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First time camping or are you a veteran camper looking to try something new? Car camping has become increasingly popular due to the convenience of having one small vehicle to take, which makes it easier to find awesome, scenic camp spots. This week we compiled a list of all the gear you need to a have a successful car camping trip!

Before we start, remember to have the dates of your trip and your camp spot picked out ahead of time! You want to be sure to make reservations if need be and plan for first come, first serve campgrounds if necessary. Knowing where you’ll be is also a great way to plan for what to pack so you’re ready for weather, terrain, and anything else that might pop up.

Another important car camping tip is to make sure your vehicle is tuned up and ready to go before you leave for your adventures! You can always take your vehicle in to Schierl Tire & Service to ensure it is just as ready to go on vacation as you are. Once you pick your spot and prepare your vehicle for the trip, you can start researching activities to do around your camp spot too😊. Taking these crucial steps before packing up the car and heading out can make a huge difference!

Are you ready for the best camping trip ever? Let’s start!

Cooking Essentials

The first tip we have is to start with a small tote that will fit all your cooking essentials, so they are all in one spot. This makes it easier to pack the vehicle and find that spoon you know you JUST had. Overall camp kitchens are not spectacular (especially when car camping), but you can still have all you need! Here are the basics that we keep in our camping kitchen essentials bin but feel free to add your essentials (just make sure they all fit!):

• Cutting Board
• Cutting Knife
• Flatware – one set for everyone!
• Paper Towels/dish towels
• Tongs
• Spatula
• Pot/pan
• Basic Seasonings
• Tupperware

Other kitchen necessities could include:

• Stove/fuel
• Cooler
• Cooking Set
• Bowls/dishes (ditch the paper plates and get a reusable and compact camping set!)
• Insulated Mug (gotta have your coffee)
• Coffee Maker
• Can opener
• Dishwashing bucket (you can use your unpacked kitchen tote in a pinch)
• Water Jug (save yourself the trips to the spigot!)

Campsite Gear

Depending on where you go and what you plan on doing on your camping trip, you may need different gear, but we gathered a general list to help get you set up comfortably!

• Sleeping Pad
• Tent (if not sleeping in the vehicle)
• Sleeping Bag /pillow/blankets
• Lantern/Head lamp (it gets dark out there!)
• Reusable water bottle
• First Aid Kit (always essential)
• Chairs (the foldier the better)
• Speaker (make sure to keep it at a polite volume level - don’t want to be THOSE neighbors)
• Power bank for charging electronics (if applicable)
• Biodegradable soap
• Wet Wipes
• Lighter/matches
• Duct Tape
• Rope/string

Adventuring Gear

Depending on what type of activities you decide to do during your camping trip, your gear can change. You don’t want to miss out on any fun adventures so make sure to bring a day pack to keep all the essentials. Here are some items we like to keep handy while adventuring but some are optional (*)!

• Day backpack big enough to carry your necessities
• Hydration pack*/water bottle with water
• Snacks
• Map
• Camera*
• Trekking Poles* (depending on the terrain and personal comfort)
• Extra clothing layers
• Baseball cap/Sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Bug Spray
• Quick Dry towel *
• Multi-tool/ pocket knife
• First aid kit
• Bear Spray*

 

Unfortunately, your clothes, toiletries, and miscellaneous items you may want to bring with are not included in this list, but this is a general “don’t forget” list that will help make your first car camping trip a breeze! The best thing you can do for your trip is prepare. Once you determine when and where you are heading you can customize this list to your activities and trip needs! We hope you have a great experience camping and if you run into any car issues, call us up at Schierl Tire & Service Center!