Tents From Sierra Trading

Car camping is outdoor camping using of a tent. This form of camping permits you to carry along more essentials. It also provides a dry place to stay in case of heavy rain. It also offers the opportunity to bring everything you need to make the camping adventure comfortable.

Like other camping choices a checklist should be prepared to make certain you have not forgotten an important essential. The internet can provide a  well thought out, printable camping checklist. (See note below)

The Car:
The nice thing about Car camping compared to waking or biking to your camp site is you can take along more items.
For example you can bring a larger amount water and blankets in case of chilly nights.  

The Tent:
Spacious, comfy tent – Check out Sierra Trading Post and Mountain Gear.

First Aid:
With Car camping a first aid kit need not be too extensive due to the fact that if a serious accident occurs you can use the car to get to a hospital.

Food and Beverages:
Car camping allows for larger food storage coolers and greater amounts of food beverages.

The other option is of course a tent and a sleeping bag. Check out Sierra Trading Post and Mountain Gear for sleeping bags with a roomy shape and soft cotton/poly liner.

I suggest if your going the tent route you should also bring along an air mattress and remember a pillow or two.

Foldable Chairs:
Absolute necessity!

Buying Gear:
Any good outdoor store like Sierra Trading Post and Mountain Gear will have pretty much any of these items.

Conclusion:
Remember to take advantage of what Car camping permits you bring along. In this way you can maximize the enjoyment of your car camping experience

Plan your list:
Below is a nearly complete camping list. Your camping list will vary depending on the trip, and I'm sure you will have additional items.
 
Tent & Rain Fly - Depends on the number of sleepers
Tarp - Used as flooring under the tent.
Welcome Mat - Helps to keep dirt from being tracked into the tent.
Whiskbroom - Keep inside tent clean.
Bedding - Sleeping bags, sheets, pillows. Air Mattress and an air compressor to inflate it.
Flashlight - With backup batteries..
Coleman Lantern - To hang outside or later inside the tent.
Kindling and Wood -  
Camera - Make it digital..
Spare Batteries - For all of the above.
Rope - Several uses for thick and thin rope.  
Clothes Pins - Could come in handy.
Bungee Cords - Very useful..
Hammer - For tent stakes and nails.
Collapsible Chairs - Nice for relaxing by the fire.
Hammock - Another item for relaxing.
Tablecloth - Waterproof, they make them specifically for picnic tables.
Tablecloth Clips - Duct tape will do in a pinch.
Duct Tape - Always needed for something.
Ice Chest - Remember Block ice lasts longer.
Camp Stove -  
Propane/White Gas - Whatever your stove uses.
Bath Towels, Dishrags, Paper Towels, & Baby Wipes - Fast cleanup of a messy face or hands.
Utility Knife - Look for a Swiss Army Knife.
2 1/2 Gallon Water - With a pour spout for drinking.
5 Gallon Container - Collapsible water dispenser for hands and general cleaning.
Tupperware - Will make great storage containers.
Sponge - For cleaning dishes.
Dish-soap -
Trash bags -That can be hung from a tree.
Can Opener - Be prepared.
Cutting Board - Wood or Plastic
Pots and Pans - There are compact camping sets available.
Dishes - Use paper or camping sets.
Cutlery - Again…there are camping sets available.
Cups - Look for Sierra Cups at your camping store.
Toiletries - Personal choice. Don't forget soap, toothpaste, insect repellent.
Quarters - For pay showers and phone. $10.00 quarter roll.
Water Bottles - For hikes or hanging out.
Personal Meds - Whatever gets you through the night.
Sun Glasses -
First Aid Kit - Never know.
Sunscreen -
Portable Music -

About the Author:
Bob Macek has been an outdoor enthusiast since 1969. He converted a VW bus into a living RV and traveled the country. He left St Louis, MO and ended in Salt Lake City, UT . In 2000. he again decide to opt for the nomad life and purchased an RV. He lived the Gypsy life until September 2004. While traveling in the Panhandle of Florida his RV was destroyed by hurricane Ivan. You can Contact Bob at: bob@probizusa.com