Urban Environmental: Car Camping Essentials

As I've stated in the description of this blog. I am by no means an experienced gear head. In fact, on the original cross-country trip I packed a whole table top weber gas grill into the trunk of our car... which took up a lot of room...and never worked. Since then we've gotten a bit more savvy, but our hardy Swiss Gear Tent(left) ,purchased at K-mart over 3 years ago, is still weathering the storms. When we head out for a weekend trip there are two goals in mind in terms of gear: to be as prepared as possible and travel as light as possible. After all, all of our food, clothing, shelter and dog needs to fit in our hatchback.

Below is a a list of gear that we take on a typical 2 night car camping trip as well as tips for packing it in and packing it out. This list is the product of a lot of trial and error, but I can safely say it works for us. I hope it will be a good jumping off point for you as well...

Food Prep:

Camp stove that takes those little green Coleman tanks, and call ahead or check out the campground's website to find out what they have in terms of fire pits and grills. If it rains, your going to need the camp stove.
Long Matches and a Lighter
Charcoal
Starter Bricks
Mess Kit: 1 per person, spoon, fork, knife, plate, cup, bowl
Pot+cover
Nonstick Pan+cover
French Press (not glass!)
Paper Towels
Sponge
Eco friendly dish soap
Wash Basin
Drinking/Cooking Water (It's not always so great at the site)
Trash Bags
Some basic food prep items we've kicked ourselves for forgetting: Salt and Pepper, Sugar or agave syrup, non-dairy creamer or condensed milk, ketchup, mustard, tea, coffee!
Chopping knife
Can opener
Cooler/Cooler Bag

Shelter

Tent
Rainfly
Footprint or Tarp
Stakes (we take several kinds depending on terrain)
Mallot
Extra Tarp and Rope for picnic Shelter
Sleeping Bag (Check the weather report and make sure its rated for the lowest temp!)
Sleeping Pad
Pillows (or use your duffel)

**Most car camping sites will have a picnic tables but extra folding chairs can come in use.

Other Necessities

Flashlights (1 for the car, 1 for the tent, 1 for the picnic area)
Lantern
Swiss Army Knife
Playing Cards
Camera
Check the Day Hike Essentials Page if your planning on heading into the woods!

For the Dogs

Tie out leash
Bowls
Food
Drinking Water

A Note on Firewood: Every year there are more and more warnings about moving firewood or bringing it with you to the campground. As a general rule check the park's website ahead of time to see if they allow firewood from surrounding areas. Most campgrounds will have a way to purchase it on-site. In addition campfires are only permitted for cooking in New York State.

Packing:
We keep everything sorted into gear bags of one form or another. A large upright duffel for the kitchen gear, small bag for the tarp, stakes and shelter set up, cooler bag for the dry goods and a cooler with ice for any fresh perishables we bring as well as condiments. When setting up the campsite, take out the items that you will use the most(and won't blow away) and organize them on a surface, then take out only what you need when you need it and clean up often, this will ensure that your gear stays packed and ready to toss into a car or bear box if when you leave your site.

Please be responsible and follow the "Leave No Trace" Principles of Outdoor Ethics:

For more information and more information on the principles you can visit the following link:

Leave No Trace
(http://www.lnt.org/programs/principles.php)
The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics is an educational, nonprofit organization dedicated to the responsible enjoyment and active stewardship of the outdoors by all people. worldwide.