massive amounts of gear out of sight.
2. Get roof nets. These are great to store clothes in!
3. Use pastic boxes with lids to store your stuff in.
4. Store stuff underneath your folded seats!
5. If you’re a solo, store stuff in the passenger seat!
6. Get a roof box to store water jugs, etc.

Remember to never store stuff in your driver’s seat in case of an emergency or if you have to bail!

Time to head out! What to keep in mind

Okay, everything is planned, bought, and packed? Great, time to head out!

Now, when you’re out on the road and living the best life, remember to respect and follow the rules of camping. Leave no trace in nature and respect animals.

Also, now is the best time to reflect on if you’ve overpacked or underpacked so that next time, you’ll be even more efficient!

Always respect others who are doing the same thing. Just because someone got the best spot at a campground doesn’t mean that you can drive them away. We’re all out here doing the same thing, and the communeties are the best! Make friends and experience new things along the way. That’s where all the freedom lies!