Hello all! I know this will be controversial for some. I read all kinds of thoughts on it. I have people in real life say I am crazy. I am thankful my mother is supportive, believe it or not! LOL! She is a camper though! She is also a solo adventurer on the most part like me. I guess I just got it honestly.
If you have been on my blog long enough... you know I like to explore. I also love adventure (to a degree 😏) and outdoors is my language!
I have always wanted to car camp! Yes, you are reading that right. Car Camp. I can't explain the desire I have or why but I do. Last year, it was on my 2025 bucket list to do but it was the ONE thing I did not do on my list. Time, money, and little fear got in the way.
(Image from Pinterest for inspiration)
It really is like "tent camping" or a very small TINY version of a basic camper "camping" if you think about it. 😉
I am planning my first car camping trip for one night once I feel better. I am still not feeling very good but one day hopefully. Researching and making plans has been a lifter of my spirit. :)
I am not sure when I will try it. It may be this spring or maybe in the fall. I will not do it in the summer. It is too hot for me to do that in my area. Who knows... it could be in a week or in five months.
(Image from Pinterest for inspiration)
A few questions I have had people ask me when I mention this is a dream of mine.
Do you really think you will like it? ~ I have no idea. I will not know until I try. I may hate it and I may love it.
Why???? ~ I get this one A LOT. So, my answer is that I want to be able to travel for hiking and to explore more areas unfortunately I cannot always afford hotels, cabins, or even air bnb's. I also love exploring outdoors and love to sit by a fire, look at stars, drink a hot cocoa and cook "camp" food. I love the thought of being out in nature and waking up to beautiful scenery. You can see and explore a lot more by camping.
Wait! A car! Why not a tent?? ~ Well, I have tent camped a few times as a young girl. I did like it a lot. But it has been ages and I feel I am building up that bravery a little at a time. I also RV camped last spring with my mom.
I started traveling and staying alone in remote areas about three years ago once or twice a year to get comfortable to being alone in the woods. I have stayed in tree houses, cabins, and my last adventure was a tiny home in the woods on a goat farm.
I want to eventually tent camp. BUT I feel like I would have more security car camping until I get comfortable learning how to set up camp by myself. Since, I have felt very comfortable traveling alone now I want to car camp, then tent camp and then backpack on a hike in the woods overnight. YES! I know I am insane. I will say I do not want to backpack camp alone. That is negative. I will take either our daughter or our youngest son as both of them have experience with backpacking and long overnight hiking trips. Hannah was an intern for Rocky Mountains National Park, and she has had to backpack for long periods in the backcountry for up to 10 days.
Why is your husband not going? ~ Because simply put, IT IS NOT HIS THING. LOL! He has no desire to sleep in a tent ever, camp in the woods during a hike, or nothing like this. He is the type of person that will only stay in a cabin or very luxurious rv type person. :) Nothing wrong with that at all. I am down for that too. I just want to experience of roughing it. LOL!
Are you not scared?? What if this or that? ~ Yes, I have fears. Yes, I will need to be smart, prepared and have a safety plan. Yes, I could ask myself all the what if's or that's and worry all the time. But what good does all that do? Any single time you leave your home there is a risk. :)
What are you most scared of when you think about doing this? ~
The first thing is animals. Yes, I know. I am scared of that the most. Mainly snakes or bears or even a poisonous spider or bug. You know the one you will never know slithering in your tent or getting in your car somehow. 😕😁
I am a little afraid of weirdos! Enough said.
I am also tad afraid of the aloneness, quiet and darkness I will experience.
So, with all that being said. I showed an image this past Monday's post of camping. I am pondering and researching car camping and tent camping. I am creating a plan to try it soon. I have full support from my family. I am looking forward to the day I get to have the experience. Who knows... I may go and freak out and drive right back home. That is why my first time will be at a local state park close to our home with 24/7 security and a park I am very familiar with because I hike and kayak there a lot.
I can't wait to share more about this topic. The ups, the downs, if I like it or hate it. :)
Right now, I am researching camp gear on a budget. I do not want to spend a lot on my first time in case I end up not liking it.
Here is a great resource I have found. The Trek is a website with great tips and knowledge.
More helpful resources....
I hope you enjoyed today's post. It really is a post of me sharing a little of my dreams. :)
With Love,
Chrissy
20 comments:
this was fun. i feel you have a real love for camping and hiking!! you are the right path...research, research and the videos were great. and bravo to you fulfill a dream of your own!!
In our family, my husband would car camp. I am one of those people who wants power and running water! :)
Camping in your car sounds like a lot of fun, I think I would prefer to sleep in a car than in a tent, it does feel safer. At least if you are in your car and you feel afraid you can always drive somewhere where you feel safer. Have fun with it.
Do your thing!!! I bet it'll be amazing! I think it's a great idea that you are starting off at a park wtih 24/7 security that you are used it. And then before you know it, you'll be off to other places.
Not crazy at all — this actually sounds brave and exciting 😊
I love how you’re taking it step by step. Starting with car camping at a familiar place is such a smart move. And honestly, waking up in nature with a hot drink sounds amazing.
I can’t wait to hear how it goes!
I say good for you. I think it is a great idea and would be fun. We can't not do things because we are afraid. My son has done this many times and loves it!!
My brother-in-law camps in his car sometimes when he goes on trips, and he enjoys it. I actually think sleeping in a car over night is safer than setting up a tent, as you can always just get out fast if there are any dangerous wild animals or strange people around. I am a bit of a gypsy, so this doesn't shock me at all. And Yes, there are always fears, but I have my Rosary tucked away right next to me always. I think you are brave, and I look forward to hearing about your adventures, Chrissy.
Well, It sounds like an adventure for sure. And as long as you have made all the preparations for safety and food and potty issues (if you are at a state park that should be covered), then go for it. Personally, I would be more concerned about the 2 legged animals than the so-called wild ones, but they are all something to be prepared for and have a plan. And God is with you wherever you go. Just be sure to take lots of pictures and have your phone charged for safety reasons, but not for scrolling. Let us know when it happens. We'll be waiting to hear all about it.
Thank you friend! I really do love it.
Haha! I get it.
Yes, I think it feels like more security.
Yes!!!
I am so excited!!! Thank you for commenting!!!
Oh, this is encouraging!!!!
Its not for me, but do what you love. You may regret it if you do not. Janice
This is my two cents for what it's worth.
Years ago I wanted to camp badly.
I had a topper on the back of our truck.
I put an nice air mattress in the back and packed groceries,ice chests bedding,first aid kit you name it.
I loaded up My two protective American bulldogs and off we went
When we arrived at the national Park
My husband paid for only one night instead of the week I planned to stay.
As we drove through the park I saw almost no people as it was early spring
and pretty chilly.
As we set up our camp site I asked my husband why he paid for only one night.
He said let's see if you want to stay a week after you see how it is for one night.
It was wonderful! Cool breezes and no biting bugs. A beautiful sunset as we grilled steaks,baked potatoes over an open fire. So romantic.
It got dark quickly and cold!
So we put out the fire got into the truck
And settled in for a peaceful night.
We were asleep when another car pulled up right next to us and woke us up.
I wondered why someone would park right next to us with a completely empty park.
I feel back asleep and awoke to a massive fire burning right out our window and my bulldogs growling.
I looked out and saw a man completely
naked dancing around the fire.
He kept looking over at us. But he saw the very scary bulldogs.
At some point a forestry officer arrived and made him put out the fire.
He drove off before sunrise.
I got up,washed my face,changed clothes and told my husband let's go now.
He said not until I get a breakfast cooked over the campfire.
It was cold and damp. My dogs huddled near the fire complaining loudly. Cold grumpy babies.
I never prepared meal so fast in my life.
We ate and as we were leaving my husband said should I go pay the the rest of the week? As we drove off we saw police cars and officers in the woods.
The forestry guy asked my husband questions about the naked dancing guy.
Did we see his tag. Did we get a good look at him.
I got more of a look than I wanted!
As we drove past the lake with the rising sun I was so happy to be leaving.
That was my one and only camping experience.
Oh and a foot note....we were heading home the next morning we caught the news on the radio.
They had found a body in the park we
had camped in. That's why they were looking for that man
This happened in the 1980's.
It is a true event in my life.
But it is also a cautionary tale.
Please be careful.
Oh my! That does sound like a scary experience. I do appreciate the warning. Like I mentioned in the post, I have been camping several times just not solo and not in my car. I grew up with tent camping with my mom. I camped for a week this past May in an RV in a very desolate park with my mom. I am not unaware for sure that there can be crazy people. That is horrible about the body they found. I am sure there are serious and unfortunate things like this that happen more than we realize.
I am for sure not oblivious to the possibility of these things that could happen. I also live in a very dangerous area and there are shootings daily. I truly have a chance to be shot at any point going to Walmart in my area. I will for sure take precautions. That had to be very concerning for you. What a crud experience.
I love walks in nature but I am not fond of camping. What is important is that you enjoy it. Thank you for sharing, dear Chrissy.
I love to camp, Chrissy! I understand the need you have to just try it! I would definitely bring a weapon or at least bear spray with you. The Lord is our protector too! I hope you get to go soon and enjoy the beautiful outdoors. Thankfully both my husband and I both enjoy camping, as do our children. It is such a wonderful time we enjoy together. Many blessings to you!
Dearest Chrissy,
I thank you for sharing such an enjoyable post I read with much pleasure and delight!
May your days to come be filled with blessings
XO Daniela @ ~ My little old world ~
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