Car camping, Also known asMobile housing、RV camping . Car camping is the use of cars or other land vehicles for rest or living purposes instead of using tents. Car camping is not like traditional camping. Car camping allows you to bring more leisure equipment and enjoy rest, cooking, hiking, and other outdoor activities.
learn
Generally speaking, each car campsite is very different; one is a remote and remote campsite, and there is a muddy road, and some basic facilities may be poor, but some remote locations have beautiful environments. The second is in a convenient area with good roads and smooth access, as well as good basic equipment: charcoal grills, picnic tables, power supplies, and even children’s amusement parks and swimming pools. The above two types may beSome people'sIdeal for camping, but there are still some people who choose to live in a meadow or a well-kept parking lot, or close to motels and shopping malls, or even close to the highway.
Travel around
SeeRent a motorhome in New Zealand To learn more about car camping in New Zealand.
There are many methods for car camping, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
- Passenger car The simplicity of using your own car for long trips is inherently appealing. Unlike other vehicles, you may already be familiar with driving your own car and know its limitations. However, there are many restrictions on using a passenger car for camping, and if you want to sleep in a car in a quiet night, the quality of sleep is not necessarily much more comfortable. If you want to plan to set up a tent and camp, please make sure that you are camping somewhere safe and in compliance with local laws. Setting up a tent next to the passenger car and placing all valuables inside will often attract unnecessary attention. In short, although using your own car seems to be a good way, it is very rare to use it as a camping site.
- Camper carMay be a large Van, off-road vehicle, sedan or station wagon . You can lie down in the seat to rest, but please remember that blankets and pillows are necessary; please keep in mind that the desert environment is very hot during the day and very cold at night. If you have trouble with sand and dust entering your car, the windows need to be open to allow fresh air to enter the car. It is feasible to install a TV screen, which can be used for entertainment or to understand the local weather conditions. Another new concept. A car is usually a station wagon. The storage space in the rear luggage compartment is equipped with a bed frame. The car can be equipped with a permanent double bed, which can be included in campsites or in the jungle. When camping, have any equipment you need.
- Pickup truck with camping compartment Pickup trucks are also known as light-duty passenger and cargo vehicles. Pickup trucks can be equipped with camping compartments. In addition to the relatively cheap price, it can also be used as an ideal car camping, with a double bed in the compartment; compared to passenger cars, pickup trucks can enjoy personal privacy protection. Basically, pickup trucks can park anywhere for camping, and most pickup trucks can easily cross mud or other rough roads. The camping compartments used on pickup trucks are usually of a specific type, and you can buy them at auto retailers; the cost of adding them is about US$400 to more than US$1,000.
- Camping trailer If you are willing to tow your campervan, you can choose what you want, including lightweight pop-up tent campervans and more durable trailers. You will need a towing trailer and a vehicle capable of towing-wherever camping trailers are sold, you will be happy to explain the function of your vehicle and install the appropriate hooks.
- Roof camping It is a new basic type of camper, which is a temporary installation of tents on the roofs of SUVs, trucks, vans, station wagons, some cars and small off-road utility trailers. These roof tents usually contain a built-in mattress, which can hold bedding and pillows, and can be folded at the same time. By learning how to install the tent, the installation time takes about 5 minutes. The size can vary from a single sleeper to a family-sized tent that can accommodate four people. The advantages of these campers are relatively low cost, convenient portability, easy driving, good MPG and RV comfortable sleeping space; usually more than 7 feet in length, suitable for tall travelers.
Motorhome (RV):
- Class A RV Mainly based on the bottom of a bus or truck. The car uses gasoline or diesel as its power source, which is available for large RVs. This category is the most luxurious, with the potential to pay more than one million dollars in expenses, and is comparable to the price and luxury of "an urban house". All the necessary equipment will exist, at least there will be refrigerators, water systems, electrical appliances and gas.
- Class B RV This RV is usually a station wagon that has been converted for camping or other purposes. Basically, you can purchase related equipment from Ford and General Motors dealers. Flowserve also has a small camper named T5 California [1]It is equipped with a gas stove, sink and refrigerator. Some people like to design the performance of their own RV, or even transform it as a whole to make it more luxurious and complete. Some station wagons have RV facilities such as toilets, showers or kitchens, but they are more crowded in design. The cost will usually exceed $50,000, which is the same as a basic RV. The main advantage of owning a Class B RV is that it can be easier to drive on city streets just like driving a car.
- Class C RVIt is a medium-sized RV. They have a unique "cab design" that can accommodate additional sleeping or entertainment area space, the largest can accommodate 8 people. These RVs have electrical systems, gas and water supply systems. This kind of vehicle is well equipped like any RV or campervan. Due to the size of this vehicle, it can carry out some "off-road" camping, which is different from the large A-class RV. Most of the newer C-class RVs have ladders, which increase the user’s living and sleeping space, and most of them are now equipped with refrigerators, microwaves, and kitchens; this depends on the car manufacturer and model, like Is one of the microwave ovens may be non-standard equipment.
diet
- fast food -There are fast food restaurants everywhere, but fast food is not nutritious and bad for your health.
- Agricultural Market -It is a good place to get local produce.
- supermarket -The price is cheaper than the restaurant.
- Camp store -Many camps also have shops selling ice cubes, firewood, and some canned food.
- Truck rest stop -Some truck rest stops (especially TA and Petro) have restaurants where you can sit down and eat. Many truck rest stops also have fast food restaurants, but the prices are higher and the menu styles are not much. You can also buy hot food, such as hot dogs or pizza. There are more food choices (especially canned food) than typical convenience stores, but the price is very expensive.
rest
In addition to wanting to use their vehicle for driving trips, some campers usually set up a separate tent to sleep. Some people use a towed campervan to live in the car, or extend their car or van to install tents or partial shade structures. Others drive large vans or recreational vehicles to fall asleep, and there may also be comfortable sleeping spaces inside the vehicles. In the terminology of car camping, “Boondocking” or “Dry Camping” means that the RV is parked at a site without any water, electricity, or pollution connection for camping; to do this comfortably, you need to prepare Equipment for small generators, gas, water storage tanks and waste water tanks.
- RV campground It is the most common place to camp. Although the surrounding facilities vary from location to location, practically all facilities provide water and electricity services, as well as sewage treatment facilities. Well-known chains in the United States, Canada and other countries include the American Camping Association [2]。
- National Park. Travelers must investigate in advance to ensure that campers or RVs are allowed to enter the park.
- Bureau of Land Management and Federal Wildlife Refuge In the United States and Canada: Most allow overnight camping, just ask the ranger first; at sunrise, you can watch birds or observe wild animals.
- rest area. It's usually easy to find; however, some areas have rules against overnight stays. However, some rest areas are not mandatory, and local police usually allow street sleepers to stay overnight.
- Truck stop. Please ask the parking staff, but it is almost allowed. Some truck parking stations also provide tow truck parking. You can buy diesel fuel or provide free shower service here. However, please make sure that you do not prevent the truck from stopping. Please also do not use external tents, as this will pay extra for parking spaces.
- Outdoor parking lot. Please ask the local staff if they will stay overnight for you. There are many open 24 hoursWalmart StoreInformally allow campers to stay overnight in the parking lot[3], And some shopping malls, restaurants, etc. are also the same. However, please do not stay in the parking lot for more than 12 hours, and try to leave before 9 am to avoid interrupting the business hours of the business; also do not use awnings or barbecues in the parking lot. It is best to buy food or indoor eating at the merchants here to show your sincerity.
- casino Most casinos allow overnight camping and even have complete car camping water, electricity and drainage equipment. When going to the RV parking lot of the casino, first ask the people in the casino if they have car camping coupons or other promotions. Sometimes, you can get water, electricity and drainage equipment for free.
- amusement park Some amusement parks also have special areas for car camping, please call in advance to inquire.
drinks
Remember, don't drink and drive.
Many camps will have local drinking water, but you will need to take yourself to the place where the water is collected.
Some campgrounds have vending machines, maybe selling soft drinks, snacks, coffee, etc.
Laws regarding the sale of alcohol in camps vary from place to place; some places completely prohibit drinking alcohol (for reasons of legal liability, however, children are not allowed to buy alcohol), while other places may have a small bar.AmericaThe campsite is sometimes not strict enough.
Work
"Camping Workers"(Workamping) means working during the stay in the camp. It is an ideal arrangement for students who want to enjoy a full or half day leisure camping. However, you may not necessarily get a salary (varies from place to place), and the RV parking lot has jobs that provide salaried or volunteer positions. Some places will only provide you with a "free" campsite (with well-equipped facilities), while other places will give you hourly wages; generally speaking, the place that pays you will be charged from your campsite . Important notes: Please make sure you ask about the specific job responsibilities and expectations, as well as additional costs (such as uniforms and cleaning fees), and the working hours you want before accepting a job.
There are also opportunities to volunteer, mainly in national parks or state parks. Although the only gain is to have free RV facilities, for many people, this job is satisfactory.
For some people with a career in "art and literature", other job opportunities abound, such as writers and artists. Or some have holiday occupations during the summer; for example, recreational camping accountants, tutors, and physicians. And some people will combine the enthusiasm for RVs with very prestigious careers; for example, the Supreme Court justice of the United States-Clarence Thomas (Clarence Thomas), he is a RV hobby during the summer vacation when the court is adjourned By.
Health and hygiene
Some campsites have toilet facilities, but the laundry room, telephone, shower, etc. may depend on the location; you must understand this information before you plan to live in the campsite for a long time.
In the United States, at least most of the YMCA (YMCA) surroundings provide facilities such as hot showers, saunas, swimming pools, and fitness equipment. Generally speaking, the cost for a non-membership is about $4; but if you hold a membership, you can use any of the facilities here for free. This includes fitness classes such as yoga and taekwondo.
Truck GPS
What is GPS? The full English name of GPS is Global Positioning System, which is the Global Positioning System; it can provide accurate positioning, speed measurement and high-precision standard time for most areas (98%) on the earth's surface. It is a mid-range circular orbit satellite navigation system developed and maintained by the US Department of Defense. The user only needs to have a GPS receiver to use the service without additional payment. |
If you have a large RV, you should consider buying a truck GPS; however, truck GPS is more expensive than regular GPS. The first advantage of buying a truck GPS is that the screen is larger. The second is that GPS can avoid low bridges and underground passages when planning routes. The third is that GPS will provide a list of parking lots, such as Wal-Mart stores. And truck sites of all sizes.
If you have a smartphone, you can download a mobile app for trucks (Google PlayorAPP Store); In this way, there is no need to buy a GPS receiver for trucks.
stay safe
Try to reach your overnight spot before sunset. This is not only a general courtesy to recreational campsites, other people may rest during the night; and in the dark at night, you may not notice the obvious "bad" campsites (such as scattered Areas with broken glass or muddy ground).
Although you might believe that any lover who shares outdoor activities with you has enough character to respect your belongings, you still have to "prevent theft." It is best to carry money and other valuables with you, otherwise you may disappear in the car. When you are leaving the scene, please do not place objects (even cheap ones) in a clear view.
By the way, the city center is almost never a good place for car camping.