Now that you have an itinerary in place you can start creating a packing list of what to bring. For instance, if you just need a place for the night to split your drive time, you may consider stopping at a rest stop or truck stop for the night versus a campground with a fee. This will determine where to look and will help you to be more budget-friendly when planning. One thing to keep in mind is if you want to stay at that camping area for a quick overnight stay or for several days.

I will go over exactly how to find free camping and where to go car camping in more detail below. Looking for drive-up campsites is pretty easy once you know what to do. This will help me determine where I want to find a campsite(s) and what I may want to pack. Am I going to travel to one single destination and stay in that area for a few days? Or am I going to multiple locations throughout my road trip? Once I know what my travel plans are I can start getting an idea of my route and what locations I want to stop at. One way that I start planning for a car camping trip is by brainstorming a rough itinerary. Car camping is one of my favorite ways to travel across the USA and even in other countries because it provides so many options and flexibility to our trips. No need to go far to grab a bite to eat or to spend tons of money on restaurants. This will allow you to have exactly what you need for your trip without having to leave anything behind.Īnother massive pro of car camping is that get to eat outside and enjoy fresh camp meals directly from your cooler or a warm meal from your camp stove. If you’re a beginner and looking to start car camping then this guide is for you! Car camping has many benefits and one of the biggest upsides is being able to bring as much gear as you want (as opposed to plane travel with 1-2 suitcases). Thank you for the support!Ĭar Camping Basics: How To Plan Your First Car Camping Trip You can also learn more about my affiliate policy here.

Use code RENEE15 to get 15% off your first Backcountry order (some exclusions apply). This means I get a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you). From tent vs car camping, to finding free campgrounds, all the essentials that you need, camping hygiene, Leave No Trace, and how to plan your trip… this guide has you covered!ĭisclaimer: This blog post is in collaboration with and features some affiliate links. In this car camping basics guide, I am going to go over everything that I have learned throughout the years on how to plan your first car camping trip. Sleeping in your car makes car camping a breeze since your car is already set up and ready to make quick stops along the way! I personally love camping in my car because it’s super easy, comfortable, and requires minimal time to set up camp. There are many ways you can camp while on the road, including tent camping and sleeping in your car. Instead of staying at a hotel or a resort, you get to spend the night outdoors in a more secluded location and surrounded by nature. It’s also an exciting way to enjoy more time outdoors. Another big draw is that car camping cuts down on the cost of travel as you can easily park your vehicle in locations where you can camp for free or at campgrounds that charge a small fee. I love how many benefits there are to car camping and the flexibility that comes with this style of travel. One of my favorite ways to travel is taking road trips! Specifically, car camping road trips.

Free camping road trip planner