Camping trips always promise pure, unadulterated adventure, no matter when and where. From sleeping under a blanket of stars to waking up to the serenity of nature, camping offers a unique way to connect with the great outdoors. They offer an opportunity to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, reconnect with the natural world, and create lasting memories. You can include camping as a part of your regular vacation or even go on separate camping trips. Whichever way you wish to go camping, careful planning is needed to make your trip a huge success.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll look into camping trips, camping trip planners, and tips to maximize your experience with stress on car camping. So, let’s dive into it.
Featured Image Source
Types of camping trips
Camping can come in different forms for different people. Some purists love to set up tents and be one with nature, and some people want to spend some time outdoors in any way possible. The two primary types include car camping and backpacking. While backpacking involves carrying all your gear on your back and venturing deep into the wilderness, car camping allows for a more relaxed and comfortable experience.
Car camping
If you are going on a lengthy camping vacation with your friends or family, car camping can be the best option for you. All you need to do is to pack the truck or car with supplies and head to your campsite. Many campsites are accessible by roads, so there is no need for long hikes from the parking spots. You can also choose whether to spend the night in your car or pitch up a tent under the stars.
Camping sites have access to communal areas and showers where you can hang out with others. Car camping also offers protection from weather extremes. However, because car campsites are easily accessible by car, they can be very competitive, so you need to research the campsite rules, such as if it’s a permit you must buy in advance or first come, first serve. If it is first come, first serve, be there early in the day to claim a spot.
Backpacking
Also called hiking or backcountry camping, backpacking is the way to go if you want a traditional camping vacation. This includes packing your belongings into a rucksack or backpack and hiking for days, weeks, or months. Most people backpack to spend some time away from modern stresses and unwind. Backpacking helps you explore the picturesque terrain in the wilderness before camping for the night. It is less accessible, but some backpacking campsites still require permits, so it is good to do some research.
Finding campsites on a camping trip
Going on a camping road trip is great, but it is crucial to have proper planning to make the most out of the experience. One of the joys of car camping is the freedom to choose your campsites and routes. But some factors you should consider while being a camping trip planner include:
Research campsite options
You can easily find the details on campsites with the help of several free camping trip planner applications available online. Using these, you can identify the camping sites in different countries. It is essential to understand that different countries and regions have varying rules and regulations regarding camping. Some countries allow “wild camping,” which means you can camp anywhere as long as you follow specific guidelines. Others require reservations for established campsites.
Reserve or arrive early for campsites
Camping is now one of the most loved vacation ideas for people looking to de-stress. So, make reservations in advance, especially during the peak seasons. If you are camping on a first come, first served site, try to arrive as early as possible to ensure a spot.
Types of camping vehicles
The most critical part of car camping is choosing the vehicle. Since you will be spending most of your camping vacation in and around the car, it is vital to choose something valuable and comfortable. Some common types of cars used for camping include:
RVs (Recreational Vehicles)
RVs offer a home away from home for campers with all the amenities, including kitchens, bathrooms, and sleeping areas. They are spacious and comfortable but can be expensive and challenging to maneuver in some areas. An RV can cost anywhere from $14,000 to $750,000. So, if you are on a shoestring budget, an RV may not be an option.
Car + external tents
Some people hate sleeping in vehicles. Cars with external tents involve attaching a rooftop or ground tent to your car. It’s a cost-effective option that provides shelter and comfort while allowing you to explore more rugged terrain. However, you may need to spend quite some time to set it up properly. You can get a car tent online for less than $1000, making it affordable.
Sleeper vans
Camper vans or sleeper vans are a compact option that combines transportation and sleeping arrangements. They are more flexible compared to RVs and provide a cozy camping experience. But the main issue with them is the lack of amenities you get in RVs. Also, high-end vans are extremely costly, around $200,000 to $300,000. Older, used ones could cost around $25,000 but have significantly less comforts and amenities.
Sleeping in cars
While sleeping outside in tents is a big part of the whole camping experience, many people prefer sleeping in cars to avoid insects, animals, and the nightly chills. Also, if you’re on a budget, sleeping in your car can be a viable option as it is simple and cost-effective. But you should remember that space inside the car can be limited, reducing your comfort. So, make your decision after considering your budget, comfort preferences, and the type of terrain you plan to explore.
Apps to help plan your road trip
Planning camping trips can often be tedious and challenging, especially since there are many things to consider, like camping sites, fuel prices, essential amenities, etc. A camping trip planner can help you organize your vacation details and help you track different things like expenses on the way.
Travel-Wise
Travel-Wise is your ultimate camping trip planner if you want a solution to understand everything from the itinerary to location maps to the overall budget. The platform offers excellent camping trip planner templates that you can use to create a detailed camping itinerary. You can add maps, making it easier to drive and set up camp in suitable locations.
The platform also has a vibrant community offering expert advice on camping and hiking. Travel-Wise also has a rich blog discussing camping at length to help you with everything and anything you may want to know about trip planning. Offline support is also available, and the app is entirely free.
Alltrails
Alltrails is an excellent camping trip planner app to find trails and read hiker reviews. Though the app works well as a trip planner in its free version, many cool features are available only in the premium one, like saving maps offline. Also, the reviews should be read with discretion, even though they are usually accurate.
The Dyrt
The Dyrt is a free campsite finder app that enables you to search for campgrounds, boondocking spots, and RV parks in the US. You can access almost all you require through the app’s free version. But maps are available offline only in the premium version, which is a considerable drawback.
Conclusion
Camping trips provide an excellent opportunity to connect with nature and make unforgettable memories. Car camping, known for its convenience and adaptability, is a perfect option for all types of adventurers and even for family trips. With the help of an excellent camping trip planner like Travel-Wise, you can gear up, hit the road, and let the camping adventure begin.