Before we started Kambu as a business, we had been avid car campers for years! We love taking road trips, and we believe that car camping is far superior to tent camping in so many ways. In this guide, we’ll explain why car camping is better than tent camping and go over the key benefits of car camping.
When I first started car camping, I was amazed at how much convenience it offered compared to tent camping. One of the main benefits of car camping is that you can get all your gear in one place and simply drive to a campsite. You don’t have to worry about hauling a massive tent from point A to point B or packing up all your gear after a day at the campsite. You also don’t have to worry about packing your camping gear into multiple vehicles, as you can fit everything in one car.
Car camping inspired us to start a campervan rental business that we have shared details here.
What is car camping?
Car camping is when people use a car or truck for transportation and take the necessary equipment to camp outdoors. This means you will have access to your car – and all of the gear that comes with it – during your camping trip.
Below is an image of people on car camping with their vehicle in Japan
Below is another photo showing what car camping is like;
Is car camping the same as campervan camping?
Car camping is different from campervan camping in that you do not need to purchase a vehicle specifically designed for camping. You can use any car or truck to take your tent, sleeping bags and other gear with you on your trip.
In other words, car camping is a great way to get out and explore without having to invest in a campervan or RV.
Benefits of car camping:
1. Convenience: One of the biggest advantages of car camping is convenience. There’s no need to purchase or rent a campervan, trailer, or tent; everything you need can be comfortably transported in your car. You can easily pack up and go, wherever you want to explore!
2. Cost: Car camping is also a great way to save money on your camping trip. Instead of investing in an expensive campervan or trailer, all you need is your own vehicle and camping gear. This means you can go camping without breaking the bank.
3. Comfort: Car camping also allows you to bring more comfort with you on your trip. With car camping, you can easily bring extra items such as a portable table and chairs, a camp stove, or an air mattress for added comfort.
4. Storage Space: Car camping also offers plenty of storage space for all your camping essentials. With a car, you can easily bring extra items such as a cooler or extra blanket without worrying about fitting them in a tent or campervan.
Drawbacks of car camping:
1. Distance: One of the drawbacks of car camping is that it limits the distance from where you park your car to where you camp. Since you are limited to a certain radius, it can be difficult to find secluded spots away from other campers.
2. Noise: Car camping can also be noisy due to engine noise and people talking in the car. This noise can be disruptive to other campers who are looking for a quiet and peaceful camping experience.
3. Space: Although car camping allows you to bring more items with you, it may not provide as much space as tent or campervan camping. If you have a large group of people, there may not be enough space for everyone to sleep comfortably.
What is tent camping?
Tent camping is when people use a tent to sleep outdoors. This means that all of your camping gear, such as sleeping bags and cooking equipment, will be stored in the tent. Tent camping is great for those looking for a more traditional outdoor experience.
Benefits of tent camping:
1. Adventure: Tent camping is a great way to experience the outdoors in its purest form. There’s something special about sleeping in the open air and being at one with nature.
2. Cost: Tent camping is also an inexpensive option for people who want to go camping but don’t have much money to invest in gear. With tent camping, you can get basic camping gear for much cheaper than if you were to purchase a campervan or trailer.
3. Seclusion: Tent camping also allows you to find secluded spots away from other campers. You don’t have to worry about engine noise or people talking in the car, making it easier to enjoy the true peace and tranquility of the outdoors.
Drawbacks of tent camping:
1. Space: One of the drawbacks of tent camping is that you may not have enough room for everyone in your party to sleep comfortably. This means some campers may have to sleep on the ground or share a sleeping bag with another person, which can be uncomfortable.
2. Setup: Tent camping can also be time-consuming to set up, especially if you haven’t camped in a tent before. It may take several hours to assemble the tent and get it ready for sleep.
3. Weather: Finally, tent camping has its limitations when it comes to extreme weather conditions. If the weather turns bad, it can be difficult to find shelter in a tent. This means your camping trip may be cut short if there is bad weather.
Why is car camping better than tent camping?
Comfort:
Car camping is far more comfortable than tent camping. With car camping, you can easily bring items such as a portable table and chairs, an air mattress, or a camp stove to make your trip more enjoyable.
Space:
Car camping also offers plenty of space for everyone in your party to sleep comfortably. This means no one will have to sleep on the ground or share a sleeping bag with another person.
Convenience:
Car camping is also much more convenient than tent camping. You don’t have to worry about setting up tents, which can be time consuming and difficult if you haven’t done it before. With car camping, all you need to do is park your car and you’re ready to go.
Distance:
Car camping also gives you the freedom to explore further away from where you are parked. You can easily drive around and find secluded spots that offer a more peaceful camping experience.
What is the best car to camp in?
The best car to camp in is a 4WD vehicle, such as an SUV or truck. These vehicles are designed to handle rough terrain and offer plenty of space for all your camping gear. Additionally, they have higher ground clearance, so you won’t have to worry about getting stuck in the mud or sand. For those looking for an even more luxurious camping experience, there are also campers and trailers that can be pulled behind a 4WD vehicle.
The Honda Ridgeline is the best car camping vehicle for 2022, as its large bed can accommodate all of your gear and US News agrees on its list. With an accessory bed, you can also mount a roof rack to carry kayaks and bikes. Additionally, there are in-bed speakers and an in-bed power outlet so that you can keep the party going well into the evening.
How to Book Kambu Vehicles for Camping:
Booking Kambu’s vehicles for car camping is easy. All you need to do is go to our website, choose the vehicle that best suits your needs and book it online. You can also call us at 769 103 670 or send an email to bookings@kambucampers.com and one of our friendly team will be more than happy to help you.
Before you decide, check out our self-drive 4X4 vehicles or guided safari vans that you can hire. You can also check out the specs of our rental campervans.
Once you’ve booked your vehicle, all you need to do is turn up at the specified pickup location and pick it up. The process is simple and we can even provide a full tank of gas for your journey so that you don’t have to worry about filling up your vehicle.
Car camping with Kambu Rentals is the best way to explore and enjoy the great outdoors, so book your vehicle today and start planning your next adventure!
Read more about all types of camping here.
Happy Camping!
