Many people put off going camping until they can purchase the perfect size tent or an RV to stay in. But what you may not be aware of is, it is possible to go camping in your car or van.
Many campsites allow guests to stay in their vehicles overnight and enjoy the surroundings of the campground during the day, all without ever setting up a tent or using a camper. If you visit the National Park Service website, they will refer to this as car camping.
What is Car Camping, and is it Legal in All Areas?
Car camping is simply what it sounds like, using your car, van, or another vehicle to sleep in at a campsite instead of using a tent, RV, or camper. Whether it is legal to do this depends on the rules at each campsite.
Some will not allow anyone to camp in their vehicle overnight, while others will allow you to park there for free or request that you pay a fee. Fortunately, several camping apps are available and websites that have information regarding where it is legal to cam in your vehicle throughout the United States.
According to the National Park Service website, there are two types of camping; front country and back country. Front country camping refers to campsites that feature bathrooms and showers, electrical outlets, picnic tables, and marked sites for camping and parking.
If you have already reserved a space in a front country campground, you will need to sleep there. You cannot skip fees by pulling on the side of the road and sleeping in your car.
Backcountry camping refers to when you hike into the woods to camp far away from civilization. There is usually no amenities on-site and just open land where you can pitch a tent.
What You Should Know About Camping in National Forests
National Forests are beautiful places to visit where you can take in all the excitement that nature has to offer. Because these areas are reserved for all types of outdoor recreation, some rules pertain to where you can camp.
You can stay at a campsite or choose to go dispersed camping, which is camping outside of the designated campsite. This form of camping can be adventurous, but you should remember that resources are minimal. There are often no bathroom facilities, and you will need to bring your own water at most locations.
Dispersed camping is not allowed near any recreational areas such as trailheads or picnic locations. You are also not allowed to stay within a mile of a campsite and must remain at least 100 feet away from streams and other bodies of water.
To find a site to camp, you will need to follow a Forest Service Road until there is a clearing. The campsite that you use for car camping will need to be within 150 feet of the road.
Here are a few additional guidelines to follow while staying at a national forest.
- Do not dig any trenches at your campsite to make it level for your car.
- If possible, park your car in an area that has been used for parking before. Doing so will help to reduce the impact that you leave behind after staying in the forest.
- According to Forest Service regulations, you should find a new camping location after staying for 14 days in a row.
- Even if your car is technically a tent, you should stay at least 100 feet away from a water source. And also, try not to overstay your visit.
Is Car Camping Allowed in BLM Areas?
The BLM or Bureau of Land Management oversees activities on all additional federal land. Their mission is to conserve the land while also allowing people to enjoy hunting, fishing, conducting scientific research, and exploring.
Many of the same rules apply for camping in BLM areas as camping in a national forest. BLM sites are available on a first-come-first-serve basis, and you can make reservations online at Recreation.gov. Car camping is allowed in BLM areas, but you must limit your stay to two weeks out of a month.
Is Car Camping Allowed in State Parks?
Yes, you can go car camping in most state parks. However, with more than 10,000 start parks throughout the nation, it can be challenging to say which allows car camping and for how long.
You can find more detailed information about the rules and regulations for each state park you plan to visit by visiting America’s State Parks website. There you can learn more about camping, fees, and how to make reservations by searching for each specific park you have in mind.
Other Locations Where You Can Park and Sleep While Traveling
There are many other locations where you can stay overnight in your car while travelling. Whether you are going on a road trip across the country or got a late start and need a place to stay for the night, you can legally park overnight at many of these locations.
Walmart
With most Walmart stores staying open 24-hours, this is the ideal location to stay overnight in your car.
You have access to snacks and public bathrooms, and most locations have security that patrols the area at all hours. Although car camping is allowed at most Walmart locations, it is always a good idea to ask a store manager before you settle in for the night.
Truck Stops & Rest Stops
Truck stops are designed for truckers to park and stay overnight. Many locations allow other travellers to park and use their facilities. The rules that apply all depend on the specific location.
Useful apps such as AllStays or the Pilot Flying J app can inform you about available reservations and if a truck stop or rest stop has parking available for cars and RVs.
Keep in mind that these locations are typically not quiet since large trucks are arriving and leaving the area at all hours. But they are great places to rest, take a shower, and grab a quick bite to eat, even if you are travelling during the early morning hours.
Casinos
It may be surprising to some, but casinos will often allow you to car camp in their parking lots. Some of these parking spaces are free, but others may require you to pay a fee. Just be sure to contact the casino before your stay to make sure.
Why Should You Consider Car Camping?
There are several benefits to sleeping in a vehicle while camping. The most obvious being that you don’t have to purchase a tent, camper, or an RV. You also do not have to spend time setting up a tent or worry about renting a campsite that has a lot of room.
Your vehicle will also be better insulated than a tent so that you will stay warmer throughout the night. If you are only planning on staying in the area for one night, sleeping in your car can help save you both time and money.
All You Need to Know Before Going Camping in Your Car
Camping doesn’t have to be complicated, and if you like to travel at the spur of the moment, car camping is the way to go. If you would like to learn more about car camping and how it works, here are some valuable tips to keep in mind.
The Basics of Car Camping
Sleeping in your car at a campsite may sound strange to some, but in reality, it can be more fun and convenient than you think, that is, if you have the right vehicle. If you are camping alone or with one other person, you may be able to sleep in a smaller car.
But the best way to go car camping is by using a van, truck, or a crossover SUV, so you have plenty of room to stretch out and get comfortable. Just remember to bring plenty of blankets and leave your windows cracked slightly to ensure there is enough ventilation inside.
If you have a truck or a large van with plenty of space in the back, you can even bring along an air mattress or sleeping bags and blankets to make the experience even more relaxing. You can even install a hard or soft camper shell or purchase a tent designed to be pitched on a truck bed to make car camping seem more like traditional camping in a tent.
Sleeping in your car helps keep you up off the ground and dry. If you are caught in heavy rain, you don’t have to worry about possible leaks or damage to your tent caused by the storm. Your vehicle will also provide you with extras such as a light source or a source of power to charge your phone if needed.
How to Go Car Camping for Free
There are designated campsites throughout the United States for those who want to camp in tents, RVs, and even in their vehicles. You can stay at a campsite with a picnic table, fire pit, source of electricity and all other amenities offered to guests.
When you are specifically looking for a car camping site, you should choose a lot listed as a “Back-in” site or one with a parking space available. During the summer season, it can be challenging to find space available.
But some many national forests and parks offer free primitive camping, ideal for car campers. Also known as dispersed camping, with primitive camping, you stay outside a designated campground and can camp in your car in many places for as long as 16 days. The only downside is there are usually no amenities provided.
Restrictions for primitive camping and car camping, in general, vary from one campground to another. To ensure you have all the facts and follow the rules, you should contact your local ranger station by phone or visit them in person. You can also find out more about individual regulations by visiting the US Forest Service website.
Packing Tips for Car Camping
Packing for a car camping trip is quite different from packing for traditional camping. You will have more space for extra food and gear for starters since you will not have to pack a bulky tent.
You also do not need to be as concerned about weight management, since you will not be carrying around your gear on your back. Just keep in mind that the more you bring along with you, the more you will have to keep up with. And just because you have more space doesn’t mean you have to fill your trunk up. You should still only take along the necessities and leave the excess items behind.
Here are a few things that you should bring along with you on your car camping trip.
Lots of Water
You can never have too much water. Along with using it to keep you hydrated, you can also use water for cooking, washing dishes, hygiene, and first aid. So, make good use of all that extra space and fill it up with containers of water.
Plastic Bags and Trash Bags
When visiting any type of campsite or national park, you want to ensure you don’t leave any litter behind. Also, keep a trash bag or two handy to keep your trash in and dispose of it in the dumpster as you leave the park.
A Complete First Aid Kit
Having a first aid kit is crucial while camping. If you have an older kit, make sure you check it to see if you need to replace any old medication or refill with bandages and other supplies that you have used on previous camping trips.
Stackable Storage Bins
Small or medium-sized storage bins with lids will help you keep everything organized and easy to access. You can also label each bin to make accessing first aid, personal hygiene, or food a quick and easy task.
Extra Blankets
While you can always shed layers if it is too hot while sleeping in your car, you can’t add on more layers if it is too cold if you don’t bring along enough blankets. Even during the warm summer months, it can get surprisingly cold in the middle of the night in many parts of the country. So, packing an extra blanket or two can help make your camping experience more pleasant.
Bring Extra Lighters, Matches, And Other Fire Starters
Building a campfire is one of the most memorable things about going camping. So, you want to be sure you bring along more than one fire starter to ensure you can cook food and stay warm. Just be sure to follow all rules and regulations regarding fire restrictions, such as any bans due to a dry season.
Going camping in your car is a great way to enjoy all that the great outdoors has to offer without investing in an expensive RV or setting up a tent. It can help save you time and money while you make long-lasting memories in some of the nation’s most beautiful forests and campgrounds