Who needs a hotel when you're on the road and enjoying the great Canadian outdoors and have a car? With a full tank of gas, or a fully charged battery, you can go wherever you want without having to worry about getting back to a hotel, motel or Airbnb. Simply head out and keep on going, knowing you'll sleep wherever you happen to stop at the end of another thrilling day in the glorious Canadian countryside.
Car camping lets you combine the freedom of outdoor adventures so you can take in as much of Canada's natural beauty as possible while also giving you the convenience and flexibility of your vehicle.
Here, we'll give you tips on how to get the most of a car camping trip, including what sort of gear you should take to make it a success and how to stay powered up and in touch with loved ones back home should you go totally off-grid.
Why Choose Car Camping?
Convenience and flexibility are not the only attractions of car camping in Canada. Cost is also a major factor in why people opt for this way of traveling around the country and sleeping. That’s because it mostly doesn't cost a thing, unless you decide to pull up at a campground or enter a national park where there is an overnight or entry fee.
It's also an ideal way for first-time campers to get used to the experience of sleeping outdoors while having the comfort and security of their vehicle. And car camping lets you take far more clothing and equipment than you could if you were trekking or hiking with just a backpack. Plus, if you’re able to sleep in your car, it means no hassles with putting up and taking down tents, and so you’ll be able to make a quick getaway in the mornings.
You can choose popular car camping locations in the Canadian wilderness like Banff, Jasper and Cape Breton Highlands without worrying if you're able to park your vehicle there for the night.
Essential Gear for Car Camping
Among the most important considerations when planning a car camping trip somewhere in Canada is where you're going to sleep. Unlike with an RV or campervan, you may not have room to slumber in your car or similar vehicle. But if you have an SUV with sufficient space in the back, you could use it for sleeping.
Otherwise, you'll either have to take a tent or car awning. You can also use a rooftop tent, which conveys advantages over ground tents like additional safety and security, notably from wildlife prowling around at night, and better airflow, comfort and views.
Next, consider your sleeping gear. Sleeping bags are easy to pack and use, and will keep you warm throughout the night. For additional comfort, you may want to pack air mattresses. And insulated blankets will add an extra layer of warmth if you're planning to camp in the cold winter months.
You will most certainly want to cook while you're traveling during your car camping trip in Canada. At the very minimum, you'll need a portable stove and fuel such as propane or butane, and possibly a cooler to keep drinks and some foods cold. Reusable containers and bags are also handy, especially the resealable kind -- also important if there happen to be bears and other wildlife in the area that might try and get your food.
Portable Power for Car Camping
Lights and lanterns will enhance your evening ambiance while car camping. But they need power. That's where a portable power pack comes in, and it will also let you use an electric stove and cooler, as well as electric blankets, if you're bringing those too.
A portable power unit will also be indispensable in charging cell phones, laptops and GPS devices. This way you can stay in touch with family and friends and also know where you are at all times, without risking batteries dying and leaving you cut off and potentially lost in unfamiliar wilderness territory.
If you're considering buying a portable power pack, look for an environmentally friendly solution that won't harm the pristine surroundings you're in, and won't disturb wildlife or fellow campers. A traditional generator burns fuel, is noisy and gives off polluting chemicals, so you'll want one that's powered by a green source of energy: the sun.
The BLUETTI AC180 Solar Portable Power Station is an ideal choice for outdoor Canadian adventures, giving you a hefty 1,800W of output power, 11 ports for a range of devices and turbo charging that gets a full battery in just an hour. Solar panels let you harness the power of the sun so you're not harming the planet or contributing to climate change by burning fuels.
Finally, when on a car camping trip, check weather forecasts regularly, so you don't run into difficulties given Canada's variable climate. Then you're all set for a great time on the road.
FAQs
Can You Sleep in the Car for Camping?
You may be able to if the space at the back is big enough. For smaller cars, it might be a squeeze, or not possible at all. But bigger vehicles, like SUVs, have more space that you could use for sleeping when camping.
Is It Safe to Sleep in a Car with the Engine Off?
You should ensure the car engine is always turned off if you're planning to sleep in the vehicle. This prevents any toxic exhaust fumes from entering. Ensure ventilation by keeping some windows slightly open.
How to Stop a Car from Fogging Up When Sleeping in It?
Roll down some windows, but only a little, to prevent any creatures from getting in during the night. Don't leave damp clothes in the vehicle while you sleep. If you have air conditioning, you can use that to keep the moisture level down as you sleep.
