Car Camping: Benefits and Gear Suggestions
In addition to bike packing and kayak camping, I enjoy and appreciate car camping. I have done car camping in the past when I was going on a trip by myself. I feel safer being locked in a vehicle for solo camping. I also feel warmer, especially in the Spring and Fall seasons.
Some people car camp in parking lots, while I typically car camp in camp grounds. There are many benefits to camp grounds, especially with state and local parks. I appreciate having rest rooms and usually running water, as well as fire rings and picnic tables. These amenities are not available in parking lots. I find state parks to also be much more scenic than a parking lot, with options to hike and bike close by.
Car camping has been very comfortable for me as a solo camper. One example of a recent car camping trip was when traveling for conferences in the summer. Another example is when I was supposed to go camping with my partner, and she became unable to go at the last minute.
GEAR AND PACKING
So, what do I pack? Depending on the WHY for car camping typically determines WHAT I pack. I always pack a sleeping pad and sleeping bag with pillow. I typically also pack a heating pad that can be plugged into my Anker Power System, which is a game changer for charging and powering most things from mobile devices to e-bike batteries to water heaters.
I pack different clothes depending on the season and purpose of my trip. When attending formal events, I pack a suit and dress shoes. The rest of my clothes are typical camping and hiking clothes. Besides a power system, I always bring window screens so that I can crack the window for fresh air, along with window covers to give me privacy, especially at night when sleeping or getting changed. If I also plan to ride a bike, I have a list of bike gear to support that.
PACKING LIST
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YOU NEED A VEHICLE TO CAR CAMP
To car camp, you simply need a vehicle. Some people camp in cars, some in trucks, some in wagons, and some in vans. Each have benefits. I camp in a Subaru Outback wagon. It is big enough for me as a smaller women. It is safe and fuel efficient. It is also very unlikely people will think I am camping inside. One question I always get is where I go to the bathroom. I use bathrooms at campgrounds.
In conclusion, car camping has provided me with safe and fun accommodations in beautiful places! It can also be inexpensive to car camp.
Have you been car camping? If yes, where did you go and what gear did I leave out of my lists?
QUESTION? Leave a comment.
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Sarah Scala is a senior talent management leader and executive coach with 20+ years of experience providing organization development, change management, and leadership development solutions for diverse global and local industries. She is a collaborative consultant, coach, and educator supporting performance transformation of executives, leaders, and teams. Sarah is a methodical, results-driven leader recognized for helping clients reach their highest potential, increase revenue, reduce turnover, elevate business profitability, build competencies, and improve performance.
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