car camping

[robbier]

Do you think car camping is a good intro to camping for kids who are beginners? I'm trying to find some way to please my sister-in law and I was just thinking that maybe that's the way to go.

[HillbillyMama]

I don't recommend car camping. It is uncomfortable and not much fun at all. If you are just trying to give someone a camping experience without the hassle just set up a tent in your back yard.

[2coastcamper]

Originally Posted by HillbillyMama

I don't recommend car camping. It is uncomfortable and not much fun at all. If you are just trying to give someone a camping experience without the hassle just set up a tent in your back yard.

A lot of times, when people say "car camping," they don't mean sleeping in your car. They mean camping at a campground where you drive your car right up to the site, park it there and have it close throughout your stay.

[From wiki: "Car camping" is camping in a tent, but near the car.]



To answer the original post, I think it's a great way for "starter camping," because you can bring more of the comforts of home. And most of the car camping sites come complete with a fire ring and grill, a table and a little space taylor-made for a tent.

[Sniper]

Funny, I can see why hillbillymama would believe it is car camping as in sleeping in your car because in Oklahoma as well as Arkansas that is exactly what car camping is. Most people call this city slicker camping because only people from the city will not leave their conveniences behind. (no offense intended on my part of course)

[2coastcamper]

Originally Posted by Sniper

Funny, I can see why hillbillymama would believe it is car camping as in sleeping in your car because in Oklahoma as well as Arkansas that is exactly what car camping is. Most people call this city slicker camping because only people from the city will not leave their conveniences behind. (no offense intended on my part of course)

Talk about different parts of the country, LOL! I've lived and camped on both coasts, but never in the middle, actually. I usually think of that type of camping as park-n-camp, because that's essentially what you do. I live in northern California (just outside San Francisco), and the camping here is great. There are plenty of both kinds of camping here. Even some of the park-n-camp places have hike-in site. Most places have hiker/biker sites for free if you don't bring a vehicle at all.

But back to the OP, I think any of these kinds of camping will work for your situation. But, I 100 percent agree with hillbillymomma ... don't sleep in your car. It's not worth the lack of comfort.

[jason]

I've slept in my car before, but never considered it camping. Usually it was on road trips.

I see no problem with camping next to your car if that is what pleases you. I see it a lot here in Florida. Unless you have a large vehicle or a truck with the soft bed cover, I would not sleep it the car.