I know, I know… car camping probably conjures up images of gigantic, chrome-laden station wagons (without seat belts, of course), or perhaps villages of vans and campers a mile off the highway just shy of the entrance to a national park. But that’s car camping of yesteryear, my friend. It’s the 21st century – and people across America are finding new ways to put to use those SUVs the size of a small house they bought back in the good’ole early 2000s.

Opportunities Abound

But seriously – What was once seen as an awkward stepchild of the real deal is no longer just for those uninitiated in the outdoors. There are so many great places and reasons to go car camping that you likely haven’t thought of yet.

Get in More Miles
If you are really looking to max out your day, consider crashing by the car at the end of your long hike. Many state and national parks have designated areas for car camping at major trailheads, eliminating the need for you to pack your gear in to a more remote site, or drive back to town at the end of a long day. Car camping gives you the option to travel fast & light.

Introduce a Friend to the Outdoors
Car camping may be a far cry from a legitimate backpacking trip, but it can also be a fantastic way to introduce friends who aren’t as familiar or comfortable outdoors to hiking and camping. Having a familiar place (even a car) to come back to at the end of the day can be a real relief, but it’s still camping.

Attend a Concert or Event
The number of massive, multi-day outdoor concert series have exploded in the past few years, and for good reason. These huge events are a sight to behold, and an excellent time to car-camp. Villages of car campers are, in many circumstances, sanctioned by festival organizers and a fantastic way to meet some great people.

Some Things You’ll Need End Up Buying

There’s no lack of car camping equipment to make your car camping experience, well, more comfortable than it already is. Surprisingly, some pretty legitimate outdoor equipment manufacturers and retailers have climbed on board in recent years.

Black Diamond Apollo Lantern

$49.95, Moosejaw.com
As the proud owner of one of these soup can sized rechargeable lanterns, I can tell you that it’s bright – very bright. The Apollo isn’t suited to backpacking or climbing as you’d expect from something made by Black Diamond, it’s all car camping. I give it high marks for its durability and standing / hanging / mounting options.

REI Lite-Core Sit Pad

$19.50, REI.com
Made with the same construction and concept as a the  backcountry sleeping pad, the REI Lite-Core Sit Pad is something that you’ll grow to love, and keep around all the time. Maybe even use in the car when nobody else is around. But seriously, it’s a great thing to have while you’re lounging around at the end of the day.

ENO SingleNest Hammock

$54.95, REI.com
We’ve tried a lot of so-called “backcountry hammocks”, and this is the only one that really fits the bill. It’s uber-durable, packs down to the size of a softball, and is really damned comfortable for an average sized person. Oh, yeah – they sell a bug net and a rainfly in case you are interested in joining the tentless camping revolution. Let us know how that goes.