Want to learn how to go car camping? Perfect! In this post, I’m sharing some tips and advice for doing just that.

Ideas for How to Go Car Camping

The open road is calling your name! There’s no better way to experience the freedom of the great outdoors than by going car camping. Whether you’re a seasoned road tripper or new to spending nights under the stars, it’s time to pack up your car, grab your pups (or kids) and partner and hit the road. 

In this post, I’ll give you my top tips and tricks for how to go car camping like a pro. From choosing the best car camping gear to planning your ultimate camp cooking set-up, I’ve got all the information you need to make your car camping trips easy, affordable, and so much fun. 

Get ready to soak in epic sunsets, gaze up at starry night skies, and create lifelong memories on your car camping adventures. Let’s hit the road!

Choosing a Car for Car Camping

When it comes to choosing a car for car camping, you’ll want to consider cargo space, gas mileage, ground clearance, and more. For my car camping trips, I’ve chosen to use my 2018 Chevy Equinox. This mid-size SUV has plenty of cargo volume with 63.9 cubic feet of space when the rear seats are folded down. The Equinox also gets decent gas mileage, averaging about 26 mpg combined city/highway. The 7.9 inches of ground clearance helps me navigate dirt roads leading to campsites too. 

I’ve test driven my Equinox fully loaded with my tent, sleeping bags, cooler, and other gear to make sure everything fits nicely. If you’re borrowing or renting a car for camping, be sure to test out your set-up at home first before heading out on the road.

Car Camping Gear Essentials

Here are some of the key car camping gear essentials you might want to bring along:

– Tent – You might want to use a 5-person dome tent that packs down pretty small. Rooftop tents and attachable tent add-ons are also great options.

– Sleeping pads and sleeping bags rated for the expected weather. Don’t forget pillows!

– Camp kitchen supplies like a portable propane stove, pots/pans, utensils, plates, and cups. 

– Headlamps or lanterns for lighting. Folding camp chairs and a rug for the site.

– Clothing layers and hiking shoes – be prepared for changing temps.

– First aid kit, fire extinguisher, bug spray, sunscreen

We Actually Slept in the Car In Lieu of Bringing a Tent

One of the best aspects of car camping is being able to sleep in your vehicle rather than pitch a tent. Here are some tips for getting good sleep:

– Measure your car’s interior dimensions and get a mattress that fits perfectly once the seats are folded down. Memory foam mattresses are ideal for comfort.

– Completely clear out the car and organize gear so you have maximal sleeping space. Consider adding window shades for privacy.

– Bring battery-operated fans or ventilation systems if it will be hot. In cold weather, use sleeping bags rated for low temps. 

– To sleep level, place wooden blocks under the tires or inflatable camping pads under the mattress.

– Use curtains to block outside light and keep the car cool in sunny weather.

– Keep basic supplies like water, headlamp, and snacks within reach overnight.

– Park strategically – not directly under trees or too close to shrubs to avoid nature run-ins.  

With a few modifications, you can transform your car into a cozy bedroom on wheels for peaceful camping nights! Sleeping in the car makes car camping even more convenient.

Meal Planning and Preparation Tips

– Make a menu in advance and prep ingredients/supplies at home before your trip. Non-perishable foods are ideal.

– Pack a high-quality cooler with ice and resealable containers for dairy, meats, produce. 

– A portable propane camp stove makes cooking meals easy. You can also grill on a fire pit.

– Plan for simple camp meals like sandwiches, breakfast burritos, foil packet dinners. And snacks!

– Consider no-cook meal options too like wraps, salads, and fruits.

– Practice good food safety and hygiene, and cook meat thoroughly.

Finding Great Car Camping Locations

– Research national or state parks with campgrounds that allow car camping. Many are beautiful and affordable.

– Consider free dispersed camping on Bureau of Land Management or National Forest land. 

– Use camping apps like The Dyrt or Campendium to find location reviews and amenities.

– Factor in things like restrooms, showers, hiking trails depending on your needs.

Setting Up Your Car Campsite

– Scout the site while there’s daylight and situate your vehicle appropriately.

– Set up sleeping tents, kitchen area, camp chairs in a logical way in relation to your car. 

– Use a shade canopy or tarp for eating and hanging out area.

– Practice food storage safety – stow food away from the tent area overnight. 

– Have emergency items like a first aid kit, flashlight, and fire extinguisher handy. Be fire safe.

Tools and Apps for How to Go Car Camping

Here are some helpful tools and apps to have on hand if you plan to go car camping across the United States:

– GPS Navigation Apps – Apps like Google Maps, Waze, Apple Maps to help plan routes and navigate to campsites. Download maps offline.

– Camping Apps – The Dyrt, Campendium etc to find campsites and read reviews. ReserveAmerica for reservations.

– Roadside Assistance – AAA membership or roadside help through your insurance provider in case of car issues. 

– GasBuddy App – Find cheap gas stations along your route.

– Repair Tools – Spare tire, jack, tire pressure gauge, jumper cables, basic toolkit, duct tape.

– Utility Apps – Flashlight apps, compass app, weather radar app. First aid app.

– Charging Cords – Bring extra chargers and battery packs to keep devices powered.

– Emergency Communication – Satellite messenger, emergency beacon, or portable satellite device if in remote areas. 

– Camp Cooking Aids – Apps with camp recipes and cooking tips. Campsite cooking gear.

– National Park Apps – For info, maps, alerts and hiking tips when visiting parks.

Being prepared with handy apps and tools will give you more confidence and freedom when embarking on a US car camping road trip! 

Do’s and Don’ts for Car Camping

DO:

– Research camping regulations for where you plan to camp. Obtain permits if needed.

– Pack adequate food, water, first aid, and gear to be self-sufficient.

– Follow Leave No Trace principles – take trash with you, don’t damage vegetation. 

– Extinguish fires completely before leaving a site.

– Keep food stored securely when not in use to avoid animal encounters.

– Choose established campsites whenever possible to minimize impact.

– Be considerate of noise, keep music low in shared camp areas.

DON’T:

– Don’t leave food out overnight – store securely in the car or bear-proof container.

– Don’t wait until after dark to pick a spot to camp or set up.

– Don’t camp too close to cliff edges, rivers, streams or on an uneven surface. 

– Don’t leave trash behind or bury trash. Pack it out.

– Don’t cut down branches or damage vegetation to make a fire pit.

– Don’t feed or interact with wildlife – observe from a distance.

Following car camping do’s and don’ts helps protect the outdoors and your safety. 

Tricks and Tips for Car Camping

Here are some handy tricks and tips for car camping:

– Use binder clips to secure towels, lanterns, etc to your car doors or tents.

– Store camp cooking tools like spatulas and tongs in old socks so they’re easy to find and pack.

– Freeze gallons of water to use as ice packs in your cooler – they last longer than just ice.

– Bring a cheap solar shower or utility shower to hang outside for a warm camp shower. 

– Use magnetic hooks inside your car to hang and organize small items.

– Pack a multi-use piece of equipment like a camp shovel that can also chop or cut. 

– Keep food storage simple with Ursack bear bags to hang food at night.

– Use a plastic tablecloth on picnic tables to keep clean and dry.

– Attach glow sticks to tent zippers to see at night. Use headlamp on red light mode.

– Pack clothespins to hang wet clothes or towels to dry at your site.

Ready to Go Car Camping?

Hitting the open road for a car camping adventure allows you to fully immerse yourself in the great outdoors. With the right gear, supplies, and camp location, you’ll be on your way to making lasting memories under the stars in no time.

Start by choosing a roomy, fuel-efficient vehicle like an SUV or minivan to transport you and all your camping necessities. Outfit your car with a foldable mattress that fits perfectly after laying the seats down, as well as your sleeping bags, pillows, and linens.

Pack your camp kitchen, safety equipment, and plenty of snacks. Meal prep and plan easy camp cooking menus before you go. The best part about sleeping in your car is avoiding the hassle of setting up a tent!

Use helpful camping apps and maps to pinpoint amazing car camping destinations near national parks, forests, and public lands. When you arrive, scout the perfect campsite spot and set up your foldable chairs, camp kitchen, and shade canopy.

Above all, embark on your car camping trips with a sense of adventure and wonder. Bond with your companions, unplug from technology, and revel in the beauty of nature. You’ll be so glad you took the time to hit the open road and enjoy a simpler way of life.

Let the car camping begin! 

Seeing Wicked on Broadway exceeded my high expectations – the lavish production value and phenomenal cast made this Broadway experience truly magical. My review of seeing Wicked live in New York versus the touring show.

One short day, in the middle of the year – ok, well actually in the middle of August – I finally fulfilled my dream of seeing Wicked on Broadway. After being spellbound by the touring production in Tampa a few years ago, I could hardly wait to compare it to the magical original.

With excitement stirring up within me like I’d just ingested one of Elphaba’s potions, I bubbled to New York to see it at the Gershwin Theatre. From the first chords of the overture to the final notes of For Good, it was, well, a wickedly perfect experience.

The sensational story of how the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch came to be – it captivated me all over again, only this time in a more thrilling way.

The phenomenal music and costumes I adored from the tour came to life in a new way in the Broadway theater. Seeing it up close made me feel like I had been transported to the Emerald City myself. If you have the chance to see Wicked on Broadway, I highly recommend seizing that opportunity. It will exceed your expectations and leave you feeling Oz-some.

Image via Wicked the Musical Facebook Page

Pregaming to See Wicked on Broadway

Before the trip, I bought some black, green, and purple beads and made a necklace to wear at the show. I put a potion bottle on the end of it filled with green beads to resemble green elixir. Then, I paired it with a black shirt and black pants, and was feeling themed enough to be ready to go!

The night before I was already feeling magical because we had driven into New Jersey to catch BlackPink in concert. Friday was all about K-Pop, and Saturday was all about the Emerald City – well New York City anyway.

I was over the moon with excitement, and it was the perfect way to celebrate the last birthday of my 30s. Yep, I turned 39 that weekend, and basically was planning to celebrate as much as humanly possible.

I’m thinking when I do turn 40 I will celebrate for 40 days and 40 nights, but more on that in a few months.

The Day Of – Seeing Wicked on Broadway

We hopped off the bus from New Jersey to New York and then strolled down the yellow brick road to the world famous Times Square. I was instantly transported back to the last time I had been there – only that time it was much colder and somehow bigger too.

I visited in 2005 and watched the ball drop on New Year’s Eve…as I was looking up at the confetti, my hubby pulled out a ring and proposed. We married in July 2006. So coming back all these years later had me quite emotional.

Excitedly, we scrambled about looking for lunch, and then ultimately made our way towards the theater for their afternoon showing of the musical. Stepping into the grand Gershwin Theatre on Broadway felt like entering the doors to Oz itself.

I could barely contain my excitement as I found my seat and eagerly awaited the start of the show. When the lights dimmed and the first chords of the overture began, I was instantly mesmerized. The set design was even more intricate and dazzling up close, with gears, lights, and set pieces moving seamlessly to transition between scenes. The costumes were absolutely spellbinding, from Glinda’s poofy pink dress to Elphaba’s black hat and cape. I was amazed to see the vibrant colors and tiny details up close.

The Broadway cast brought an energy and authenticity that differentiated them from the touring company. The performances felt sharper and more nuanced in the characters’ original theater.

When Elphaba belted the iconic line “I’m wicked through and through” my arms were covered in goosebumps. The deeper emotional resonance the actors brought to this theater amplified the power of the storytelling. Hearing beloved songs like “Defying Gravity” and “For Good” performed live on the Gershwin stage gave them new life.

And yes, I cry every time I hear “Defying Gravity!”

The orchestration sounded fuller and the vocals more crisp and affecting within the perfect acoustics of the theater. Every lyrical crescendo soared.

By the end of the show, I knew this was an unmatched experience. Seeing Wicked on Broadway elevated a story I already loved to new heights. Being there, in the midst of the magic, exceeded all my high expectations.

Image via Wicked the Musical Facebook Page

Comparing to the Touring Production

While I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the Wicked touring production, and am so incredibly grateful I got that experience, the Broadway show was more breathtaking than I ever could have prepared myself for. The production value of the Broadway show was markedly richer and more polished. The sets felt grander, with more advanced scenic transitions and special effects. The Time Dragon Clock and Wizard’s giant mechanical head provided an unbelievably immersive and exciting viewing experience on the Broadway stage. 

Additionally, the costumes felt more lavish, accentuating the contrast between Glinda’s frilly gowns and Elphaba’s Gothic garb. Even the lighting design was superior, using color and intensity to heighten the drama and transport the audience deeper into the land of Oz. The overall spectacle felt more magical seeing it in the gorgeous Gershwin Theatre.

Most notable was the Broadway cast’s phenomenal performances. Their emotional depth and vocal talents brought a new power to the show’s beloved score. Subtle acting choices made the characters more engaging. For example, the terror in Glinda’s eyes as the Wizard flew into a rage was palpable up close – we got to sit much closer in this production than where I sat watching it in Tampa.

I do need to take a moment and say the touring cast was talented in their own right. They truly were! And, I’m so glad that tours like theirs exist so you can get the Broadway feel in your own backyard. But, there’s something to be said about the Broadway stars that belt out these numbers and do these dances every night. The cast brings something intangibly special to the production and their connection to the material was evident.

In the end, the Broadway production made the world of Wicked more transportive and vivid. Every element, from sets to acting, was amplified in the show’s original home. It proved that no matter how good a touring company is, nothing rivals seeing a show on Broadway. And, it makes me want to see every play I possibly can on Broadway.

Planning to See Wicked on Broadway? These Tips Might Help!

Image via Wicked the Musical Facebook Page

Book tickets early – really early!

Wicked often sells out months in advance for the best seats. Don’t wait until the last minute! We bought our tickets in May for an August viewing, and even that felt like we waited too long. We got decent seats, but I can’t help feeling like we could have done just a bit better.

Splurge on great seats if you can

Sitting closer to the stage enhances the experience and allows you to see details you might miss farther away. I’m so glad we chose to sit as close to the stage as we did. Though we weren’t as close as I would have liked, it was much closer than we were when I watched the touring production.

Keep an eye out for ticket lotteries or rush tickets 

Many Broadway shows, including Wicked, offer discounted last minute tickets if you don’t mind not having reserved seats. But, be forewarned – if you get these tickets, you might not be able to sit with everyone in your party. And, there are no guarantees with rush tickets. To me, paying in advance was worth it to make sure we could actually see the show.

Dress up and make an evening of it

Treat it as a special night out and wear something that makes you feel fabulous. I certainly did! Then, after the show we strolled Central Park and finished the night off by taking the subway to Little Italy for dinner at a highly recommended spot.

Arrive early to check out the theater

Soak in the atmosphere and admire the architecture of historic Broadway theaters like the Gershwin. I’m so glad we did this because we got to look around at all the fun details of the theater and immerse ourselves in the story more.

Limit bathroom breaks

Lines get crazy during intermission, and you don’t want to miss any of the magic. I personally refrained from having much to drink before the show because I wanted to make sure I wouldn’t have to miss anything.

Let yourself get swept up in it all

Some people sang along, some laughed, some cried – I totally cried. Let yourself be transported into the Wicked world and really feel immersed.  

Stage door after if you can

You may be able to meet the cast and get autographs at the stage door. Unfortunately, we didn’t see the evening production of the show, and we didn’t really have time to stick around because we had dinner plans. However, if we get the chance to go again, I will totally do an evening watch and try to get over to the stage door.

Capture moments outside

Take photos all around the theater to remember your Broadway night.

Savor every minute

The show flies by so be present and take it all in. You’ll want to relive it again later! I recommend watching all of the social media videos and YouTube clips that the Wicked production team put online. It’s a great way to revisit Shiz and Oz anytime you want.

My Broadway Wicked Experience: Pure Magic Over the Rainbow

Seeing Wicked on Broadway was a dream come true that far surpassed my already high expectations. While I loved the touring production, everything about the Broadway show felt more magical and transportive. Being in the historic Gershwin Theatre, hearing the iconic score performed flawlessly, and seeing the spectacular costumes and sets up close made it an unparalleled theatrical experience. The indescribable energy and talent of the original Broadway cast took the storytelling to the next level.

Attending the Broadway production of this beloved musical was worth every penny. If you have the opportunity to see Wicked on Broadway rather than on tour, take it! You will not regret experiencing the show in its original home, with the stellar production value and world-class performances that only Broadway can deliver. Your trip over the rainbow to Broadway will leave you grinning as wildly as the Wizard himself. Just like Elphaba and Glinda, you’re sure to become friends with the Broadway version of Wicked for good!