Many travelers have enjoyed the traditional backing for years now. After a long day of hiking, you can pitch your tent and cook sparse meals. But today, many adventurers are opting for a simpler and more convenient way of exploring awesome nature through car camping. You can bring more essentials for the trip, cook more decent meals, and just change your camping site whenever or wherever you want.

The best thing about car camping is that it offers more freedom when it comes to traveling. You reached your camping site and don’t like it? You can always go and find a better parking spot. Trips to the laundry mats or grocery stores will be faster and easier too. Interested in car camping? Check out these tips on how to make your outdoor adventure safer and more fun.

1. Schedule car servicing

First and foremost, your car must be in perfect condition before taking it for an adventure. If you have no experience with proper car maintenance, it’s best to visit your local mechanic. They can inspect all the essential fluids and filters, from the brake fluid, radiator coolant, transmission fluid to the oil. Besides that, they can also check if your tires, brakes, AC, and lights need a repair or replacement. If your car is a bit rusted or has a visual dent (always use Car seat cover), you can choose to pay for cosmetic work like car spray paint.

Find a local auto repair shop with an automotive spray booth that suits the type and size of your vehicle. Besides scratches in the paint, cosmetic repairs are ideal for fixing chips and dings or dented bumpers. At the same time, it makes your car look new for your car camping adventure.

2. Comfortable bedding

If you want to have a good sleep in your car, you need to set up proper bedding. While your car can protect you from the snow and wind, the nights can still get chilly if you don’t insulate. Car campers invest in warm-rated sleeping bags and insulating pads to improve their sleeping situation. Temperature-rated sleeping pads come in all shapes and sizes. Opt for one that fits you. To make the space more comfortable for sleeping, you can also invest in portable heaters that suit the type and size of your vehicle.

There are also reflective insulators that don’t just block the sun but also insulate your car from the chilly weather. You can also get yourself a wool blanket to cozier and warmer nights. Other great additions for setting up comfortable bedding include a cushy and heavy mat, a full-size or compact camping pillow, and a plush air mattress.

3. Food and cooking

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The next thing you should think of is how you’ll prepare and cook your meals when car camping. Starting with storage, it’s ideal to have a good-sized cooler for your perishables such as milk, eggs, and cheese. Other storage solutions you might need are egg holders, airtight food containers, resealable bags, and large bags or bins. For cooking and prep, you’ll need a frying pan, cook pot, knife and cutting board, camping stove and fuel, and fire starter or matches.

As for the food basics, it’s best to opt for slow-to-perish products. Some suggestions are spices, salt and pepper, sweeteners, energy foods, canned foods, nonstick spray or cooking oil, pancake mix, and oatmeal. What’s more, you’ll need essentials for the camp table and kitchen cleanup.

4. Power source

Power source is a crucial element in any camping trip. If your power needs aren’t that big, you can use your car’s existing 12v electrical system to charge your devices. Be cautious in using your vehicle as a power supply as it can result in a dead starting battery. It is best to have a portable car jumper pack if you’re planning to use the 12v system as your main power supply.

Alternatively, you can use solar power or a solar generator for your car camping. These camping power supplies are virtually silent, portable and lightweight, easy to use, and eco-friendly too. In terms of usable capacity, check for the amp-hour rating and watts. As for the power output, consider the devices or equipment you’re planning to charge. Solar generators are available in low-end, mid-range, and high-end options with AC inverters of 120w, 500w, and 2000w.

If you’re looking to enjoy the outdoors cost-effectively and conveniently, car camping is a good choice. You have room for more cookware, personal items, and extra food and camping supplies without much hassle. Plus, you have the choice to sleep inside your car away from the bug and harsh weather conditions or sleep under the stars.