No, you’re not tossing your tent and sleeping in your sedan. Car camping just means that the means for getting to the campground is by wheel and not by foot. Instead of strapping on a 60 pound pack and getting blisters on your blisters, you can sit in your nice air conditioned car and drive your way to the campground. Because you’re not hoofing it, car camping is a little bit different. Here are a few tips from DAS Demo to help you car camp like a champ.

A Failure to Plan…

Run through a day or two in your head. What do you need? What would be fun to have? Make lists of everything you’ll need. It might get pretty long. Don’t skimp. You have a car, van or RV of storage space - use it! That’s one of the beauties of car camping: you can bring more stuff. So when in doubt, bring it!

The Sun Don’t Shine

Rain can be a bummer on a camping trip, but it’s a camping-killer if you aren’t prepared. Having a few slickers and waterproof items (think tent, tarp, rain jackets) can save your vacation and give you wet and wild stories to tell.

Instructions

No matter what the man of the house says, bring the instruction booklets for, well, everything. There’s nothing worse than watching someone try to set up a tent as you try to hold a flashlight and your temper. Bring that little instruction booklet along. You’ll be glad you did.

Game On!

You might be able to amuse yourself with a few games of "I Spy" during the day, but the afternoons and evenings can be long if you’re not used to being without your computer, video games and television. Bringing along some fun family games can help you enjoy the time and minimize the "I. Am. So. Bored." moments. A deck of cards, a couple board games and maybe a book of ghost stories will help you enjoy your camping trip even more.

Bring a Shovel

A shovel is one of those tools you don’t often think of until it’s too late. They have tons of handy uses, and unless the campsite has facilities, you’ll be glad you have one.

A Batman Band-Aid is Not a First Aid Kit

Seriously. A well-stocked first aid kit is a must for any camping trip. Make sure you have all of the necessary items, including things to treat burns, bug bites, minor aches and pains and minor emergencies. Pain relievers, instant ice packs, band-aids, gauze, antihistamines, stomach relief and antibacterial gel are all good things to have just in case.

Buggies

You’re on their turf now. Bring everything from citronella candles to bug spray. You can try to set up a perimeter and protect your camp. Makers like OFF! even have personal clip-on mosquito repellent systems that work pretty well. Stock up on these products to enjoy a bug-free trip... well, almost bug-free.

S’mores

Mandatory. Not optional. Make sure you have enough fixins for a few rounds. The s’mores the better.

In Your Kitchen

Man cannot live on s’mores alone. Make sure you bring everything you’ll need to keep everyone full and happy. Lots of great food, or at least edible food, is the lynch-pin for any successful camping trip. Since you can cram a ton of gear into your car, don’t be shy. Also be sure to bring lots of water. Lots. And don’t forget water-proof matches!

Pillowed

Okay, so this isn’t something Lewis and Clark had with them, but they would have taken one along if they could have! Suggest that every member of your camping crew bring their favorite pillow. It will make for a much better night’s sleep which means happier campers during the day.