Beautiful journey / Remote

Practical tips for going camping with your car

minute read

If we’ve heard it once, we’ve heard it a hundred times: More and more, people are seeking experiences that bring them joy rather than relying on goods to accomplish that goal. That trend, combined with increasing urbanization, means people are tending to take shorter, more frequent trips rather than prioritizing long journeys. Making fewer long-distance trips allows us all to rediscover the beauty of our local areas – and it tends to be more eco-friendly, too. One popular activity: Reconnecting with nature and having a sleepover in the forest!

What should you pack in your car when you’re going camping and sleeping in a tent? What else should you consider? Here are some practical tips. 

These are the essentials you should pack when camping in a tent

  • The most important thing to pack is, of course, the tent. Make sure it is made from waterproof fabric, so when it rains it won’t leak. 
  • If you’re planning on camping for a longer period, also consider whether a small tent is sufficient or if a big tent be more comfortable. You can stand up in a big tent and it will cover your belongings. However, a big tent can be difficult to set up if the terrain is uneven. At a campsite, that shouldn’t be an issue. 
  • Pick a sleeping bag that is rated for the right climate and remember that at night the temperatures may drop significantly, even on a sunny day. 
  • Investing in a camping mattress or a pad is recommended, because it will make sleeping a lot more comfortable than just a bare sleeping bag. Also pack a pillow or cushion to rest your head on. 
  • Bring warm clothes for the evenings and nights. It’s not fun to be cold! 
  • A head lamp or flashlight is also definitely a camping essential. You will need it to be able to do stuff after dark.

Practical tips for a more comfortable camping experience 

  • Find a level spot in the terrain and remove all sticks, rocks, and cones before putting up the tent. 
  • Avoid setting the tent up in a hollow, so rainwater doesn’t flow toward and inside the tent. 
  • Insect repellant might also come in handy. 
  • You can save on travel costs by cooking your own food on a camping stove. Imagine the atmosphere when you’re having breakfast outside with the birds chirping, or when you’re having an evening snack and watching the setting sun. Don’t forget the fuel for the stove, or the spices! Salt, pepper and oil will take you far. 
  • Pack a blanket for sitting outside. A more comfortable, but slightly more space-consuming, option is to pack some camping chairs and a foldable table. 
  • If you’re planning on spending the night at a campsite, you can also bring an electric cooler. This way you can enjoy treats that need to be kept refrigerated. Don’t forget an extension cord, though; outlets may be few and far between.  

Peace of mind comes from feeling safe and being sustainable 

When all your camping gear is up to the challenge, make sure your car is too. If you plan to go a bit off the road to reach that perfect location to set up your tent, check that your tires have enough air pressure to handle the bumps along the way.  

Did you know that most of the environmental impact in a tire’s lifecycle comes from the time it is being used? Nokian eNTYRE 2.0 all-season tires are developed to be safe on the road and make the journey greener with low rolling resistance. This means lower fuel consumption resulting in lower CO2 emissions.