Car Camping for the Win

Our Campsite at Osprey Campground in Pike NF

There are several ways people meet their needs for sleeping outside and enjoying nature over night.  First, there is the traditional backpacking method of putting everything possible (also popular now is the ultra light, where as little as possible is carried) is put into a large backpack and carried into the woods, where camp will be set up, dinner will be dehydrated, and water will be scarce.  This is called dispersed camping.  Then there is Boondocking. Traditionally the term boondocking is used for parking an RV wherever without paying or hooking up to any services like electric or water.  I have my car, newly organized, which allows me the convenience and comfort to stretch out in the back for the night.  Finally there is established campsite camping, or what a backpacker may call "car camping."  

Mr. Nitrous demonstrating the Adventure Point while backpacking in the White Mountain NF, NH

Mr. Francis demonstrating Ultralight techniques at Hermit Lake shelters on Mt. Washington, NH

Boondocked on Hoosier Pass, CO

Car camping is the general picture imagined when the term "camping" is used.  Sites have a wide range of amenities offered, but always have one thing in common: easy access to your vehicle.  This means one can theoretically bring as much stuff camping as they can fit in their car!  Massive, five room tent with a ceiling fan?  Bring it!  An entire stove cookware set, complete set of cutlery, and every spice on the rack?  Bring it!  Dog, library, cord of wood, generator, waffle maker, and a full bar? Toss it in the car, because if it fits, you can have it in the middle of nowhere with you while you enjoy beautiful Mother Nature.

Car camping with friends at Trapp Pond SP, DE

Don't forget the inflatable pool!

I love car camping. There was a point where I looked down my nose at car camping because of the afore mentioned qualities and the fact that there may be a nominal fee for using the facilities (Blue Rocks and Osprey).  But I am over that dark time in my life and I have seen the light.  Car camping is easy, convenient, fun, and basically free (maximum ~$20-30 for a weekend at a resort style KOA).  

Before going white water rafting in the Royal Gorge for Dr. Henriquez' birthday celebration, the four of us (don't forget Chewie) camped in Pike's National Forest.  I had planned on camping farther south at Rainbow Falls, but while taking a Google Maps directed detour from CO-67, we stumbled upon a small site (10 or so spots) nestled in a bend of the South Platte River.  With light waning, we decided this spot had everything we needed and would do perfectly for the evening.  Dr. Henriquez helped me blaze a fire, while Dr. Wang set up his tent, and Chewie barked at the river and dug holes in the dirt.  The only thing we had to do now was sit back, relax, and drink a couple of adult beverages on a starry Friday night.

Chewie was feeling car sick

I'm not in the BOS-WASH anymore.

We had a blast!  Nature is awesome and I woke up warmed by the sun with an energized state of mind.  Never the less, there were some things that could have gone better. Having a background as a teacher and coach leads me to critique (sounds nicer than criticize) situations rather than just accept them at face value.  The following is a list and select notes I developed on car camping.  Don't think of this so much a checklist of what to bring (I don't really include the basics like tent, bag, pad), rather view this as my personal list of luxury car camping items.

Not necessary, but luxurious camping items: (pp means per person)

1 bowl pp

1 cup pp

1 spork pp

1 Camp chair pp (cooler can work for 1-2 seats as well)

1 frying pan (non-stick for extra luxury)

1 spatula

Trash bags (2 medium sized or 1 large)

Coffee filters or Tea

Large water container (2-5 gallons) for washing, cooking, general use

3 bundles of wood (~$10) (2 if using a stove for breakfast)

Marshmallows (preferably chocolate and graham crackers as well)

2 towels (you never know)

Sanitizing wipes and/or hand sanitizer

Spade shovel for digging a fire pit in more primitive campgrounds

Notes

* If you have time in the morning move the tent, air the fly and footprint.

*It will be at least ten degrees colder than forecasted.  Plan accordingly.

*Bring newspaper (circular ads) for fire.  Reeds/willows by creek as well as pine cones in forests make for good, dry kindling.  Lighter fluid or a small (.5L) gasoline bottle/can is fun.  MSR Super Fuel is good, too (be careful not to run out if you are cooking with you're stove.

*Hot dogs/Brats/Sausage cooked over the fire is a MUST!

*Bacon is the best!  (Mason jar for grease).  And fried eggs (2pp) in the pan make a whole, luxurious breakfast using either a stove (MSR Whisperlite International recommended) or a small fire.

*A cooler is a must (48 quarts is a good size). Freeze water bottles for ice and extra water.

*If you have a large truck/van and access to wood, I recommend bringing as much wood as possible.  Bon fires are fun, but be careful! Don't be the one to start a forest fire!
 

Bacon for the WIN!

 In the past few weeks, I have had the opportunity to live out each of these methods of camping as well being fortunate to receive the generous hospitality of the Wang/Henriquez in Denver and Nyquists in Durango.  I appreciate each method for their unique characteristics and the freedom to live however is most convenient for the adventure at hand.  I look forward to expanding my knowledge and honing my skill of living a budgeted outdoor lifestyle.

 

Home is where you park it

Adventure awaits (circa 2012) overlooking Great Gulf Wilderness, NH