Parks and Rec: Camp Out in your Car

Ditch the tent and turn your vehicle into the ultimate camping accessory.

Why stay indoors when the wide, open roads of the Lone Star State are calling your name this summer? Camping in Texas is as easy as packing up the car and heading for the campgrounds where you can transform your car into the ultimate camping experience. 

Despite its deceptive name, car camping doesn’t involve sleeping in a car; rather, it’s about loading up a car with gear, pulling into a campsite, and setting up using the car as the base for the campsite.

In his book The Best in Tent Camping: Texas: A Guide for Car Campers Who Hate RVs, Concrete Slabs, and Loud Portable Stereos, native Texan and longtime outdoor enthusiast Wendel Withrow writes about the beauty and ease of car camping, writing that “whether it’s between childhood friends or new acquaintances, gathering around a crackling wood fire and sharing life’s experiences without a computer screen or cellphone to separate us from our fellow humans is the best type of escape.”

Withrow isn’t alone in his adoration of the outdoors across the Lone Star State, as each year more than 20 million visitors enter Texas state parks armed with carloads of high-tech gadgets and cool camping gear. The right gear can transform a normal sedan into a spacious shelter or a minivan into a luxurious “glamper.” From rooftop tents and car camping staples to ways to pack your car for a weekend in the wild, here are some tips on transforming your car into the ultimate camping carriage.

Pop it up

Although a standalone pop-up tent will of course do the trick, finding one that extends from your vehicle will take your car camping game to the next level. Tents like Napier Outdoors’ line of SUV tents and hatchback tents attach directly to your vehicle with a waterproof sleeve while Tepui Tents’ variety of rooftop tents offer a truly elevated camping experience.

Plan it out

Bringing little luxuries (like coolers of sodas, guitars, and portable stovetops) to the campsite is a perk of car camping, but a little organization will go a long way in keeping things manageable and easy to grab. Pack a large plastic container with kitchen staples like plates, silverware, spices, and cookware, and pack another one with essentials like fire starters, bug spray, a camping axe, flashlights, extra batteries, a first aid kit, and trash bags.

Load it down

Packing smart starts with packing safely, so know your vehicle’s load limits before packing it up, as heavy loads could affect the vehicle’s performance and handling. When packing, always put the items you’ll need last in first, and the items you’ll need first in last.

Think it through

Just like any time you get behind the wheel, you’ll need to make sure your vehicle is covered before starting your camping adventure. Contact your Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Agent to make sure your vehicle is covered for your weekend in the wild.

Tubing the river this summer? Use this packing list to make sure your fun stays afloat.

• Sunglasses and hats
• Water shoes
• Waterproof sunscreen
• Extra rope to keep the group together in the water
• Waterproof bags for electronics
• Small cooler filled with ice, beverages, and water
• Cash, credit card, keys, and ID (leave them in your car or secure them in a waterproof bag)
• Ziplock bag filled with snacks (no glass or Styrofoam)

Coverage and discounts are subject to qualifications and policy terms and may vary by situation.