The Best Car Camping Hacks, Tips, and Advice
No matter if you’re a seasoned pro or if you’re planning your very first car camping trip, our team at the Germain Motor Company wants to help you make the most of your adventure. We’ve created this handy guide that lists our top camping hacks for your car including top tips to stay comfortable, prepared, and most of all – have fun!
Tip #1 – Find Your Sleep Strategy
While it might not be the first thing that comes to mind as you begin planning your car camping
trip, it’s always a smart idea to consider how you plan to get a good night’s sleep. After all, you’ll need plenty of rest and energy to get the most out of your experience! If you intend to sleep inside your vehicle, now’s the time to start shopping for an air mattress. Make sure the dimensions will fit inside the vehicle and that you have a power source (if necessary) to inflate it. It’s even better to do a “test run” where you physically lay down inside the vehicle on the mattress to verify that it will be comfortable enough for you. This is still a smart strategy even if you plan to sleep separately in a tent or next to your car.
Tip #2 – Light Up the Night
Don’t plan to rely on just your campfire as a light source after the sun goes down! A great first step is to make sure that you pack several flashlights, lanterns, headlamps, and/or tent lighting along with additional batteries and chargers. Certain vehicles like many pickup trucks are also available with handy in-bed auxiliary lighting that can transform your night into an unforgettable bash. This extra power can come in handy if you want to crank up the tunes or brew a pot of coffee in the morning to get the day started. Even if Mother Nature has other plans for you, you’ll be prepared with plenty of backup power and light sources.
Tip #3 – Keep Your Essential Items Together
Especially if you’re headed to a remote area of the wilderness, having all of your essential items and gear in one place is the best way to ensure nothing gets forgotten. A camping storage bin or container is the perfect solution to keeping your gear organized, clean, and secure. Choosing a durable plastic-lidded container helps to keep your items safe from moisture, rain, or UV exposure. When the time comes to hit the road for your next adventure, all you have to do is grab your camping container and double-check that everything from sleeping bags and tent poles to non-perishable foods and cooking equipment is where it should be.
Tip #4 – Create a Camping Playlist
Especially useful on the way to the campsite or while sitting around the campfire roasting s’mores, creating a dedicated camping playlist is a fun activity for you and your friends and family to participate in. Podcasts are great for the drive up the mountain or into the forest, helping to eliminate boredom on long stretches of highway. From spooky sounds while sharing ghost stories to your favorite sing-along tunes, you can take advantage of your vehicle’s audio system to get the party started. Remember, always be respectful of your camping neighbors by keeping the volume at reasonable levels and respecting posted quiet hours.
Tip #5 – Bring Outdoor Seating
Instead of relying on tree stumps, logs, or rocks – bring plenty of extra outdoor seating to get the most out of your trip. Collapsible tables and chairs offer greater comfort than what you’ll typically find in the great outdoors and can greatly enhance your experience. Many can even stow neatly between the seats of your vehicle or in the trunk. You’ll be able to gather around for a quick meal around the fire or catch a breathtaking view of the sunset with complete comfort by bringing extra outdoor seating.