“Camping: The art of getting closer to nature while getting farther away from the nearest cold beverage, hot shower, and flush toilet.”
Anonymous
Camping has always been a way to step out of your comfort zone and enjoy the great outdoors.
With something as simple and inexpensive as car camping, you can have that same experience. What makes it even better is that the experience can be adapted to any sort of trip—whether you are doing it in your own backyard or at a campsite elsewhere. Car camping is also an excellent way to discover new destinations and make unforgettable memories with friends without having to spend so much. So, if you have been thinking of going on any outdoor excursions anytime soon, read on below to see why car camping should be something to consider:
1.) It’s affordable
Building a full camper van is expensive. A more affordable alternative would be to do a car-to-camper conversion which can be a relatively straightforward process if you know where to start. By now, there are innumerable videos and photos on social media featuring RVs or even school buses converted for camping. While all of these look incredible, they can also be quite pricey and may be out of the price range of many individuals. As an alternative, you can convert your car for camping which can have a vast price range as well. However, the beauty in this is that there is an affordable way to do it with just a few simple items. Essentially, you will need a simple mattress, foam, a sleeping bag, and a plywood platform. If you wish, you can skip the wooden platform altogether and just sleep on the floor of your car.
2.) No need to buy camping equipment
One of the best things about car camping is taking out the necessity of buying camping equipment in the experience. Apart from the cost of the car itself and the modifications made to accommodate your camping setup, car camping can be as cheap or expensive as you wish, depending on your setup. If you do not own any camping equipment, buying the right stuff can be quite an investment. This is especially true if you are starting from scratch and have to buy a tent, sleeping bag, cooking equipment, and all the necessities you will need for camping. However, if you do not intend to fully commit to this outdoor excursion or just wish to try it out for yourself, you may want to consider car camping first. In this way, you can avoid wasting money on camping gear or going through all the effort of selling it if you find out it is not for you.
3.) It is easy to set up
After figuring out a design for your car camper, you can make it and put it all together. Generally, preparing and getting your car ready for car camping is a relatively easy process from start to finish. For novice campers who intend to choose their cars for other purposes, choose a setup that can be put in when used and taken out when you are at home. However, if you wish for a more permanent option, there are also various designs for that. For a temporary setup, you can simply fold down your seats and your mattress and platform on the floor of your car if you have one. After that, all you need to do is load up your gear for camping and hiking.
4.) It is convenient
Car camping is great for no-fuss campers as it virtually needs no setting up. All you need to do once you get to the campsite is simply move the gear aside or off the bed, close the doors, and get ready for the night. Once you are ready to move on to the next destination, you just need to have the driver’s seat cleared, and you are ready to go. Apart from being convenient, car camping makes the process of moving from one location to another much easier and less tedious than when you are camping with a tent. As said above, you no longer need to do a tent setup or takedown.
5.) Sleeping is comfortable
Car camping can be comfortable. In fact, it may even be more comfortable than sleeping in a tent if you just have the right mattress or the right amount of padding for your bed. To make your car camping experience as comfortable as possible, get an inflatable car mattress which is a real lifesaver.
6.) You are well protected from elements
One of the biggest peeves most people hate about regular camping is that tents can only protect you from the elements so much. Depending on what kind of tent you have, the wind, cold, and rain can turn an enjoyable trip into a disaster for some. However, when you are car camping, you do not really have to deal with all of these as your car has adequate protection from the outside elements.
7.) You can do it anywhere
The beauty of car camping is being able to do it anywhere. Regular camping requires an outdoor venue or a campsite where you can camp in a tent, but car camping allows you to camp in areas where tents typically would not work out as well. That said, converting your car to a camper is an excellent way to explore all the great things nature has to offer and discover more about the world around you.
