Car camping has become more and more popular in the past few years. People have been flocking to the great outdoors for a taste of adventure. If you aren’t looking to spend cash on accommodations, car camping is a great compromise.
There are several advantages to exploring nature from the comfort of your vehicle. Some may even surprise you!
Car Camping is Cost-Effective
Car camping is much cheaper than booking a hotel. The price of a basic camp spot can range from $5.00 to $25.00 (higher if you’re looking for RV hook-ups). You can even camp for free in many parts of the US on some federal BLM land.
BLM land is public land maintained by the Bureau of Land Management. Campers visit developed campgrounds or backcountry on BLM land.
You can spend a fraction of the price of a traditional vacation by camping in your car!
You Can Sleep (Almost) Anywhere
Have you ever been on the road for hours waiting to make it to your Airbnb or hotel to collapse into bed? That won’t be an issue for car camping. When your vehicle is your temporary home, you can find a spot to nap almost anywhere.
If you need a pick-me-up you can take a cat nap at a rest stop, gas station, or fast food restaurant.
You can even pull an all-nighter at a Walmart of Costco. Make sure you have window covers and somewhere soft to lay your head. Of course, you won’t get an amazing view from the parking lot of a superstore, but you will have a bathroom when you wake up!
Keep in mind that superstores in costal cities won’t allow overnight parking. If you’re headed to the beach, it’s best to check beforehand!
You Carry Everything You Need
When you go car camping, you pack everything you need and carry it with you. Plus, if you plan to sleep in your car, you never have to unpack your gear! Everything is exactly where it needs to be.
This makes it easy to leave no trace when your camping. You can run back to the car if you forget something and even take cover from the elements if the weather turns.
Car camping gives you the freedom to bring extra supplies like chairs, rugs, and even a camping stove. You can get as intricate or simple as you like.
A vehicle is a tiny space, and things can get messy. Gear organizers are a great option to keep everything tidy during your stay.
Car Camping is Flexible
The biggest advantage of car camping is having the freedom to go wherever you want when you want. You reached your destination and don’t like the looks of it? Turn around and find somewhere new.
You reached your site to turn on the radio to hear a storm is coming your way? Start the car and drive to better weather. With car camping, you have the flexibility to go wherever you want without the commitment.
If something happens last minute, you don’t have to scramble to find something else that may or may not be for you! With car camping, you can also make quick trips to the store, laundry mat, or even the doctor with little on your trip!
The Comfort of Home
When camping our of your car, you carry a bit of luxury with you. You can bring along an air mattress and choose to sleep under the stars or in the back seat away from the bugs.
You have room for a camp stove and cooler for fresh meals with a view. You could even pack hammocks, lawn chairs, books, or even games to keep you occupied in your downtime.
Bring extra batteries, water, and bug spray. You have the room and the supplies needed to extend your trip if you get the urge.
If you find yourself without an essential, drive up the road and get it. Car camping provides all the freedom you need to enjoy your trip on your terms!
Whether you are getting back into camping or looking for a softer place to land out in nature, try your car. Car camping is the most flexible, cost-effective way to enjoy the outdoors!
If you are looking for a cost-effective camping spot make sure to check out the iOverlander app! It is one of the best resources to use when finding a safe, comfortable place to camp for the night. It’s available for iOS and Andriod.
