10 Car Camping Tips

Four-Wheel Drive Can’t Hurt

The funny thing about four-wheel drive is, just when you think you won’t need it, you’ll find yourself sinking in sludge after a rainstorm or sliding from side to side on a wet road. If you’re camping in the winter, there’s always a risk of frozen rain or snow; if you’re camping in the summer, mud and flash floods are possibilities. Like many aspects of camping, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Hang Your Food At Night

Bears roam a large chunk of the United States, and when you include foxes, raccoons and other critters, there’s a hefty population of animals waiting to raid your food pack. Many people think storing food in your vehicle is a safe solution—it’s not. Bears have been known to swat at cars and break windows, not to mention the risk of your car’s interior permanently smelling like red beans and rice or dehydrated beef stroganoff.

At some parks and campsites, there are “bear boxes” for securely storing your food. For everywhere else, either use a bear-proof, durable plastic container, or hang the food pack from a tree.

There are multiple methods for hanging—the important points are to get the food at least 10 feet off of the ground and 10 feet out from the trunk of the tree. If you can help it, don’t ever bring snacks into your tent. And read up on bear safety prior to your adventure.