Car camping is where you drive your vehicle right up to your campsite. Whether you sleep in your car, tent, RV, or van is up to you. It allows you to pack more gear, including various creature comforts. It likely means there are bathroom facilities of some sort, although sometimes they may be rudimentary. That is unless you’re dispersed camping, which we’ll discuss. Regardless of your setup, car camping is excellent for beginners and experienced campers alike.

Where Can You Car Camp?

There are many places to car camp, including national, state, and local parks, public lands belonging to the US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Service, state land agencies, and more. Many local RV parks would be considered car camping locations. Anywhere you can drive your vehicle up to your camp spot. If you need clarification on whether car camping is allowed, inquire with the respective agency. Still, often there are signs posted that it’s not acceptable. 

Developed Campsites versus Dispersed Camping

So, what is the difference between developed campsites and dispersed camping? 

Developed campsites are as they sound: they’ve been improved. They could include a paved or gravel parking space, fire pits, picnic tables, RV hookups, tent spots, and more. Whether a government agency or private campground, these typically cost money.

Whereas dispersed camping is done in undeveloped areas, typically on public lands along roads, and there are no specific camping spots. Dispersed camping is free; however, there are no amenities. Typically there are spots where people have repeatedly camped, and by staying in these exact locations, you reduce additional damage to the land. You’ll want to practice Leave No Trace, especially regarding human waste.

Where to Sleep Car Camping

Car camping can take many forms. Whether you have a sedan or a full-blown RV, you can car camp. Of course, this dictates where you will sleep. When car camping, you can sleep in the following:

• Your vehicle
• A tent
• An RV
• A van (#vanlife)
• Outdoors under the night sky

Vehicle Camping

If you drive a sedan, it may be uncomfortable to sleep in your car, although you can certainly do it if you don’t have a tent or are scared of bears or bugs. SUVs or trucks make excellent camping rigs. Many people will set them up to have a bed and storage for camping gear. Of course, vans are often built for camping, as well as RVs, whether a pull trailer or a motorhome. 

Tent Camping

Tents are excellent choices for car camping, especially if you have a small vehicle. Set a tent at your campsite to protect you from mosquitos and rain. It gives you space to change your clothes and relax. Make sure you don’t store food in your tent if you’re in bear country. Tents come in many sizes, so whether it’s just you, or your entire family, you can get one that fits your needs. And since you are car camping, you don’t have to worry about weight. Therefore, you can buy a bigger tent and have more space. 

RV Camping

Recreational vehicles are great for car camping. Many come fully self-contained, including a toilet and shower. While these are to be used sparingly since you’ll have to dump them, they are the most luxurious car camping option. You can get big ones to fit the entire family (but might only fit in some camping spots), and small ones you can get into back road locations. Depending on where you prefer camping, there is likely an RV out there to suit your needs. If you’re RV shopping, check out how to buy a used RV.

Van Camping

Like RV camping, vans usually have more features than other options. Some have showers (or at least outdoor showers) and often have compostable toilets. They have plenty of storage and bed space, so you’ll be protected from the elements. These can cost lots of money, fully built out, or some people choose to do it themselves. Regardless of your chosen van, they are a popular car camping option. 

Outdoors Under the Sky

Of course, the most rudimentary form of car camping is sleeping under the stars. You don’t need a tent or shelter; pitch your sleeping bag on the ground. Doing this is weather dependent; after all, you want to avoid doing this in a storm. However, sleeping under the night sky may be rather dreamy for warm, clear summer nights. 

Car Camping Gear

So, what kind of gear do you need for car camping? While specifics may vary by person, you’ll need the following:

• Shelter
• Bedding
• Food and a way to prepare it
• Water
• Beverages
• Camp chair
• Flashlight, headlamp, or lantern
• A way to start a campfire
• Toiletries
• Proper clothing and footwear
• Gear for any outdoor recreational activities you’ll be doing
• Bear spray if you’re in bear country

Shelter

A shelter could be a tent, a vehicle, or a tarp. Some developed campsites may even provide shelters, such as those found at Colter Bay Village in Grand Teton National Park. Of course, you don’t need a shelter, but it’s a good idea in the event of bad weather and to help keep the chill off.

Bedding

Typically when people think of camping, they think of sleeping bags. Many types of sleeping bags are available, and they’re an excellent choice for many reasons. However, if you’re camping in the back of your vehicle, in an RV, or a van, you may have regular bedding like blankets and sheets. Additionally, you’ll have a mattress in those instances. In contrast, if you’re sleeping in a tent, you may have a cot or a sleeping pad. 

The beauty of car camping is that you don’t have to worry about saving weight, so you can bring extras like a blow-up air mattress or cot. 

Food and Food Prep

Camping requires the same basic things for survival as real life: food, water, and shelter. Some people like to make elaborate meals while camping. But if you’re like me, you prefer to keep things simple (check out lazy camping food ideas here). 

Whether you need to cook food or are good with sandwiches and snacks, make sure you have enough for every day you intend to stay. Consider breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Finally, you’ll need a way to prepare your food. Whether you choose a Coleman stove, JetBoil, over an open campfire, or a dutch oven, there are plenty of good options.  

Water

As with everything in life, you’ll need water for drinking, cleaning dishes, and brushing your teeth. You can bring water in 5-gallon jugs (check out these five car camping accessories, including the jug I use here) or filter water from an outdoor water source. Of course, developed campsites will likely have potable water. Even US Forest Service campgrounds often have potable water. So plan for how long you’ll be gone, and ensure you have enough water per person for the time you’ll be camping.

Beverages

Whether you drink alcohol or not, plan on having a fun drink while sitting around the campfire. Of course, many people I know bring wine, beer, or hard alcohol (whiskey for most of my friends), but it’s not necessary. Just know it’s acceptable. Otherwise, bring your favorite beverage, especially car camping. But, as I said before, you don’t have to worry about weight, so this is a creature comfort to take advantage of!

Camp Chair

Since you have room in your vehicle, throw in a camp chair. Which kind is up to you, but having something to sit in around the campfire is better than sitting on the ground. Of course, some campsites may have stumps or logs, but there is never a guarantee. Further, these aren’t all that comfortable since they have a back. So do your body a favor and get a camp chair.

Flashlight, Headlamp, or Lantern

You’re camping, which means you’ll be out in the woods in the dark. A light source is crucial to ensuring you can see what you’re doing. Whether you have to adjust your tent or use the faciliTREES, make sure you have light. 

A headlamp is a handy hands-free device you wear on your head with an adjustable elastic band. A lantern may give off more light and is suitable for sitting on a tailgate, picnic table, or hanging in your tent. Finally, a flashlight is sufficient but not nearly as good for camping as the other two options. It only points in one direction and requires you to hold onto it. 

A Way to Start a Campfire

First, make sure you know how to start a campfire. This means having a way to light one. Matches, cigarette lighters, and BBQ lighters are all good options. Of course, there are many ways to create flames, and most will be sufficient. A backup option is also a good idea. For example, if your lighter doesn’t work, having matches on hand is a good alternative. 

Additionally, bring firewood if you will be camping in an area that 1) doesn’t allow firewood cutting or 2) there isn’t any. Just make sure you follow the rules for your site for bringing in non-native firewood. Different insects and tree diseases can be transported this way, devastatingly affecting entire forests.

Toiletries 

Just because you’re camping doesn’t mean you have to forsake personal hygiene. But, of course, follow Leave No Trace principles and don’t do things like wash your hair with regular shampoo in a lake. But you can bring a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and a hairbrush if you choose. And remember your medications. Make sure if you’re camping in bear country that you properly store anything that smells (including toiletries).

Proper Clothing and Footwear

Of course, camping requires proper clothing. Outside in nature will need something quite different from your clothing for big city life. You’ll encounter insects, the sun, cold weather, snakes, heavy vegetation, and more. Plan accordingly. Consider layers if you’re camping in cooler weather or a place that gets chilly at night. Bring long sleeves to protect yourself from the sun and mosquitos. Long pants are a good idea if you’re bushwacking off the trail. 

Wearing the right shoes is also essential. High heels are not a good idea as you could easily step in a hole and twist (or break!) an ankle. Sturdy hiking boots or even tennis shoes should be sufficient for car camping. Sandals such as Tevas or Chacos are also good camping options. 

Gear for Other Recreational Outdoor Activities

Camping may be your only intended activity for your trip, and that is okay. However, if you’re out in nature, there are other things to do. Hiking, kayaking, fishing, mountain biking, foraging, and many other activities may beckon. So make sure you bring a backpack, fishing pole, kayak, or other necessary gear to ensure a good time.

Bear Spray

If you’re camping in bear country, even if you’re camping in your car, carry bear spray and keep it on you. Make sure it is easily accessible. You never know when you might run into a bruin in the woods or on the trail. Make sure you understand what bear spray is and how to use it (hint: it’s not a repellant…DO NOT SPRAY IT ON YOURSELF OR YOUR TENT). A can of bear spray is a good investment in bear country, whether camping, hiking, backpacking, or something else.

Final Thoughts on Car Camping

Car camping is a great way to get into other kinds of camping. It’s relatively straightforward, and you can pack more things to keep you comfortable. Of course, this post is about the essentials, but there are plenty of other things you can also bring. The sky’s the limit as long as you have room in your rig. 

The key to enjoying car camping is to bring the right gear. Make sure your bedding is rated to keep you warm enough in your climate and that you have plenty of food and water. 

Finally, the primary reason to car camp is to get in nature and “away from it all.” Leave your technology behind, unplug, and take this time to be. It’s okay to relax and soak it all in.

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