
Most people do not begin car camping with everything figured out. They begin with a vehicle, a reason for needing to change their life and a growing list of questions. Where can I sleep? What do I actually need? How do I make enough room to lie down without unloading half the vehicle every…

Water is one supply I do not estimate casually. I currently carry 14 gallons dedicated to drinking and cooking, but that does not mean every car camper needs to carry the same amount. The right amount depends on your setup, the people and animals traveling with you, the weather, and how far you will…

When planning an overnight stay at a rest area, it’s important to understand both the rules and the realities of the road. Most states allow some form of rest period, but outdoor setups like tents, tables, and slide-outs are almost always prohibited. These are rest stops, not campgrounds. Equally important is being prepared for…

The photos people see of full-time car camping are usually taken after the work is finished. By the time I am sitting beside the 4Runner with a mountain behind me, I have already found a place to camp, filled the gas tank, checked the weather and made sure I have enough water. The laundry…