Car camping is one good way to relax, whether you are embarking on a road trip with your family or peers. It is a whole adventure with your vehicle, which may involve sleeping inside it or pitching a tent around it. If this is your first time packing for car camping, you have come to the right place as we are going to guide you through the process. If you are not new to car camping, you may also be able to identify what you could improve on to make the entire experience more enjoyable.

Packing for car camping can be easy, but you need to make sure that everything would fit in your car storage. Here’s how you should properly pack for car camping.

1. Determine the type of vehicle you should use

Whether you are going with your family, friends or just by yourself, it is necessary for everyone to feel comfortable inside the vehicle especially whilst sleeping. Larger vehicles are recommended if you are bringing the entire family with you, mainly because of the amount of supplies your car storage can carry for the whole family.

You should also consider whether the space is large enough for everyone to fit comfortably inside. Vehicles like RVs (recreational vehicles), vans and caravans are preferred for camping. If you are going alone and you have only a few items to bring along, it is alright to use a smaller vehicle such as Mini Clubvan camper, Toyota Tacoma and the like.

2. Ensure that items are well packed and organised

Before embarking on a road trip, make sure that everyone has settled down and organised everything that they need to bring. It is important that you separate items such as utensils, foods and miscellaneous into different containers so you can easily find them when you need them. Check if the containers are properly sealed to avoid insects and fluids from getting inside.

Clear containers are recommended to easily recognise what’s inside. If you prefer colourful ones, it’s useful to use the different colours as a colour code, as long as you can remember them. Labelling will also help in this area.

Before the trip, each item must be put in the right place where you can easily locate and access them. Make a list to make sure that all the items are complete. Everyone who’s coming with you can prepare their own individual items if needed. If they want to bring something that isn’t necessary for the trip, it’s okay to say no. Be careful as children can be a little mischievous and can sneak unnecessary items into the vehicle.

Finally, items such as fishing gear don’t always fit in your car. It would be better if you place them on a roof rack. Spacer might be able to help you with any storage needs you might have for your camping and fishing gear.

3. Safety should be your priority

Securely load all your items into the vehicle and use straps if possible. Start with a strong base by placing the larger and heavier objects on a flat area. These include eskies and boxes.

When manoeuvring a vehicle, you must always assure the safety of everyone, inside or outside the vehicle. Too much movement can displace items inside the van or on the roof deck. Ensure that you do not go over your car’s storage and seating capacity to avoid accidents. This also keeps your car properly working and running smoothly.

4. Separate your pet’s items

If you are bringing a pet, make sure that you separate its items from yours. It is easier if you will put them in a place where you can easily reach them. For your pet’s convenience, it is important to bring items such as food, treats, waste bag, pet’s bed and toys. Your pet should also have a dedicated space or room in the vehicle.

Before proceeding on a camping adventure with your pet, make sure that you have checked whether the location allows animals. You do not want to be disappointed when you get there. If you are bringing your dog, do not forget to bring important documents like shot papers, as most campsites demand these records before you can camp out.

5. Look for ideal places for car camping

Established campsites are one of the good options for camping, as they are often secured. They include national parks such as Booderee National Park and Mt. Field National Park. Caravan Park is also a great place, as it offers toilets, kitchens, showers and a swimming pool. If you are looking for privacy and planning to camp out in the wild, it is your obligation to leave no rubbish behind. You should also be extra careful when using fire starters to avoid accidents and injuries.

It is important to avoid camping in dangerous and risky places, particularly locations that are always flooded when it’s raining heavily, as well as places with high chances of landslides occurring. Avoid places that can attract lightning strikes such as open, flat areas where your vehicle may be the tallest structure. Check the weather before visiting a place.

6. Clean your car’s exterior

A clean car is necessary for a comfortable ride. Before heading home, brush off all the dirt, sand and rubbish that are left on your car’s back part as they can cause an unpleasant drive back home. A camping broom can help you get rid of all of this.

If you do not have enough time to dry wet items like clothes, place them in a separate plastic bag or container so they don’t get your car or other items wet.

Spacer’s Solution

If the campsite is far and you do not have enough storage space in your car for transporting all your camping gear, Spacer has got you covered. Spacer provides affordable, accessible and secure storage spaces all over Australia. You will surely find a space near your campsite. It also provides an insurance cover of $10,000 for your peace of mind. Visit Spacer and find the right storage and parking space solutions for your camping trip.