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There is no convenience quite like camping out of the comfort of your own car. With so much to see and your vehicle at your service, you can easily cross some unique landmarks off your bucket list while staying well-rested on your travel days.
Whether you are an experienced camper or are just getting started, this guide will help you prepare for the perfect car camping adventure, no matter where you may be headed.
So, pack your bags and gas up your car – let’s get started.
How to Car Camp for Beginners
First and foremost, it is important that you’re set up with all of the essential items prior to heading out on the road. As with any road trip experience, there are some things that you need to pack and prepare for ahead of time so as not to run into any unexpected issues when you are on the road.
Here are some of the basic things to consider as a beginner car camper.
Car Camping Setup
Your car camping setup is fully customizable and should suit the trip you are planning on taking. Do you want to drive across the country and stop in a ton of different places? Or are you just looking for a quick little getaway where you will only be spending a night or two in the car? These are important considerations and will help to guide you as you get your car situated.
Take the time to clean out your car to maximize the amount of space you are working with. This will be your living quarters for the length of your trip, so minimize the amount of clutter you have and design a setup that is personalized to you.
Remember to pack the EcoFlow 800W Alternator Charger. This nifty tool will allow you to charge on the go and ensure that you stay powered up throughout your trip.
Gear & Equipment
Now that your car is cleaned out and set up for the trip ahead, it’s time to look at the gear and equipment you will need while on the road. For safety reasons, you should always have a reliable navigation system installed so as not to get lost or put yourself in dangerous situations.
Another great tool to have on hand is a portable power station. EcoFlow Portable Power Stations are designed for travel and make it easy for you to charge your phone and any other devices you may need to use while you are stopped for the evening.
Though you should have your car professionally serviced before you set out on the road, keeping some general equipment on board is still a good idea to service your car if needed. This will help you avoid some costly repairs on your trip and will allow you to keep moving at your desired pace.
Food & Supplies
Staying nourished on the road is very important, especially if you are the designated driver for the trip. Make sure to pack plenty of food and water and have a way to store it. The EcoFlow Glacier Portable Refrigerator is perfect for a car camping trip and can chill any food or drink items you decide to take.
Run through your daily routine so that you don’t forget to pack any medications, supplements, or other important supplies that you will need while you are away from home.
Choosing Your Route
Now that all the important stuff has been taken care of, the fun can start. Take the time to map out the perfect route to take so that you can see everything you would like. Make note of some good stopping points and nearby campsites so that you don’t have to scramble to find a place to rest once you are done driving for the day.
5 Car Camping Safety Tips for Beginners
Now that you have your car set up and ready to go, let’s dive into some essential safety tips before heading out.
Have a Physical Map or Download Offline Maps
While modern technology has made navigating road trips simple, it’s best not to rely solely on your phone. Mobile internet connections and Wi-Fi have come a long way, but they are not always the most reliable, especially when traveling on remote roads.
To avoid getting lost or off your desired path, we strongly recommend bringing along a physical map or downloading offline maps to use if you need them. You can even print out step-by-step directions to follow if your connection gets lost anywhere on your trip.
It may seem unnecessary, but getting lost in unfamiliar destinations can certainly ruin a good time and may even be dangerous. Being extra cautious while on the road is always your best bet for a successful and safe trip.
Open a Window Enough to Ventilate
Sleeping in a car with all of the windows closed is extremely dangerous. If you’re planning to stop for the night, you need to crack a window to ventilate your vehicle’s interior.
Whether it is just you or if you have multiple sleeping in the car, sleeping with all the windows closed can quickly deteriorate healthy oxygen levels within the vehicle. Opening a window or two, even slightly, will allow the area to be well-ventilated with air circulating in from the outside.
Sleeping with a window popped open will also help to regulate the temperature. While sleeping with your car on may be tempting, this is incredibly dangerous and should be avoided. Cracking a window is the safest option and will keep the inside of the car at a comfortable enough temperature to get some good rest.
If you are someone who needs it to be cool in order to sleep, there are plenty of portable AC units that are safe to set up in or near your car that will get the job done.
Charge All of Your Electronics Beforehand
Keeping your electronics charged is not only a matter of convenience but also of safety. Winding up on a secluded highway without any way to reach someone isn’t a position you want to find yourself in, so do the right thing and charge all of your electronics before you head out.
Are you worried about your electronics running out of power while out on the road, even if you charged them ahead of time? Portable power stations are designed for trips like this and can quickly charge your devices, giving you peace of mind no matter where you are.
Backup Power Source
When spending long days and nights out on the road, you should always have a backup power source at the ready in case you run into any issues. The worst-case scenario would be to be stranded without any way to communicate or reach out for help. The good news is that you can avoid this simply by being prepared.
An EcoFlow RIVER 2 Series Portable Power Station, like the EcoFlow RIVER 2 Max, is a great investment for car campers. These portable power stations are compact and easy to travel with. They can supply power to multiple devices at one time and will give you peace of mind in knowing you have access to power no matter where you end up.
Have a Plan in Case of an Emergency
While emergencies during car camping trips are unlikely, they can happen. It’s always in your best interest to have a plan of action in case one occurs. List your emergency contacts on your phone and make them easily accessible in case someone needs to step in to contact them.
Always keep your close friends or relatives updated on your location and situation, as this will help keep you safe and account for in case anything were to occur.
Frequently Asked Questions
Camping in your car rather than in a tent or RV is perfectly okay. You should always research ahead of time and understand the rules and regulations that may be in place in the area you plan to camp in. From there, park in a safe spot, keep a window cracked and lock your doors for a secure and peaceful night of rest.
With the right items, sleeping in your car can be very comfortable. You can invest in a blow-up bed to put in your back seat instead of sleeping cramped up in the upright position. Bring extra blankets and pillows to make it extra cozy, and you are guaranteed a great night’s sleep.
For first-time car campers, it’s best to overprepare. Select the destinations where you plan to stop each night on your trip and make reservations to park your car if necessary. Pack extra clothes, blankets, and pillows to make your space as comfortable as possible, and you will be on your way to a successful first camping trip in your car.
Final Thoughts
Camping in your car is an amazing adventure that travelers of all experience levels can enjoy. You don’t need to be a camping expert to have a successful trip. By reading this guide, you are one step closer to having an amazing car camping trip.
Want to take your comfort to the next level while on your next adventure? Bring along the EcoFlow Wave 2 Portable AC to keep your car at the perfect temperature every single night.