Car camping means using your car to get to where you want to camp -- and then as the base for your camping experience. You might be sleeping in a tent, but not a recreational vehicle, if you go car camping. Car camping is a fun and frugal vacation idea, but you'll need to bring along some essentials.
Make your campground reservations early. State and national parks offer reasonable rates and online reservations. Research your local campgrounds for what's available.
Remember that your car will have limited trunk space for cargo, so pack wisely and bring only those things you'll really need.
Pack a tent. You can get cheap ones that sleep four people at sporting goods stores or department stores. You can car-camp without a tent, and many do, but it makes for a more pleasant experience if you have the comfort of a tent.
Bring easy-to-cook food, or for your first night out you might bring something you made at home. Whatever food you bring, keep it cool in your ice chest. Bring water to drink and coffee, tea or cocoa for hot drinks. Avoid chips and other empty-calorie foods as much as possible. They're very expensive and not good for you. Make cookies at home and bring fruit and granola instead.
Camp close to home. If you spend a fortune on gas, you won't save any money by car camping. Think local. Think cheap.
Pack sleeping bags, pillows and cooking equipment. If you have one of those two-burner camp stoves, and a few old pots and pans, along with your dishes, silverware and matches, you should be set for meals.
Don't forget to bring some tools such as a hammer and shovel, which come in handy when pitching a tent. A first-aid kit is also essential.
