Want to enjoy the great outdoors from the comfort of your Nissan? Discover the essentials you need to know in our comprehensive car camping guide.
Your Nissan is built for life’s thrilling adventures — including the ones that happen in the great outdoors. If you’re looking for an easy way to spend a few days enjoying nature, car camping could be the perfect solution. With its spacious interiors, reliable performance, and innovative features, a Nissan vehicle is an ideal companion for your car camping trip.
In this guide, we tell you everything you need to know about car camping, from what it is to packing essentials to tips for a successful trip.
Car camping is exactly what it sounds like — camping in your car! Instead of sleeping in a ground tent, RV, or cabin, you set up home right in the back of your vehicle.
Car camping, a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts, offers a level of convenience that traditional camping can’t match. The ability to set up camp almost anywhere, quick access to your supplies, and no need to lug around and pitch a ground tent make car camping an exciting prospect for your next adventure.
The magical thing about car camping is that you can do it in pretty much any vehicle! Some just might be more comfortable than others. Laying down the back seats in an SUV or crossover (like the Pathfinder or Murano) will give you tons of sleeping space, and the bed of a truck like the Frontier offers the perfect outdoor sleep spot. But you can still get comfy in a sedan like the Sentra with some finagling.
While you can physically park anywhere, you may not be legally allowed to camp or stay overnight. So, when picking a location, you need to do some research to find campsites, forests, and lands where overnight stays are okay.
Some campsites may cost money for a permit, but you also have some options for free camping. Dispersed camping refers to camping outside designated campgrounds, usually on public lands managed by government agencies like the Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, or similar organizations. Dispersed camping is a popular choice for car campers, but it’s important to note you won’t have a marked site or the amenities of a traditional campground.
You can use sites like recreation.gov and your local state park’s website to find more information on campgrounds and the necessary permits.
Like traditional camping, you want the right gear to make your car camping trip a major success. Here are 10 car camping essentials to consider packing:
While not needing to set up a ground tent is a huge plus of car camping, that doesn’t mean you have to skip a tent altogether. Whether you’re Nissan Rogue car camping or staying in a TITAN, you can find tents that easily attach to the back of your SUV or truck bed. Car tents can give you extra space, which might be important if you’re camping with multiple people.
You want to be comfy while you sleep. Don’t forget to pack blankets or sleeping bags and pillows. If you’re sleeping in the back of your vehicle, consider adding a mattress pad for some cushion, or pack an air mattress if you’re sleeping on the ground in a car tent.
You need the right tools for cooking delicious hotdogs, gooey s’mores, and other camping must-eats. If you won’t have a fire, consider bringing a portable stove or grill with the necessary fuel. Pack essential cooking supplies like a pot, pan, skewers, plates, utensils, etc.
Coolers are a must for keeping perishable foods fresh for longer and allowing you to enjoy ice-cold sodas and other drinks. Pack a cooler that easily fits into your car when you don’t need it, and be sure to add plenty of ice.
It’s a lot easier to enjoy all nature has to offer when you have a comfortable place to sit. Pack camping chairs and maybe even a table so you have somewhere comfy to sit, eat, and enjoy the sounds of nature.
It can get dark outdoors, especially farther away from cities and towns. Pack plenty of light sources like flashlights and lanterns — and don’t forget spare batteries!
Pack in, pack out. Don’t leave your trash behind. Bring a roll of trash bags to collect your garbage, and remember to take it with you when you leave your campsite.
Accidents happen. Be prepared with a well-stocked first-aid kit. Make sure you have plenty of bandages, ointments, gauze, and other necessities. Also, pack any medications you might need.
Car camping is a great year-round activity, so you want to make sure you’re prepared for the season — shorts and T-shirts in the warmer months and long pants and sweatshirts in the winter. Don’t forget rain jackets or umbrellas in case of bad weather.
If you won’t have access to facilities like a bathroom, pack sanitation essentials like bathing wipes for a quick refresh, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer.
Car camping means you’ll be using your vehicle quite a bit. While you should try to preserve your battery charge by turning off interior lights, not running your vehicle too much, and not overusing the electronic accessories, things can happen. Jumper cables (and maybe even a portable battery) can help you avoid a dead car battery disaster.
Like any outdoor adventure, car camping requires careful planning and preparation. Here are some essential tips to ensure your first car camping trip is a resounding success.
Before you hit the road, experiment with different setups to find the most efficient way to arrange your sleeping area and store your gear.
You want to make sure your Nissan is up to the task before you take off on your adventure. A car inspection can help ensure your vehicle is in good shape and everything works as it should. It’s better to catch any potential problems and get them fixed before you leave rather than having your vehicle break down on your way to or from the campsite.
Place items you’ll need last at the bottom and those you’ll need as soon as you arrive (like your tent or cooking gear) on top for easy access.
Soft bags, such as duffel bags and backpacks, are more flexible than hard suitcases. They take up less space and can be manipulated more to fit your packing arrangement.
Sleeping in a car can get stuffy. To help avoid condensation and get a comfortable night’s sleep, crack a few windows just a bit. You can use bug nets or DIY solutions to keep insects out.
Camping can come with some risks. Keep your first-aid kit readily available, and let a trusted friend or family member know exactly where you’re staying, how long you plan to be there, and when you will be back. If you have service, try to check in regularly.
You might spend most of your trip camping, swimming, biking, fishing, and exploring, but you should still have entertainment for your time at the campsite. You’ll have downtime in the evenings and never know when bad weather might force you to take shelter inside. Bring books, board games, cards, and other activities to keep you and your crew occupied.
Gearing up for a car camping trip with your Nissan? Make sure you’re prepared with the right accessories. Order hatch tents, floor mats, cargo organizers, and more for pick up at Ed Hicks Nissan in Corpus Christi. Remember to schedule an appointment for an inspection to make sure your Nissan is road- and trail-ready for your big adventure.
