{"id":681,"date":"2019-04-18T09:30:39","date_gmt":"2019-04-18T16:30:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/freedomgeneral.com\/blog\/?p=681"},"modified":"2021-09-02T06:16:28","modified_gmt":"2021-09-02T13:16:28","slug":"car-camping-essentials","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/freedomgeneral.com\/blog\/car-camping-essentials\/","title":{"rendered":"Car Camping Essentials"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

You may be ready to jump in the car<\/a> and head to your favorite camping site, but first, you need to be sure you are prepared. With a car camping checklist, you can be sure you don\u2019t forget anything important. Unlike a backpacking camping trip, have a car means that you can bring along the essentials and anything else you need to make the trip as comfortable as possible. If you aren\u2019t sure where to start, the below will give you an idea of the car camping gear to bring along.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tents & Sleeping Bags<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Just because you\u2019re going car camping, that doesn\u2019t mean you have to sleep inside the car. The first thing you want to bring with you is somewhere you can sleep. Most people appreciate having a tent to offer some cover over their heads. If you prefer the open air, a sleeping pad might be the best option. Having a sleeping bag is also a must to keep you comfortable as you rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fire Starting Tools<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Another car camping essential is a way to start a fire. This could be anything from a fire starter tool to a portable grill, matches, or a lighter. Camping isn\u2019t going to be much fun if you don\u2019t have some fire to cook dinner or keep warm in the evening, so choose whichever you prefer but don\u2019t forget to bring it along.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cookware<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Everyone has their own preferences in terms of what sort of cooking to do while camping. If you start an open fire, you can bring along nothing more than a grill grate, some pans and skewers, and you\u2019ll do just fine. However, those who want to cook in a more modern way will want to bring a grill or ensure one is at the campground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of the cookware you might find a use for includes a grill grate, pans, pots, skewers, a can opener, tin foil, a stove or grill, fuel, cooking utensils, plates, silverware, a cutting board, dishwashing liquid, and paper towels. A bottle opener is another must have if you\u2019re bringing bottled beer or other beverages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Food<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Now that you have what you need to cook, you\u2019ll also want to bring along plenty of food. Consider your preferences and those of the people accompanying you. Some ideas to get you started include chicken, burgers, vegetables, sausages, potatoes, condiments, potato chips, macaroni salad, cheese, bread, deli meat, eggs, bacon, granola bars, tortilla chips, salsa, trail mix, fruit, and coleslaw.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ice & A Cooler<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Since you are bringing camping<\/a> essentials like meat and cheese with you, you\u2019ll also want to have a way to keep things nice and cold. Fill up a big cooler with ice and toss all the perishables inside. You might also want to include a few sodas and beers to enjoy ice cold when you make it to camp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Water<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Along with the food, you\u2019ll want water. However, consider what you\u2019ll be using it for. You may need water for drinking, washing dishes, personal hygiene, and more. If the weather is pretty warm, you\u2019ll need more than you might otherwise. The best plan is to bring one half gallon to a full gallon per day per person who is coming along.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Camp Lights<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you choose to string up lights at your campsite or just need a few flashlights for after dark, make sure you pack some form of light. Lanterns are an alternate option but no matter what you bring along, make sure you have fuel or extra batteries in case you run out earlier than you expect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First Aid Kit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Having the appropriate camping materials for first aid situations is crucial. You never know what sort of injuries or accidents might happen. While you don\u2019t need a 500-piece kit, there are a few things you should always have around:<\/p>\n\n\n\n