Camping is a fun experience, but when you’ve been doing it the same way for a long time, it’s normal to want to switch things up a bit to make it new and exciting. One option to do that is to leave the tent behind and go car camping instead. However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all.
Tent camping is better than car camping if you want to camp in a remote location, want a bigger living space, and prefer an outdoorsy feel. However, if you would like to go stealth camping, want better protection against the elements, or need electricity, car camping is definitely the way to go.
If you’re trying to decide whether you should stick to tent camping or go car camping for a change, read on to find out the differences between the two, as well as their pros and cons.
Differences Between Car Camping and Tent Camping
Both car camping and tent camping can be a lot of fun, whether you’re camping alone or with a group. But how great your experience will depend on choosing which one suits you best. Car camping is a totally different experience from tent camping, which means that before choosing either, you should know what you’re signing up for.
Pitching a Tent vs. Sleeping in a Car
Tent camping means that you’ll pitch a traditional ground tent, while car camping can mean sleeping inside your vehicle. There are benefits to car camping that you won’t be able to experience when you choose to sleep in a tent. And two of those are that you’ll have electricity access and better protection against the elements.
Car camping is excellent if you’re new to camping and don’t want to go through the hassle of pitching a tent (or don’t know how to). You won’t have to set up anything (except if you need a pop-up shower). Simply recline your seat, open a blanket, and you’re good to go.
Ground Tent vs. Roof top Tent
Another difference between tent camping and car camping is that when you go car camping, you don’t necessarily have to sleep inside your car per se. You can install a roof top tent on top of your car for a ground tent experience, only elevated.
Roof top tents, however, are not for everyone. And you’ll have to be invested in your camping adventures or planning to be on the road (and camping) for a long time. Some people like having a rooftop tent because they can set up camp anywhere and not have to spend time pitching a tent and taking it down every time.
You’ll know that a rooftop tent is for you if:
- Your vehicle is compatible. Roof top tents don’t go with every vehicle. You need to check your preferred tent’s specifications to ensure that it’s compatible with your car. Most rooftop tents are compatible with trucks and jeeps.
- Your vehicle can handle the top load. When buying a rooftop tent, you must ensure your vehicle can hold its weight. Rooftop tents weigh 100 lbs (45 kg) on average, but some weigh even more and can affect how well you can maneuver your car, especially on rough roads.
- You don’t mind using up more fuel. Because of the added weight and the greater wind resistance, rooftop tents can make your car use up more fuel. Therefore, if you don’t mind spending a few dollars more on gas, it’s definitely for you.
- You don’t mind the cost of a rooftop tent. Rooftop tents are not cheap. Some can set you back by at least $3,000, which means they’re not a purchase you make on a whim.
- You won’t have to remove it anytime soon. Installing and uninstalling a rooftop tent takes time, and you will most likely need someone else’s help to do so because they can be pretty heavy.
Now, if you decide to travel with a rooftop tent, you may need to buy one. I’ve written another guide to help you pick the cheapest hardshell roof top tent. Don’t miss it.
Base Camping vs. Camping in Remote Locations
Car camping is sometimes called “base camping” because you don’t have to go far from “base” to set up camp. That’s because cars are usually unable to reach remote locations. However, when pitching a ground tent, you can walk to your desired campsite, however far that may be from the base.
If you’re an experienced camper who wants the full outdoor experience, you will likely prefer not to stay in your car. But if you’re camping with fussy kids who need electricity, car camping might be your better option.
Pros of Tent Camping
Lovers of the outdoors have done it this way for a long time, which is why it’s still called the traditional way to go camping. And it’s no wonder many still prefer to camp this way; there are advantages to this type of camping that you won’t be able to experience when you’re car camping.
Set Up Camp Anywhere You Want
Sure, a car can take you places. But if you want to camp in a remote, off-road area that even motorcycles have a hard time accessing, tent camping is still your best bet. You can walk as far as you want from your base camp, find the most scenic campsite, and pitch your tent there.
Also, tent camping is great when hiking or trekking for a few days. You can set up camp in one area on one night, then take your tent town and pitch it in another place the next night. Additionally, tents are lightweight and fit most hiking backpacks, making them the choice for most outback adventures.
Larger Living Space
Tents offer a larger living space than cars and even rooftop tents. Most tents nowadays even provide enough headspace so you can comfortably stand. If you are camping with your family, some tents are subdivided into several compartments or rooms and are pretty spacious, making movement comfortable and easy.
I recommend this Coleman Cabin Tent from Amazon.com, as it can house up to four adults, and the setup is super easy and fast, giving you more time to enjoy your outdoor adventure. The tent is also convenient to store, allowing you to travel without the burden of hauling something heavy.
On the other hand, when you sleep in a car, the space is limited, and unless there’s just you and one other person, you may not be able to recline the seats all the way, making for very uncomfortable sleeping positions. Also, movement inside a car is quite limited, and unlike in tents, you can’t stand or move from one seat to another as easily.
Better Ventilation
There are several ways to ensure good ventilation inside your tent, which can come in handy on humid or warm days. Additionally, if you want better breathability on sweltering days, you can use a tent made of polyester or a mix between polyester and nylon.
Here are some ways to improve ventilation inside a tent:
- Open the rainfly on a clear night. If there’s no need for rain protection, keeping the rainfly open can allow more air through your tent’s material.
- Pitch your tent against the direction of the wind. This will ensure that you get plenty of breeze in your tent.
Affordable
Tents are affordable. The average backpacking tent costs $100 to $200, and you can typically use these for years. Also, when you look at other factors that affect costs, such as maintenance, repairs, and accessories, you don’t need to spend big bucks on these either.
Tents are as straightforward as can be when it comes to maintenance. As long as you know how and where to pitch your tent and take it down properly, you shouldn’t have to spend anything repairing them.
Better Outdoor Experience
The best thing about tent camping is that it allows you to be close to nature. You get to sleep on the ground, surrounded by wildlife, away from everything that reminds you of urban life. When you go camping, it’s ultimately the outdoor experience that you want to gain from it. And that’s exactly what tent camping can give you.
There’s none or very little of the distractions that come with electricity or even network reception (if you camp somewhere very remote).
Cons of Tent Camping
As great as tent camping is, it does have its drawbacks. Here are some cons to tent camping that you might want to consider before your next camping trip.
Hard To Keep Tiny Critters Out
Tent camping gives you the ultimate outdoor experience, but that can also mean dealing with pesky bugs that get into your tent no matter how careful you are or how liberal you are with bug spray. And on a hot night, mosquitoes and other critters can be a great nuisance.
Moisture Can Get Through the Material
Some tents are made better than others. For example, some can better protect you from the rain, while others allow moisture easily. Depending on the material and waterproofing of your tent, heavy rainfall can mean a disaster when you’re out at camp. Add to that the problem of condensation when humidity is high.
Requires Knowledge of How and When To Set Up Camp
Pitching a tent isn’t as simple as assembling a piece of mesh. It takes knowledge about selecting a good campsite, good tent positioning, and how to keep your tent on the ground in heavy wind, among others.
Pros of Car Camping
Car camping is an entirely different experience from tent camping. It allows you access to several comforts you wouldn’t otherwise have when sleeping in a tent. Let’s look at some of the advantages of car camping, so you can decide whether it’s right for you.
Charge Up Devices
Do you want to be on the road for several days while still having access to electricity when you need to? Car camping is perfect for that. Bring your work laptop, phone, and other devices if necessary because all you need is an adapter, and you can charge those up in no time.
More Secure
Car camping is significantly more secure than tent camping. Door locks, for one, offer a great deal of protection from outsiders and even wild animals that could be present at the campsite. For example, if you’re camping in bear country, you have much better chances of getting away safely when car camping than sleeping in a tent.
More Storage Space
If you’re traveling with little kids, you’ll need space to store all their essentials and keep them secure.
When you’re camping in a car, you have plenty of storage for all your stuff, so you don’t have to worry about cramping what limited space you have in a tent.
Car Seats Can Be Used As Beds
If you don’t have a rooftop tent and are camping alone in your car, you can simply recline your seat and use that as a bed. They’re pretty comfy, too – comfier than sleeping on the ground (even with a sleeping bag). So there’s no need to bring an inflatable mattress along.
Better Protection From the Elements
Cars also offer better protection from the weather. You don’t have to worry about sudden rainfall because nothing will get through those car windows – not even pesky little insects. And if you’re worried about the humidity getting high inside, you can crack your windows open slightly to let air in.
Cons of Car Camping
Like tent camping, there are disadvantages to car camping too. It’s all a matter of weighing which drawbacks you can handle and the advantages you really need.
Poor Ventilation
Unlike tents, cars make for poor ventilation. Sleeping in a car can be quite uncomfortable unless you’re willing to keep the engine on throughout the night to get some air conditioning. One solution, though, is opening car windows a tiny bit, but just enough so that you don’t invite mosquitoes in either.
You Can’t Go Too Far
Your camping locations might be limited with a car, as some fantastic campsites can only be reached by hiking, climbing, and even crossing bodies of water. Therefore, you’ll likely miss out on amazing adventures if you go car camping.
Camping in a car may be dangerous. In another article, I’ve discussed everything you need to know about safely camping in a car. Read the article before going on an adventure to learn more!
Final Thoughts
Both car and tent camping are great outdoor experiences. It’s just a matter of choosing which one is most suitable for you and your family. If you want the full outdoor experience, you might want to go with a ground tent. However, if you need some of the comforts of home, it may be best to go car camping instead.