My student days were filled with car camping, backpacking and hitchhiking trips. I had no money, but I loved to see new places and meet new people, so I never let a lack of funds keep me from going on adventures. Now that I’m older and have more responsibilities, I don’t have the time or energy to spend all day hiking up a mountain just to sleep on the hard ground that night. Luckily, my friends invited me along on their latest car camping trip, and it was exactly what I needed to get my wanderlust back!

Car camping as a way to get out and about, but with less cost

For many college students, camping can be seen as a form of travel. It lets them get out of their city or town and explore new places, oftentimes in more adventurous ways than what they could afford otherwise. But just like with traditional travel, car camping is not exactly cheap. But that doesn’t mean you can’t save money or live your dream of backcountry adventures. There are ways to do it on a budget! You just have to know where to look.

Tips for car camping as a student

Car camping can be a great way to save money while travelling in your college years. Whether you’re travelling with your friends or family, it’s always good to start a camping trip with a little planning and preparation. Here are some tips to get you started car camping as a student

What equipment do you need for car camping?

While there are a lot of similarities to backpacking, car camping requires some specialized gear. First off, you’ll need a good tent that’s going to keep you dry and warm. You don’t want to skimp on buying an expensive sleeping bag either (if it rains, you can get wet). While car camping will never be as fun as backpacking, it’s still a really nice way to relax with friends.

The benefits of car camping

One of the best benefits to car camping is how cheap it can be. Sure, you’ll have to fork over some cash for gas and any amenities, but those are one-time expenses. Other than that, car camping in a safe area with reliable Wi-Fi can cost you nothing! Plus, who wouldn’t want to sleep in their warm and cozy car instead of on a cold hard ground? No one, that’s who.

The Pros & Cons of Car Camping vs. Traditional Travel

So you’re sold on car camping, but before you go out and buy all of your gear, you should consider what will be a much more important question: do I even have time to do car camping? The big difference between backpacking and car camping, of course, is that backpacking requires a longer time commitment and it takes a lot longer to set up camp.

FAQ's about car camping as a student

What are some things to consider when going car camping as a student? There's no need to sacrifice comfort on your next adventure; we have a few tips and tricks to get you started!