New To Car Camping? Seasoned Campers Recommend This Easy Way To Start

Car camping is one of the best ways to get started with camping as an inexperienced traveler. It's inexpensive, accessible, and can usually be done with things you already own. With such a low barrier to entry, you could start car camping tomorrow. However, if you're new to the scene, there are some things you will want to keep in mind for your first few trips out. Whether you're camping in your car or next to it with a tent, the best tip seasoned campers give to new car campers is to stick close to home for your first adventure.

If you have never camped or car camped before, you won't know if it's for you. It's in your best interest to choose a nearby campground or state park to set up in, just in case you need to bail in the middle of the night. If you take a scenic 5-hour road trip and then realize you get the heebie-jeebies from sleeping in a dark car, that's going to be a long trip home if you decide to call it quits. It also helps if you know the area you are camping in, so you feel more prepared and comfortable.

If you are looking at nearby state parks, it's important to know that many require reservations ahead of time. While you can usually "stealth park" at places like Cracker Barrel and Walmart, parking at a designated campground takes off the pressure of trying to go unnoticed. Plus, you don't want to wake up to a knock on your door at 4 a.m. from a security guard asking you to relocate. When you look for a place to camp, make sure it's a campground where you are allowed to sleep in your car. Some campgrounds have rules against this and prefer that campers sleep in tents.

Doing research on your campground beforehand can also be great, so you know what amenities are available. For example, are there bathrooms, or will you have to fend for yourself? Another thing to keep in mind is safety. Always follow this crucial safety tip, whether you're sleeping inside your car or out in a tent: be sure to have your keys within your reach at all times. If you are sleeping inside the car, make sure you can easily slide into the driver's seat if you need to make a quick escape. With these beginner car camping tips in mind, you should be able to slowly master the wonderful world of car camping and take many fulfilling adventures while you're at it.