Get your tent off the ground
Depending on the car you drive, tents can be easily attached to your vehicle, giving you more security, comfort and space. Manufacturers such as Napier and Rightline produce tents for pickup trucks that are entirely encompassed by and tied onto the truck bed, getting you off the ground (especially comforting if there’s risk of rain or cold weather). Other hybrid tents sit on the ground but feature an opening that surrounds the back of any SUV, granting significantly more room for sleep or activities. Tents are also made to accommodate hatchbacks and minivans.Rightline Truck Tents ($179.99)Boasting comfortable campsites wherever you can drive, Rightline manufactures models from 5-foot compact beds to 8-foot full-size beds, depending on the model of your vehicle. Each tent comfortably sleeps two and features a cozy mesh moonroof to open you up to the sky while keeping mosquitoes out.Sportz SUV Tent 82000 ($349.99)This roomy tent easily fits several with a 6-by-6-foot floor plan and a large awning on the outside for shade from the heat. With a detachable vehicle sleeve, it also functions as a standalone tent if you’re inclined to travel the open road a bit. Check out the 84000 model which features a 6-by-7-foot screen room granting even more covered floor space for a mere $30 more.
Camping doesn’t necessarily have to be a test of survival, pitting your wits and guile against the elements. Sometimes – whether it’s a family outing, a trip to a music festival or even just a weekend away – it’s just fun to sleep outside. Car camping can be a great way to get out into the wild world around Tennessee, while retaining some style and comfort.
WHAT NOT TO DO
Don’t skimp on food and water. Camping with your car isn’t the time to try to minimize what you’re bringing. When you’ve got the space, use it! You can go above and beyond typical camp food fare with the extra gear you can bring, so take advantage of it. As for water, campsites can and do run into shortages. Bringing more than you need never hurt anyone.
Don’t assume weather will be good. While not a safety issue, bringing nothing in the eventuality of rain can take a trip from exciting to blah pretty easily, especially if it’s a family outing with kids. You’ve got a whole car and tent to work with; bring some games or activities should the sky take a turn for the worse.
Don’t keep your food in the car. This is true of any campsite, but especially true when car camping. Nothing is a ruder awakening than a bear trying to get at your food stash – and causing thousands of dollars worth of damage to your car at the same time. Raccoons, bobcats and other beasts will also be aiming to get at your food, and all can cause damage to your tent or vehicle. Instead of keeping it in your car, make a bear bag to store your food. Simply put your food in a bag and hoist it up to a tree branch away from your campsite and at least 15 feet off the ground using a rope.