Car camping

Car camping, caravanning, RV camping... it goes by many names, and the experience varies widely, but using a motor vehicle as lodging at a camp site is popular in many parts of the world. Unlike more traditional tent camping or backpacking, sleeping in your vehicle allows you to bring more equipment, and focus on enjoying the site, cook-outs, day hikes, and other outdoor activities.

In the U.S., "car camping" can also refer to setting up a tent at a drive-up (frontcountry) campground, which is covered in the Camping article.

The character of car camping sites varies greatly. Some are rustic and remote, with bumpy two-track roads leading to sites consisting of nothing more than a partially-cleared patch of ground with a stone-circled fire pit. Others are conveniently located, with paved drives and carefully landscaped sites featuring charcoal grills, picnic tables, and electrical hook-ups, with a playground and swimming pool on the grounds. Still others may be little more than a grassy field or a parking lot, between a motel and a shopping center, a block from a major highway's exit ramp.

There are many variations in what is included in the rental price and the additional insurance premiums incurred when renting a camper van. The daily rate is the amount you pay for renting a vehicle. This varies depending on the size of the vehicle and how old it is and the duration of the hire. Prices often reduce the earlier you book the rental. The price will also increase with the addition of on-board facilities.

Additional costs that you may incur in some countries and not in others include:

• Bedding and towels. Where they are not included in the price often means you can save by taking your own.
• Vehicle kit includes pots and pans, cutlery and crockery. You can take these along and save if they are not already included in the price.
• Cleaning fees.
• One-way hire fee. These are sometimes incurred if you pick up your vehicle in one location and return it to another. These are sometimes waived if the hire is for longer than a certain number of days.
• Mileage fees. There are additional charges depending on the number of miles/kilometers you drive. These can be pre-paid and often savings can be made here.
• Local taxes. These vary from and country to country, and within countries. They should be in the summary before you make any payment so that you know exactly what you are paying for.
• Traffic fines are the responsibility of the driver.
• Insurance:
  • Standard insurance is always included in rental vehicles. However the liability varies between companies and countries. If you have your own travel insurance this can sometimes cover the liability on a rental. However, if it does you will still have to cover the liability amount on a credit card. This is sometimes only taken as an imprint and the amount frozen on your card or it can be processed in full.

You must have a credit card to rent a camper van, motorhome or an RV. It is rare that you can rent a vehicle under 21 years of age and there is sometimes an upper age limit of 70 years old in some countries.

See also Renting a motorhome in New Zealand for information about car camping in that country.

There are a multitude of ways to car camp, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

• Passenger car – The simplicity of getting into your own car and heading off on a long road trip has intrinsic appeal. Unlike larger vehicles, you are probably already familiar with driving your car and know its limitations. For serious camping, though, the limitations are many. Trying to sleep in a parked car seldom results in a restful night's sleep, though a large car with seats that lay down might offer enough room to set up an air mattress and fully stretch out. Humidity can be a problem unless you roll down windows to allow fresh air in; if you have trouble with bugs getting inside, you can get custom fitted insect screens.
• Car Campers – A concept where a car (usually a station wagon) has storage space under a fabricated bed frame in the rear luggage compartment. It has a permanently made up double bed with access through lift up lids to the storage beneath. It contains all equipment necessary for camping.
• Pickup truck with truck top – Truck tops, also known as camper tops, are hard shells that fit snugly over the bed of a pickup truck. They are relatively inexpensive and can make for ideal car camping. One or two people can easily sleep in the pickup truck bed enjoying privacy and protection from the elements. Essentially, you can camp anywhere you can park, and most pickup trucks can easily handle dirt roads or other rough conditions that may be present where you want to camp. Truck tops are usually made to your specific model of truck and are available from many after-market truck retailers. Costs can be from US$400 to above US$1000. You will probably want to buy a truck bed liner as well.

  

• Car top tents – There are tents that temporarily mount to roof rack systems of SUVs, trucks, vans, station wagons, some cars and small off-road utility trailers. These roof top tents typically contain a built-in mattress and can store bedding and pillows while folded for travel. With practice, set up takes five minutes. Sizes vary from single sleeper to tents that sleep up to four people. The advantages of these campers are comparatively low cost, compact go-anywhere convenience, easy driving, good MPG and RV comfort sleeping space that often exceeds 7 feet length – nice for taller travelers.
• Trailers (U.S.) / Caravans (UK) – You can tow your camper, ranging from lightweight pop up tent campers to more durable trailers. You will need a trailer hitch and a vehicle capable of towing – any place that sells camping trailers would be happy to explain the capabilities of your vehicle and install an adequate hitch. Trailers may require you having a driving licence that covers them, often a different one when you exceed a certain size.

• Class A Motorhomes are based on a bus or truck chassis. They can be either gasoline or diesel powered and are the largest RV's available. The most luxurious models in this category can cost over a million dollars and rival the price and luxury of a "brick and mortar" house. Simpler models also exist; all will at least have a fridge, water system, electrical, and LP gas.
• Class B Motorhomes, also referred to as camper vans or conversion vans, are generally passenger vans that have been converted for camping or other uses. They are available from Ford, GM and VW as original equipment, but more commonly from after-market van conversion companies. Some people like to design their own conversion van, even going all out to make it luxurious. Some conversion vans have RV amenities like toilets, showers or kitchens but are more compact in design. The cost – often well over $50,000 – is in the same range as a basic RV. The primary advantage to owning a Class B RV is that it drives like a passenger car and it's easier to navigate on city streets. Some have four-wheel drive which makes it attractive for those who need to leave well-maintained roads.
• Class C Motorhomes are the mid-sized RV's. They have a distinctive "over the cab design" which will host either additional sleeping quarters or an entertainment center, and the largest can sleep up to 8 people. These motorhomes have electrical systems, LP gas, and water systems. They, like any motorhome or recreational vehicle, can be outfitted quite nicely. Because of their size, it is possible to do a little "off road" camping in them, unlike the larger Class A Motorhomes. Most of the newer Class C motorhomes have slide-outs which increase their living and sleeping space, and most are now equipped with refrigerators, microwave ovens and cook tops. Ovens may or may not be a standard item, depending on the manufacturer and model.

Big motorhomes may require a licence for a truck.

If you're driving or staying close to town, you can eat at the same fast food places and restaurants as any other traveller. Nicer campgrounds may even have basic hot meals onsite.

If your vehicle has a kitchen, then you can do your own cooking, and shop at local supermarkets and farmers markets. Many campgrounds also have small convenience stores with ice, firewood, and some canned goods, though often the prices are higher than the local norm.

Truck stops sometimes have sit down restaurants. Truckers know the roads well and often a good way to find the best restaurant on a highway is to look for a collection of big rigs outside. This is almost certain to get you moderate prices and large servings, and sometimes the cooking is very good as well. Many truck stops have fast food outlets where the prices are higher and the menus are limited. You can also purchase hot food such as hot dogs or pizza. The selection of food (especially canned goods) is larger than a typical convenience store, but it is more expensive. Stops for chartered buses are used not just by truckers but also for bus-loads of tourists to get a quick meal. There may be facilities for children.

Outdoor cooking can be enjoyable if open fires are permitted or you have a camp stove. Many campgrounds have barbecue facilities. If you use gas (butane/propane), watch out for different container or connector standards. Also, butane doesn't work in temperatures below freezing. In countries where such temperatures are common, the gas used is probably propane or a mixture.

The same kinds of sites that are great for tent camping are often great for car camping as well:

• RV campgrounds are the most obvious place to camp. While amenities vary greatly with location, virtually all will have hookups for water and electricity, and for grey and black water disposal. Nationwide chains in USA and Canada include KOA Kampgrounds.
• National parks often have campsites with spaces for RVs, especially in the U.S., Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Regional parks (such as state parks and provincial parks) are also good bets for campsites, though more remote parks may only provide "dry camping" sites. Other types of public lands (such as National Forests, BLM lands, and Wildlife Refuges in the U.S.) may also allow overnight camping. Great way to bird-watch or spot wildlife at sunrise.
• "Boondocking" or "dry camping" refers to camping anywhere that RV hookups are not present, similar to wild camping or dispersed camping. How long one can comfortably do this depends on the capacities of your rig's generator, LP gas, water storage, and wastewater tanks. Setting up on private property or in a town can easily attract unwanted attention, and sleeping immediately outside of established campgrounds may or may not be accepted.

You can also make it work somewhere less rustic:

• Rest areas. Well patrolled in some countries; some areas have rules against overnighting. However, in practice, these are usually only enforced to keep vagrants, drunks, or other undesirable elements away. Police generally let car campers stay overnight.
• Truck stops. Again ask, but almost always allowed. Some offer dump sites. Showers are available for a fee or free with purchase of diesel fuel. Make sure you are not blocking truck pathways. It is best to refrain from using rooms that pop out as this takes up additional parking spaces.
• Parking lots. Use common sense and courtesy here. In the U.S., many 24-hour Walmart stores informally allow car camping overnight on their parking lots, as do some shopping malls, restaurants, etc. Never stay on a parking lot longer than 12 hours, and try to leave by 9AM or when regular customers begin to arrive. Do not use awnings or BBQs. Common courtesy says you should buy something at the store where you are parked or eat at the restaurant.
• Casinos. Most casinos in some countries allow overnight camping or even have full fledged RV hookups. At casinos with RV parks, ask first inside the casino if they have a coupon or other promotion for RV'ers. Sometimes, you can score a hookup for free.
• Amusement parks. Great if you plan to go to the amusement park the next day, of dubious value otherwise, and many amusement parks charge for parking. Some also have special areas for RV'ers, call ahead to ask.

Blankets and pillows are a must. Desert environments can be very hot during the day but freezing cold at night.

Apps like Open Camping Map, iOverlander, Park4night and Campercontact provide a wealth of information on where to stay and the services different places offer. For Australia and New Zealand, try Campermate as well. Many general-purpose GPS apps based on OpenStreetMap can be used offline.

If you have a large RV you should consider purchasing a truck GPS. They have a larger screen than regular units, automatically avoid low bridges and underpasses, and provides locations to park including Walmarts and truck stops. The major U.S. truck store chains (Pilot/Flying J, TA/Petro, and Love's) always have at least one model on sale each month.

Many campgrounds will have drinking water at the site, but you will need to bring your own into some primitive sites. Some campsites have cafes, kiosks or vending machines, perhaps selling soft drinks, snacks, coffee, etc.

Alcohol and driving do not mix. By-laws regarding alcohol consumption at campgrounds vary greatly; some ban alcohol altogether (either for legal-liability reasons or to placate other campers, such as families with children) while others might have a small bar on the premises. United States campsites can sometimes be strict enough to check your cooler for beer when you arrive.

"Workamping", i.e. working while staying at a camp site, is an ideal arrangement for those who want to enjoy RV'ing on a full-time or part-time basis. You may or may not receive monetary compensation. RV parks offer either paid or volunteer positions or a combination thereof. Some will only provide you with a "free" campsite (with full hook-ups), whereas others will compensate you for your hours worked. Those who pay you will charge for your campsite, generally. Make sure you discuss specific job duties and expectations, additional costs such as uniforms and cleaning, and the hours you want to work prior to accepting a job.

Volunteer opportunities also exist - mostly at National or State parks in the U.S. While the only compensation is usually a free RV hookup, many people report very high satisfaction with these jobs.

Other work possibilities abound for those with "portable" careers - such as writers and artists, or those with careers that afford time off during the summer. For example, there are RVing accountants, teachers, and dentists.

You can expect toilets (of some kind) at most campgrounds, but facilities such as laundry, telephones, showers, etc., depend on the site; you'll want to find out about these before planning a long stay.

In the U.S., truck stops offer showers. They are usually free with any purchase of diesel, but quite expensive ($20 or more) without.

If you're on the road for a while, consider a cheap monthly membership for a major gym chain. Workout gyms offer amenities such as hot showers, saunas, pools and exercise equipment. Day passes can be cheap as well.

Arrive well before sundown. Not only is this common courtesy when others may be sleeping, but in the dark you may not notice obviously bad places to camp (such as an area littered with broken glass, or in front of a farm gate).

Take precautions against theft, as much as you might like to believe that anyone who shares your love of the outdoors has good enough character to respect your belongings. Keep valuables with you whenever you can. When you can't, leave them locked in the car out of sight. Don't leave items (even inexpensive ones) sitting out in plain view when you leave the site.

If you break down, do not assume that your automobile association's roadside assistance will provide for recovery of both your vehicle and camper trailer. Most are equipped to tow cars and light trucks (without trailers) to a repair facility, but a large motorhome (as one integrated vehicle) may require specialised equipment to transport if disabled. Some caravan clubs and RV associations may be able to resell third-party insurance to provide suitable roadside assistance; in the USA, the for-profit "Good Sam Club" sells coverage.

Downtown areas of cities are almost never good places to car camp.

• Camping
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• Round the world overland
• Tips for road trips