Car camping is one of the easiest and most accessible ways to enjoy the outdoors. It allows you to explore nature without needing expensive gear (if you don’t consider your car to be expensive gear), complicated setups, or advanced outdoor skills. If you’re looking for a weekend getaway or your first camping experience, car camping is a great place to start.

What Does Car Camping Mean?

Car camping simply means camping with your car nearby. In most cases, it involves sleeping in your vehicle or setting up a tent right next to it. Unlike backpacking, where you need to carry everything on your back inside a huge, heavy backpack, car camping allows you to bring more gear, food, and comfort items because your car always stays with you throughout the trip.

There are a few common ways people car camp:

• Sleeping inside your car: Many campers set up the back of an SUV, hatchback, or even a regular sedan to create a cozy sleeping space. Some fold the seats down or add a mattress to the backseat area and lower the windows so that they can breathe.
• Camping with a tent next to your car: Some people bring a traditional tent and sleep right beside their vehicle. This is the most popular way to car camp. Your car acts as storage and shelter for food and some high-value items, but you sleep outside in the tent.
• Using a rooftop tent: These specialized tents mount to the roof of your vehicle and offer an elevated sleeping space. While they can be quite costly, especially for beginners, this is a popular option for those who camp often, as it is a comfortable way of camping, but it comes with some setbacks, such as having to put down the tent every time you want to go around with your car. Because of that, it might not be the favorite camping setup for those who like to set up camp and go out to explore the surroundings by car.

Car camping is all about convenience, comfort, and flexibility.

Why People Love Car Camping

Car camping has become increasingly popular for many reasons. Some of the biggest benefits include:

• Low barrier to entry
  You don’t need expensive equipment or a specific type of vehicle to start. Most people can use the car they already own as there are plenty of campsites with even paved roads.
• Easy to plan and pack
  You can bring more gear, more food, and extra comforts because you aren’t limited by what you can carry on your back.
• Flexible trips
  It’s easy to leave for a quick weekend or even a spontaneous overnight trip. No special permits or advanced planning are usually needed for basic car camping trips.
• Protection from the weather
  Sleeping inside your car offers more shelter from rain, wind, and cold temperatures compared to a traditional tent.
• Simple setup
  With fewer steps and less hassle, you can arrive at your camping spot, get set up quickly, and start enjoying the outdoors right away.

What You Need to Start Car Camping

Getting started with car camping doesn’t require a long checklist. In fact, you probably already have most of what you need. Here are the basics:

• A vehicle
  Any car can work, but larger vehicles like SUVs, hatchbacks, and vans are the most comfortable as they provide more trunk space. Sometimes going camping feels like you are moving just by all the things you end up packing in your car.
• A sleeping setup
  This can be as simple as folding the seats back with a sleeping bag or using an air mattress in the back of your car. If using a tent some people include a tarp for adding an extra layer between the floor and the tent, and sleeping pads below the sleeping bags for extra comfort and thermal regulation when the ground is cold.
• Warm bedding
  Depending on the season, you’ll want a good sleeping bag or plenty of blankets to stay comfortable through the night.
• Food and water
  Plan for easy-to-cook meals or bring ready-to-eat options. Coolers can help if you need to keep things cold. The most popular option is BBQ meats, skewers, hamburgers, sausages, corn, and of course, marshmallows and s’mores for dessert at night.
• Safety items
  Bring a flashlight, headlamp, first aid kit, and basic tools. It’s also helpful to have a portable phone charger. Do some basic research about the area before you go, and be prepared for the environment. Be careful with wildlife and follow all park rules.
• Other basics
  Folding chairs, portable butane cooking stoves, and a power bank can make your trip even more enjoyable, but most importantly, don’t forget the sunblock and mosquito repellent.

Is Car Camping Right for You?

If you’re curious about camping but don’t want to commit to expensive gear or complicated trips, car camping is a perfect way to begin. It offers a comfortable balance between adventure and convenience, giving you the freedom to explore without a steep learning curve.

Your first trip doesn’t need to be far or fancy. Start simple. Try an overnight stay at a local park or campground to see what works for you.

Car camping is all about making the outdoors more accessible and your car can take you there.