How To Plan Your First Car Camping Trip What You Need To Know

In this article, we’re talking about a type of camping that is a favourite among beginners – car camping! Car camping consists of a drive-in camping spot. This means you can load up your car, drive to the camp spot, and set up right there! You can sleep in your car, in a trailer, or set up tent on the camp site. This is a favourite vacation option for many because it is just so easy. You simply pack up and go, and you can enjoy a nice weekend outdoors without the added stress of a deep woods experience. Sometimes, you just want a simple weekend away, and that’s why a quick car camp is such a popular choice with so many people!

In this guide, we’re giving you everything you need to know for your first car camping trip. We’re telling you how to pick a camping spot, what you need to bring, and what you can do in the park while you’re there. We’re giving you a comprehensive guide to this fun segment of camping. There’s nothing wrong with opting for an easier camping experience. Because as long as you’re having fun, why worry? Main Considerations Before we jump into our planning guide, let’s run down some of the main considerations that separate car camping from the rest of the camping world. These will help you to understand the things you should be considering when planning for a car camping trip, but also will help you understand the great appeal of car camping in the first place!

More Space! First of all, there is one big consideration that is very relevant to most types of camping: space! When you embark on backcountry camping with nothing but the pack on your back, you are very much dependent on your backpack space to fit everything you need to get you through your outdoor adventure. Car camping does away with this consideration entirely! You have your whole car to pack everything you need, like a mini road trip! And if you run out of any camping gear or food, you can always just drive somewhere and pick it up. You can bring everything you need to set up your campsite, and keep everything you need for later packed away in your car. It’s difficult to overstate the appeal of this unless you’ve been on several different types of camping trips. This isn’t to say that traditional camping trips aren’t awesome in their own right, but just to say that this is a very special appeal which is specific to car camping.

Budget Considerations Building on our last point, since you don’t have to worry about buying the “ultra-lightweight and portable” version of everything for your camping trip, you’ll also save a lot of money! Camping supplies are expensive, but with car camping, you aren’t constrained by space, so you don’t have to spend the money on the “camp-friendly” version of every product. If budget is your main concern, then car camping is definitely going to be your number one choice. Have Fun with It Next up, car camping is just plain fun! You get to spend time on a campground with your friends and family, and enjoy an easy, laid-back version of the camping experience. You’ll have access to many of the comforts of home, alongside many of the simplicities of nature. It’s a good balance for the outdoorsman who isn’t a serious outdoorsman.

Additionally, car camping is family friendly. If you’re a parent, your kids probably won’t be too keen on a deep woods campsite or a portaging trip. Car camping allows the best of both worlds. You can be in nature, but keep enough of the comforts of home for the whole family to enjoy. Planning Your Trip So now that we’ve covered the main appeals of car camping, you probably have a pretty good idea whether it’s for you. If you’re still with us, then you’re probably wanting to know how to plan your first car camping trip. In this section, we’re walking you through the basics. Let’s get started with picking a site:

Pick a Site Your first step in planning a car camping trip is deciding where you want to camp. A quick Google search will likely show that there are plenty of car camping sites nearby, including in a national or state park. Choosing between the sites depends largely on personal preference. The first thing you will need to consider is the actual attractiveness of the site. Check out where it’s located, the type of nature it provides, and the activities that are available at the site. Consider things such as nature hikes, proximity to beaches, waterfront access, and more. Basically, you just want to pick a site that offers the type of nature you are looking for. Next, consider the features of the site itself. This includes the public facilities that may be on offer, such as public washrooms or showers. These features go a long way in deciding how many of the “self sufficient” supplies you actually need to pack yourself. Additionally, consider the size of the individual campsites, and whether they are sufficiently isolated from each other. Check out some customer reviews to see whether it is a well-run campsite.

Finally, consider the length of the commute. You probably want to pick a site relatively nearby. However, you also want to pick a site that you can easily drive into. Some of them are a fair bit off the main road, which makes it more suitable to bring an all terrain vehicle or a truck. Basically, picking a site comes down very much to personal preference. There are many campsites to choose from all over the world. Be sure to do sufficient research so you pick the best site for you and your friends’/family’s preferences. And be sure that there are available reservations! Sometimes, you might need to check months ahead in order to secure a reservation for a busy weekend. 2. Packing Once you have picked a camp site, you face the most important consideration on any camping trip – what to pack? There is no simple answer to this, and what you need to pack often depends on the extensiveness of the facilities at the camp site. For example, if there is a public bathroom, you won’t need to bring your own toilet paper, etc. However, there is a general guide to follow which can get you through most car camping situations. In this section, we’ll categorize everything, and run you through everything you should be considering to pack for your first car camping trip. Shelter

First up is shelter. For the sake of this article, we are assuming you will want to “camp” at the camp site, which means tent it. If you have a trailer or motor home, then you probably have different requirements altogether, and you won’t need our help for this section! Camping requires a solid tent. We recommend that you do not cheap out on your tent. There are a lot of ways to cut corners with budget camping supplies, but a tent is not one of them! Sleep is so important on a camping trip, and you need a tent that is secure and comfortable enough to have a comfortable sleep. Quality tents have so many advantages that are well worth the added price tag. This includes waterproofing, additional storage compartments, additional flaps and zippers, and they are much easier to set up and take down! For something that you are going to be using every trip, it’s worth the extra price. Additionally, they’re pretty reasonably priced anyway. Sleeping

Check Price Just as important as your tent are the sleeping supplies that go inside the tent. We’re talking pillows, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad. Depending on the climate, you may want a sleeping bag with more or less insulation. One bonus here is that the high end sleeping bags tend to be mainly built so that they can pack tight and fit inside a camping backpack. Since space isn’t a big concern with car camping, just focus on finding a sleeping bag that’s comfortable! Additionally, a sleeping pad is a must. Sleeping pads add a layer of comfort between you and the bumpy ground. Quality sleep on a camping trip is key, and a sleeping pad is a key component of that. Clothing & Toiletries

Check Price Clothing is a definite consideration with car camping. With a regular camping trip, you’d be focused on gear for tackling all the elements! This might mean lightweight, thermal gear, which can be quite expensive. Luckily, you don’t have to worry about that. Simply pack what is comfortable. By comfortable, we mean comfortable in any condition you may face! This means warm clothes for night time, cool clothes for the day, and waterproof gear should it rain! If you plan on hikes, bring some trail runners or hiking boots. Don’t forget things like towels, swim suits, and sandals. Basically, pack something for anything nature could throw at you. And don’t forget the toiletries as well! You definitely want to remember toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper (if there’s no public bathroom), lip chap, sun screen, bug spray, and anything else you may require for a daily basis! Cookware & Stove

Check Price Cookware and cooking supplies are an essential part of car camping. First, you’ll want somewhere to cook your food. You could cook your meals over the fire, but that’s a pretty big hassle. We recommend a portable camping stove. These run on propane and are so much easier than cooking over the fire, so don’t forget the propane! Food & Water Tablets

Check Price When it comes to camping, you might associate it with bringing “space efficient” foods. This can mean dehydrated meals, lots of nuts and peanut butter, and anything that is calorically dense. Luckily, this is car camping. So your space concerns are no more. You can pack food you actually enjoy! However, you still won’t have access to a fridge and freezer, so you’re going to want to bring food that won’t spoil. Popular choices are processed meats, oats, hot dogs, mac and cheese, and more! Pack whatever you want that can get through a couple days without a fridge. Popular meals include grilled cheese, cheeseburgers, oatmeal, bacon and eggs, and more! Don’t forget the coffee (and the alcohol). The best way to plan meals when camping is to go meal-by-meal. Make a schedule of each meal, make an ingredients list, and make sure to pack enough for everyone. Your main concern is making sure you have adequate food for everyone for the whole trip. And don’t forget water filters for water! Either bring a filtration device, or some water tablets. You can pack some water to start out the trip, but you definitely want to have an option for refilling your water bottles and your water jugs once you run out. If you’re lucky, the campsite will have a place to fill your water, but that’s not always guaranteed. Fire Starter

Check Price A campfire is so essential to the camping experience. Whether you use it to cook your meals, or just to provide light and ambience to your campsite, you’re going to want a fire. As long as you know how to build a fire, this part is easy. There will likely be plenty of space to gather wood and get a good fire going. All you’ll really need is something to start the fire. Some classic Bic Lighters will do the trick. No need for anything fancy here. Lights

Check Price You’ll definitely want some lights. You can go with lanterns, headlamps, or a flashlight. You’ll want a way to get around in the dark, even if it’s just to your car to get some extra supplies. A flashlight is so essential to the camping experience. You’ll definitely want a few of them too, so that everyone has access to light. Try for at least 3 flashlights, and maybe even some lanterns, and don’t forget the batteries as well! Fun Stuff

Check Price Remember, car camping is laid back and casual, so you want to bring all the gear to ensure you are comfortable and entertained the entire trip! Firstly, let’s talk about keeping comfortable. Be sure to bring some portable camping chairs so everyone can sit. Some even bring a hammock, which is great for mid-day naps. Aside from that, consider some blankets for night time. You also want to keep yourself entertained the entire trip. Try bringing some outdoor games, such as Spike Ball, cornhole toss, a football, baseball, or anything else you like to do outdoors! Bring some lounging activities as well – such as books, board games, puzzle books, and more. These are all classic camping activities, and have that simplistic appeal that you are looking for in a camping trip. 3. Setting Up Once you have everything set up and ready to go, it’s time to get going on your first car camping trip! You might just be wondering how to go about it? One of the main appeals of camping is freedom, but you might be a little overwhelmed by it at first. Our number one suggestion is to do all your setting up as soon as you arrive at the camp site. Arrive during the day so that you have plenty of light. Set up your tent, set up the sleeping bags and sleeping pads. Then, get your camp fire area set up. This means building a fire, and also setting up the chairs and anything else. Get all your supplies organized. Make sure everyone has access to whatever they need, and organize the food, drinks, stove, and kitchen supplies. You can go about this organization however you want, but try to make everything available and in its own section. Next, it’s so much easier and more relaxing if you plan meals beforehand. Make a schedule and stick to it. This way, you know you have enough food for everyone, but you also know what to make and when. This is so much easier then planning as you go, and ensures that you can spend the maximum amount of time relaxing and having fun.

Aside from that, just have fun! Car camping is such an easy outdoor activity provided you follow some simple planning and pack all the right stuff. Whether alone, with friends, or with family, you’re sure to have a blast. Camping is what you make of it, and there are definitely ways to make it a memorable time for everyone involved. We hope our guide helps you to plan the ultimate getaway, if only for just a weekend!

Pick a Site Your first step in planning a car camping trip is deciding where you want to camp. A quick Google search will likely show that there are plenty of car camping sites nearby, including in a national or state park. Choosing between the sites depends largely on personal preference. The first thing you will need to consider is the actual attractiveness of the site. Check out where it’s located, the type of nature it provides, and the activities that are available at the site. Consider things such as nature hikes, proximity to beaches, waterfront access, and more. Basically, you just want to pick a site that offers the type of nature you are looking for. Next, consider the features of the site itself. This includes the public facilities that may be on offer, such as public washrooms or showers. These features go a long way in deciding how many of the “self sufficient” supplies you actually need to pack yourself. Additionally, consider the size of the individual campsites, and whether they are sufficiently isolated from each other. Check out some customer reviews to see whether it is a well-run campsite.

This is a favourite vacation option for many because it is just so easy. You simply pack up and go, and you can enjoy a nice weekend outdoors without the added stress of a deep woods experience. Sometimes, you just want a simple weekend away, and that’s why a quick car camp is such a popular choice with so many people!

There’s nothing wrong with opting for an easier camping experience. Because as long as you’re having fun, why worry?

Main Considerations

Before we jump into our planning guide, let’s run down some of the main considerations that separate car camping from the rest of the camping world. These will help you to understand the things you should be considering when planning for a car camping trip, but also will help you understand the great appeal of car camping in the first place!

More Space!

First of all, there is one big consideration that is very relevant to most types of camping: space! When you embark on backcountry camping with nothing but the pack on your back, you are very much dependent on your backpack space to fit everything you need to get you through your outdoor adventure.

Car camping does away with this consideration entirely! You have your whole car to pack everything you need, like a mini road trip! And if you run out of any camping gear or food, you can always just drive somewhere and pick it up. You can bring everything you need to set up your campsite, and keep everything you need for later packed away in your car. It’s difficult to overstate the appeal of this unless you’ve been on several different types of camping trips.

This isn’t to say that traditional camping trips aren’t awesome in their own right, but just to say that this is a very special appeal which is specific to car camping.

Budget Considerations

Building on our last point, since you don’t have to worry about buying the “ultra-lightweight and portable” version of everything for your camping trip, you’ll also save a lot of money! Camping supplies are expensive, but with car camping, you aren’t constrained by space, so you don’t have to spend the money on the “camp-friendly” version of every product.

If budget is your main concern, then car camping is definitely going to be your number one choice.

Have Fun with It

Next up, car camping is just plain fun! You get to spend time on a campground with your friends and family, and enjoy an easy, laid-back version of the camping experience. You’ll have access to many of the comforts of home, alongside many of the simplicities of nature. It’s a good balance for the outdoorsman who isn’t a serious outdoorsman.

Planning Your Trip

So now that we’ve covered the main appeals of car camping, you probably have a pretty good idea whether it’s for you. If you’re still with us, then you’re probably wanting to know how to plan your first car camping trip.

In this section, we’re walking you through the basics. Let’s get started with picking a site:

1. Pick a Site

Your first step in planning a car camping trip is deciding where you want to camp. A quick Google search will likely show that there are plenty of car camping sites nearby, including in a national or state park. Choosing between the sites depends largely on personal preference.

The first thing you will need to consider is the actual attractiveness of the site. Check out where it’s located, the type of nature it provides, and the activities that are available at the site. Consider things such as nature hikes, proximity to beaches, waterfront access, and more. Basically, you just want to pick a site that offers the type of nature you are looking for.

Next, consider the features of the site itself. This includes the public facilities that may be on offer, such as public washrooms or showers. These features go a long way in deciding how many of the “self sufficient” supplies you actually need to pack yourself. Additionally, consider the size of the individual campsites, and whether they are sufficiently isolated from each other. Check out some customer reviews to see whether it is a well-run campsite.

Basically, picking a site comes down very much to personal preference. There are many campsites to choose from all over the world. Be sure to do sufficient research so you pick the best site for you and your friends’/family’s preferences. And be sure that there are available reservations! Sometimes, you might need to check months ahead in order to secure a reservation for a busy weekend.

2. Packing

Once you have picked a camp site, you face the most important consideration on any camping trip – what to pack? There is no simple answer to this, and what you need to pack often depends on the extensiveness of the facilities at the camp site. For example, if there is a public bathroom, you won’t need to bring your own toilet paper, etc.

However, there is a general guide to follow which can get you through most car camping situations. In this section, we’ll categorize everything, and run you through everything you should be considering to pack for your first car camping trip.

Shelter

Camping requires a solid tent. We recommend that you do not cheap out on your tent. There are a lot of ways to cut corners with budget camping supplies, but a tent is not one of them! Sleep is so important on a camping trip, and you need a tent that is secure and comfortable enough to have a comfortable sleep.

Quality tents have so many advantages that are well worth the added price tag. This includes waterproofing, additional storage compartments, additional flaps and zippers, and they are much easier to set up and take down! For something that you are going to be using every trip, it’s worth the extra price. Additionally, they’re pretty reasonably priced anyway.

Sleeping

Just as important as your tent are the sleeping supplies that go inside the tent. We’re talking pillows, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad. Depending on the climate, you may want a sleeping bag with more or less insulation.

One bonus here is that the high end sleeping bags tend to be mainly built so that they can pack tight and fit inside a camping backpack. Since space isn’t a big concern with car camping, just focus on finding a sleeping bag that’s comfortable!

Additionally, a sleeping pad is a must. Sleeping pads add a layer of comfort between you and the bumpy ground. Quality sleep on a camping trip is key, and a sleeping pad is a key component of that.

Clothing & Toiletries

Clothing is a definite consideration with car camping. With a regular camping trip, you’d be focused on gear for tackling all the elements! This might mean lightweight, thermal gear, which can be quite expensive. Luckily, you don’t have to worry about that.

Simply pack what is comfortable. By comfortable, we mean comfortable in any condition you may face! This means warm clothes for night time, cool clothes for the day, and waterproof gear should it rain! If you plan on hikes, bring some trail runners or hiking boots. Don’t forget things like towels, swim suits, and sandals. Basically, pack something for anything nature could throw at you.

And don’t forget the toiletries as well! You definitely want to remember toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper (if there’s no public bathroom), lip chap, sun screen, bug spray, and anything else you may require for a daily basis!

Cookware & Stove

Cookware and cooking supplies are an essential part of car camping. First, you’ll want somewhere to cook your food. You could cook your meals over the fire, but that’s a pretty big hassle. We recommend a portable camping stove. These run on propane and are so much easier than cooking over the fire, so don’t forget the propane!

Food & Water Tablets

When it comes to camping, you might associate it with bringing “space efficient” foods. This can mean dehydrated meals, lots of nuts and peanut butter, and anything that is calorically dense. Luckily, this is car camping. So your space concerns are no more. You can pack food you actually enjoy!

However, you still won’t have access to a fridge and freezer, so you’re going to want to bring food that won’t spoil. Popular choices are processed meats, oats, hot dogs, mac and cheese, and more! Pack whatever you want that can get through a couple days without a fridge. Popular meals include grilled cheese, cheeseburgers, oatmeal, bacon and eggs, and more! Don’t forget the coffee (and the alcohol).

The best way to plan meals when camping is to go meal-by-meal. Make a schedule of each meal, make an ingredients list, and make sure to pack enough for everyone. Your main concern is making sure you have adequate food for everyone for the whole trip.

And don’t forget water filters for water! Either bring a filtration device, or some water tablets. You can pack some water to start out the trip, but you definitely want to have an option for refilling your water bottles and your water jugs once you run out. If you’re lucky, the campsite will have a place to fill your water, but that’s not always guaranteed.

Fire Starter

A campfire is so essential to the camping experience. Whether you use it to cook your meals, or just to provide light and ambience to your campsite, you’re going to want a fire. As long as you know how to build a fire, this part is easy.

There will likely be plenty of space to gather wood and get a good fire going. All you’ll really need is something to start the fire. Some classic Bic Lighters will do the trick. No need for anything fancy here.

Lights

You’ll definitely want some lights. You can go with lanterns, headlamps, or a flashlight. You’ll want a way to get around in the dark, even if it’s just to your car to get some extra supplies. A flashlight is so essential to the camping experience. You’ll definitely want a few of them too, so that everyone has access to light. Try for at least 3 flashlights, and maybe even some lanterns, and don’t forget the batteries as well!

Fun Stuff

Remember, car camping is laid back and casual, so you want to bring all the gear to ensure you are comfortable and entertained the entire trip!

Firstly, let’s talk about keeping comfortable. Be sure to bring some portable camping chairs so everyone can sit. Some even bring a hammock, which is great for mid-day naps. Aside from that, consider some blankets for night time.

You also want to keep yourself entertained the entire trip. Try bringing some outdoor games, such as Spike Ball, cornhole toss, a football, baseball, or anything else you like to do outdoors! Bring some lounging activities as well – such as books, board games, puzzle books, and more. These are all classic camping activities, and have that simplistic appeal that you are looking for in a camping trip.

3. Setting Up

Once you have everything set up and ready to go, it’s time to get going on your first car camping trip! You might just be wondering how to go about it? One of the main appeals of camping is freedom, but you might be a little overwhelmed by it at first.

Our number one suggestion is to do all your setting up as soon as you arrive at the camp site. Arrive during the day so that you have plenty of light. Set up your tent, set up the sleeping bags and sleeping pads. Then, get your camp fire area set up. This means building a fire, and also setting up the chairs and anything else.

Get all your supplies organized. Make sure everyone has access to whatever they need, and organize the food, drinks, stove, and kitchen supplies. You can go about this organization however you want, but try to make everything available and in its own section.

Next, it’s so much easier and more relaxing if you plan meals beforehand. Make a schedule and stick to it. This way, you know you have enough food for everyone, but you also know what to make and when. This is so much easier then planning as you go, and ensures that you can spend the maximum amount of time relaxing and having fun.

We hope our guide helps you to plan the ultimate getaway, if only for just a weekend!

Main Considerations#

More Space!#

Budget Considerations#

Have Fun with It#

Planning Your Trip#

1. Pick a Site#

2. Packing#

Shelter#

Sleeping#

Clothing & Toiletries#

Cookware & Stove#

Food & Water Tablets#

Fire Starter#

Lights#

Fun Stuff#

3. Setting Up#

#