9 Things I Love About Car Camping:
We all know that hiking is a great time if you don’t, you should. However, after a long day of hiking you eventually need to call it a day and take a break but you don’t want to drive all the way out of a park to an expensive hotel and don’t have the gear or desire to go backpacking. What is a frugal and lazy hiker to do? It sounds like you should be car camping!
Car camping is a great way to set up shop right in the middle of a national park and have easy access to awesome day hikes without driving very far. Below are the 9 things I love about car camping.
#1. You Can Camp In Comfort
One of the most significant benefits of car camping, especially compared to backpacking, is is comfort. Since you are carrying everything with your car, you have the luxury of bringing plenty of creature comforts. Extra clothes, pillows, and toiletry items as long as it fits in the car you can bring it car camping. It may not be as comfy as a hotel room, but it’s cheaper!
#2. It's A Great Way To Travel On A Budget
This brings me to my next point hotels, and Airbnbs can get expensive! Established campsites cost only a fraction of a hotel stay making car camping an excellent way to travel on a budget.
PRO TIP: If you want to really save money, you can car camp on dispersed campsites such as BLM land, national forest land, or any other public land that allows for overnight camping/parking for FREE. This is how I am currently saving money while vanlifing! Check out the app IOverlander to find some excellent free campsites.
#3. Good Eats!
While car camping, with a good camp stove, you can eat just like at home except with a couple more bugs. There is nothing better after a long day of hiking than to enjoy a nice hot meal in nature. No need for sketchy dehydrated meals or cold soaking as you do with backpacking. When car camping, you get to eat like a king/queen!
#4. You Can Explore More Areas Of The Park
While backpacking allows you explore many of the more remote areas of a national park, with car camping, you can cover much more ground and see the different regions of the park with ease. This is thanks to, well, the car! Since you don’t have to rely on your legs to carry you every inch of the way to go as you do with backpacking, you can see many more park areas by driving to them and doing some day hikes.
#5. You Can Leave All The Bulky Gear At Camp
Another huge benefit of car camping compared to backpacking is that you get to leave all of your unnecessary gear at camp! There is no need for a 65liter backpack when car camping. You can leave all of those bulky items such as your sleeping bag, sleeping pad, tent, stove etc. back at camp.
#6. There Are So Many Different Ways To Car Camp
Another thing I love about car camping is that there are so many different ways to go about it. From sleeping in your car to having a tent attached roof, the camping options are endless! Check out this cool graphic from sayinsurance.com.
#7. Amenities!!!
Another fantastic perk of car camping is that established car-camping sites often have amenities such as a toilet, running water, and sometimes even a shower! These luxuries are rare/nonexistent when backpacking and can make your outdoor experience much more enjoyable.
Remember, preparation is key, always research what is included with your campsite before arriving at a park. That way, you have an idea of what you are working with.
Again, not as nice as a hotel, but that’s why we camp!
#8. Stargazing
I say this under the assumption you are car camping in a wilderness such as a national or state park. If you are in a city, no stars for you. Also, why the heck are you camping?
But I have seen some of the most beautiful night skies by camping. If stargazing interests you, you should check out certified dark parks for your next camping trip. These parks take multiple measures to limit light pollution and give you the best night sky.
#9. Unplug
Perhaps the best aspect of camping is unplugging from your hectic day-to-day. Car camping is a great way to give you a mental reset, and the time spent outdoors can do wonders for your mental health.
What Do You Love About Car Camping?
That’s all for me! What do you love about car camping?
