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Car Camping recommendations
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items Heading out on a car adventure and don't know what to take? Here are some suggestions and of course some unsolicited advice for adventures on the road :-) I just started on Benable so I'll be adding more daily for a while..
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Exterior car modifications for travel adventures
"household" items for car adventures
pet ideas and items for car travel
APPS for car or RV camping
bedding
Exterior car modifications for travel adventures
These rain guards allow you to lower all windows slightly to let fresh air in, but keep out the rain…PLUS once you see your car with them, you will realize how much panache your vehicle now has and you may never again be without them! :-).
rain deflectors
These are a game changer when car camping as the mesh is so fine bugs do not get in…plus simply by the nature of the design there are actually two layers of mesh for each window. I could never get them as tight as the ad photos, but they work well. I...
Car Window Shades SUV Anti Mosquito
This came in so handy on our big adventure! It held what I can only describe as the cheapest plastic trunk! The platform itself was easy to install and didn't wiggle. Mine held 150 lbs but I believe the new version holds 200. I do not recommend the c...
Curt Manufacturing 18110 Tray Style Carrier
If you don't have a hitch, you don't have options….there are so many things you can use one for, and even with a small car, you can carry and/or haul a lot (up to 1,500 for my car).
Tow Universe Curt Class 1 Trailer Hitch 1 1 4 Receiver Select Toyota Prius Prime Trailer Hitch
Even though I only had my car lifted 1.5 inches (the maximum the company felt could be done without compromising the car) it makes a HUGE difference! I no longer bottom out on speed bumps or scrape over curbs…also I feel way more confident driving in...
Lift kits for several brands, avoid those rocks!
I never thought I would like tinted windows, and now I can't imagine ever not having them. Each state has it's own regulations regarding the percentage of tint you can get so check first. Usually the back windows can be tinted darker. Even with the t...
High-Quality Precut Window Tint Kits
There I was, car camping on the shore of Lake Michigan when I realized my car was dead....I also had no cell service!very lucky for me a camper nearby had this jump starter. I kept my car on all night, drove to the Toyota dealership the next day to ...
UltraSafe Portable Lithium Jump Starter | Spark-Proof
For my previous Prius I bought generic roof racks...but I didn't feel they ever fit well. After that car was totaled I splurged and got these which installed in seconds and felt secure immediately.. why so easy? Because there are notches making every...
2016-2022 Toyota Prius Roof Cross Bars Removable 100lb Capacity PW301-47009
My brand of cargo carrier is no longer being made unfortunately. However, I highly recommend getting a cartop carrier because it's a great way to keep things tidy inside your car. I opted for the one that's more bubble shaped because I found that thi...
Rooftop cargo carriers for cars roof boxes & cargo storage
At the time I went on my trip out West there were lots of people stealing catalytic converters off of Prius's at a very high rate, and they could do it in less than a minute, simple by cutting two pipes. I bought this shield as protection. I have no...
Toyota Prius 2016-2022 Gen 4 Cat Shield [Stainless Steel] by MillerCat
I loved my car tent! The company I used is no longer in business but I highly recommend getting one! I don't currently have a tent so I can't recommend any specific company, but I suggest first trying to find one that fits your specific vehicle if po...
car tents!
This is very versatile! I like it because I have extra fabric to tuck as needed to discourage bugs.
MEKKAPRO Ultra Large Mosquito Net with Carry Bag
"household" items for car adventures
This body and hair soap has an amazing history, but along with that it cleans and rinses so well, squeaky clean with one use! I use it at home but also when on the road for my hair and body, and often for dishes too. It's well priced and very dense s...
Palestinian Soap Cooperative
Car travel means traveling light! I use these sheets at home too because they work and I am trying to reduce my use of plastic. I have also discovered at my advanced age of over 29 that clothes get cleaner when washed in COLD water, who knew?!
Clean Laundry Detergent Sheets
How are fire extinguishers like umbrellas? When you don't have one, you need it…..
Automotive Fire Extinguishers
These little butane stoves heat very quickly. They also come with a case which can be used as a wind break. You will find many prices for these but I think they are likely all very similar, however I would recommend the ones with the cannister that h...
Butane Stoves
This is VERY handy when you want to eat in your car. This is the one I use, however I noticed that this exact item is not in stock, but there are other similar options. Save your clothes and car upholstery! :-)
KISEER Steering Wheel Desk Car Tray for Laptop
I couldn't find the exact unit I use, but I recommend getting a clear plastic conatiner rather than anything opaque (I prefer glass but not for traveling) so you can always see if anything odd is in your water. Make sure to wash it out between every two to three fill-ups. I just used a little water and vinegar.
2 Pack Fridge Water Dispensers with Leak-proof Spigot
pet ideas and items for car travel
This device helped me find Bagel several times and I was very impressed at the accuracy to within feet of where he was. Tractive is a little pricey, but when there are no other cell phones close to you, you need a service that uses satellite. This is worth it!
Tractive Subscription Real Time Location
This is so handy…I just put it on a secure flat surface in the back of my car and no water spills. Anything that drips off of Bagel's shaggy little beard just drops into the lower container. I also use this in my house…very tidy!
Neater Feeder | Mess-Proof Pet Bowls
This coat is waterproof and has a fleece lining for warmth. Even after falling in a winter creek (briefly) Bagel leapt out with no water soaked into his coat. We were both happy!
cascade dog coat red prism
APPS for car or RV camping
find just the right location for you to park your vehicle overnight while camping
Here is one place to find free camping
Campendium
I stayed at a Harvest Host site in Tillamook, OR (The Blue Heron Cheese factory) in my Prius but I have the sense this app might be more favored by large RVs but it's certainly worth checking out, I've been wrong many times!
Unique RV Camping at Farms, Wineries, Breweries, & More with Harvest Hosts
This is an AI description: “iOverlander is a community-driven mapping app for overlanders, vanlifers, and road-trippers to find camping, accommodations, and essential services worldwide. It features unfiltered, real-time data added by actual traveler...
iOverlander camping
It's good to check out multiple apps when looking for camping.
Free Camping Sites
I have stayed at several Cracker Barrels in my Prius. I always saw other people staying overnight as well. I never had a problem. You don't have to check in or even by food. As far as I understand, all Cracker Barrels allow overnight camping.
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
Despite the name, these are great truck stops! They have showers, food, a microwave customers can use and when I was out there we could park there overnight. There are around 194 Terrible's (Terrible Herbst) gas stations and convenience stores in ope...
Terrible's Truck Stops, out west
Another great truck stop with showers, food, and the ability to park overnight. Love's Travel Stops operate over 670 locations in 42 U.S. states.
Love's Travel Stops
Add this to your options for camping! :-)
The Dyrt
Check out the government web sit too, and also look for BLM land (free camping there, on “Bureau of land management” land).
Recreation.gov - Camping, Cabins, RVs, Permits, Passes & More
This may be best for glamping and unique paid campsite spots
Hipcamp
Yet another camping app! :-)
Allstays
I found an article with very helpful tips for stealth camping: beyondthebucketlist.co/vanlife-stealth-camping
A Vanlifers Guide to Stealth Camping (+ 10 Places I Sleep In Cities)
“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” asks Mary Oliver at the end of her poem The Summer Day. The BLM lands provide us with a wild and precious resource to enjoy and protect!
BLM land website for camping options
bedding
The model of pillow I have is old enough that it's not on the website, but I would get this one if I needed another! I have had my pillow 4 years and it hasn't lost shape and I have never had a neck ache. I am not a fan of memory for mattresses, but ...
Elviros Cooling Cervical Neck Pillow for Sleeping,
These mattress coming in various widths and thickness. They can be cut to fit into your car around the wheel wells if needed.
GEMBED: Tri Folding Mattress
I love this style sleeping bag for car camping. Sheets are for the birds when space for turning over is limited! Make sure to get the style that can be zipped with another bag for extra comfort and sharing ;-)
Canvas Sleeping Bags & Quilts for Camping
For those of us who are hot-headed!
Cooling Pillow Case