I was introduced to the fun of sleeping under the stars and enjoying nature for more than just a day at a time, late in life. Like many things, my best friend Greg shed some light on the incredible amount of fun one can have camping and hiking.
It is really too bad that I came into this hobby and activity so late in the game (2001, when I was 21), because of where I lived—close enough to the Canadian Rockies that I could have enjoyed camping and hiking every weekend—in the almost 10 years that I lived in Calgary prior to living with Greg—and not gone to the same place twice. It isn’t that my family didn’t enjoy experiences nature, but that we just went on short, day walks only.
view from campsite, Stawamus Chief—near Squamish, B.C.
Of course, car camping is only possible with a vehicle of some kind, therein lies the problem for us in Vancouver, and one of the reasons why we haven’t gone camping or hiking very often in the last 7 years. Renting a car or using one from the MODO car co-op can be pricey, for one. Secondly, it must be said that the Coast Mountain range is not the Rockies. Going from sea-level up maybe 700 ft. isn’t even close to the same as rising high above the earth from 4,000 ft in Calgary to the top of the mountains, with an elevation gain of maybe another 1000 or more ft!
With the short summers we have in Canada, it’s important to get outside as much as possible during July and August. If cost, time and desire is available, I love to go back-country camping—that is, extended hiking for several days at a time, camping in the backcountry—and would like to do more of it in the future. I remember the few back-country camping trips on trails in Jasper and Yoho national parks (part of the Rocky Mountain chain) vividly. The trails there are well-maintained and offer a variety of views and wildlife.
If you aren’t up for a long—camping trip, car-camping can be a great alternative. This type of camping is great for those with larger groups (I would only go on long hikes with Greg because, otherwise I’d feel as though I were slowing everyone down, etc.), children or elderly people—as well as for those that are either not physically fit enough or not interested in a gruelling week of hiking 10 to 25km per day.
So, what do you need in order to have an enjoyable car-camping trip?
Check out this list of Car Camping Essentials:
1) Something to sleep in—a tent, an RV/camper, or similar.
An MSR Three-Person Tent
2) Something to eat—you don’t have to have a bbq, stove or campfire. . .non-heated food works well, too. You can pack sandwiches, chips, etc. or get more creative. I prefer to take a small camping stove and some food that I want to heat up:
Greg, making popcorn—a definite camping essential!
This Gigapower Manual Stove by Snow Peak
3) Something to sleep on. You don’t necessarily have to buy sleeping bags and pads if you are just car camping. Instead, you can bring along your comforters/duvets, blankets and pillows from home. Camping in the Rocky Mountains, it tends to get very cold at night, so I prefer to have my mummy sleeping bag and a comfy Thermarest
4) Lighting. I like using headlamps (good for heading to the toilet in the dark), but also portable flashlights and lanterns for inside the tent. We’ve had our LED headlamps for 10 years now. There are new, fancier ones out there, but ours get the job done well enough.
5) Entertainment. I usually find myself content just sitting and enjoying Greg’s company while we stare at our natural surroundings, but I also enjoy watching movies (on a laptop, iPad or iPhone), reading or writing whilst camping. These activities are nice if you plan on staying at the campsite for more than 1 night, especially, or you don’t plan on hiking or walking much during the day.
6) Napkins and Plastic Bags. These are needed for when you’re eating and for your garbage, which should never be left in the tent with you (nor outside. . .and that goes for food of any kind, too).
7) Water, and possibly a filter. There may or may not be running water where you go camping. . .and you may or may not want to boil it. I am currently looking for a water filter that isn’t too clunky to come with us backcountry camping.
Extras:
- Comfy shoes, for hiking/walking—even to the outhouse/port-o-potty.
- Titanium sporks—we’ve had our Snow Peak ones for 10 years and love them for work lunches and camping trips.
- a Cooler for keeping drinks and snacks cold—great for the drive to the campsite, picnics along the way, etc.
- gloves, booties, warm clothing
Stay tuned for lots more on camping, outdoor adventures and trails on this blog, including reviews and recommendations on specific gear. There are some affiliate links in this post.
When my children were young, we'd do a lot of 'car camping'. Going to National Parks Like Yellow Stone, Crazy Horse, Devil's Tower, etc. One nice thing about these places is that not only are they incredibly beautiful and amazing! But if you go to the Ranger's Office, They'll give you a map with details to look for and a information to share. The Kids learn more and check off each detail along the way and when you get back to the Ranger's Office, they'll look at what you've done, and send Ranger Badges from those Nation Parks. Is exciting for the kids to learn and earn their Devil's Tower Ranger Badge, etc. It's also something the Ranger's have taken close care to keep in mind that Mom's and toddlers are walking slowly, and not too far! haha… Hope you check your Ranger Stations everywhere you go! The children get the feeling they accomplished something and it is an Adventure you and your children will never forget!
That should be an interesting adventure! I've never gone camping with little kids. 🙂
Camping is one of our only family activities we find fit everyone. You were really roughing it! Good for you, we camp that way too and usually get looked at like we are nuts.
Beautiful nature photos!
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We love to camp, so long as it isn't too hot:) But one thing we always brought was a little portable grill. Just in case you can't get a fire going or something like that:) And the inflatable mattress is great too:D
I haven't been able to have a campfire in years! The little stove we have is nice, but I do want a portable grill for car-camping, too.
I like campfires, too but they've been banned for years anywhere we go!
thanks for the recommendation, Ellen! We need a water purifier, so I'll look in to that one.
I have been camping several times throughout my childhood. I haven't been in YEARS tho. My husband's vacation is coming up in a few weeks and guess what he wants to do?! Go camping! Your post reminded me of several things that I will need to remember to do and bring! Thanks for the great post!
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Was searching around for camping trip ideas and came across this. I've only been out west a couple of times but this looks like a perfect father/son trip. Thanks for sharing.