Are you considering getting into Car Camping but don’t know if it’s for you or not?
That’s why I’m here today.
Today, I am going to give you the Pros and Cons to Car Camping.
If you haven’t camped in your car before and are new to the concept, let me share some pros and cons of car camping.
Hopefully this list will help you determine if car camping is right for you.
I actually didn’t know if I was going to like it until I tried it myself.
Without further ado, Let’s jump into the article.
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The Pros and Cons to Car Camping
Car camping is an excellent way to get outside and have an adventure, no matter if you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro.
First and foremost, this concept provides easy access to the great outdoors and gives you more room for error if compared to backcountry camping.
But like anything else, car camping has its advantages and drawbacks. Let’s dive in and take a closer look at them.
The Pros
#1. You can bring those luxury items with you.
When you are backpacking or tent camping, you have to be intentional and specific on the items that you are bringing with you.
When you decide to go car camping, you can bring the kitchen sink with you if you want.
Some of the most popular items to bring include air mattresses, camping tables, ice chests, and grills. This is glamping at its best.
#2. It’s great for Beginners.
If you are new to camping, then this concept might be best to break into the camping world.
This is one of the best introductions to sleeping under the stars for those interested in learning how to backpack. Plus, car camping makes it easy to score some pretty cool spots.
After a couple of trips in your car, you will begin to realize on what to bring and what not to bring. This in time will help you plan your future trips more effectively.
#3. You Don’t have to Unload Your Gear.
This is probably one of my favorite things about this concept. You don’t have to spend part of your precious time unpacking and unloading when you get to your campsite.
I like to keep everything organized in my truck and only take things out when I need to. This helps me streamline things and I am able to spend more time hiking, fishing, and kayaking.
I like to keep all of my cookware and miscellaneous items in a plastic bin. This keeps things organized and dry for my trips.
#4. It’s Safe.
When you decide to go car camping, you are less exposed to the elements and wildlife.
In addition, your campsites are going to be monitored for safety and have rangers on-site to help out if you are in a pickle.
On my recent trip to Mcgee Creek State Park back in early June, I had to try this concept on the fly.
After 13 years, my camping tent finally gave out on me. On the 2nd night of my trip, I was camping in a torrential downpour.
My Toyota Tacoma came to the rescue! I had everything set up inside my truck that allowed me to get a goodnight’s rest and stay dry for the rest of the night.
#5. The Meals are Better.
Let’s face it, food tastes better outside in fresh air. With a camp stove, cast irons, and fresh food, you can cook like you do at home.
I don’t think I’ll ever turn down cast iron fajitas and a cold beer by the campfire.
I’m not against having dehydrated meals at all while camping, but I will always choose fresh cooked food every single time if I have this as an option.
Since this concept allows you to bring a lot of stuff, you can bring a variety of food and prepare more diverse meals.
The Cons
Okay, you know a little bit about the benefits of car camping, but what about the cons?
Well, in this I’m going to run you through some of the drawbacks of car camping:
#1. You don’t always get the best scenery.
One of my favorite things about backcountry camping is the scenery. Although some state parks do have good nearby scenery, the sites themselves lack the overall beauty as most traditional sites.
Getting into the backcountry and away from it all tends to provide the best scenery, but you will most likely have to don the backpack and hike your way in for that experience.
#2. You Have Less Living Space than a Tent.
Most vehicles can accommodate one or two people comfortably. Any more than that and things get pretty cramped if you ask me.
For this reason, sleeping in your car isn’t really an option for a family. Also, you can’t get up and walk around in your vehicle.
If you need more living space, the best way is to add an awning to the side of your vehicle. This gives you a dry place where you can cook, eat, and hang out. You can also use a tarp to keep your area clean and dry.
#3. Harder to Clean.
Over time, you will track in a lot of dirt and debris into your vehicle.
Debris can fall into crevices, making it difficult to remove. You’ll need to vacuum your car out frequently if you choose this concept.
In heavy forested areas, tree sap has a way of finding your car. Tents get dirty as well, but they are much easier to clean.
#4. Some Campgrounds don’t allow it.
Some campgrounds only allow you to sleep in your vehicle if it’s a motorhome or RV. These rules are often put into place to prevent homeless people or those who stay in their vehicle long term from staying there. In this case, you’ll have to find a different campground or bring a tent with you.
Thoughts & Takeaways
And there you have it. I hope this article has helped explain the pros and cons of camping in a car. For me, it depends on where you’re going camping and what you want to achieve.
If you’re looking to bring some luxury items and don’t like the hassle of spending time unloading and setting up, then you should have no problem with car camping.
If you’re looking to camp remotely and don’t want a lot of clean up afterwards, then you will be better suited in a traditional tent.