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Sometimes travelling is luxurious and stylish, sometimes it can be comfortable and convenient, but one of my favourite ways, is adventurous and unrestricted.

Traveling across a country in a campervan or camping in your car offers a unique, liberating, and super, budget-friendly way to explore. Imagine waking up to the sound of waves crashing on a beach or enjoying your morning coffee with a stunning mountain view, all from the comfort of your mobile home.

Now this is an extension or our post Travel Australia from $1 a Day!so if you have not read that post, you can definitely benefit from giving it a read to help you plan your Camping Adventure.

Why Campervan Travel

While it is in no way luxurious, glamorous or stylish, Campervan or car camping is incredibly budget-friendly and a unique way to experience a country. This method of travel significantly reduces costs by combining transportation and accommodation into one whole expense. Instead of spending money on expensive hotels and restaurants, you can sleep in your vehicle and cook your meals(that doesn’t mean you can’t still go to restaurants. Additionally, there are numerous free or low-cost camping sites available, allowing you to eliminate accomodation cost and travel on a tight budget while still enjoying the freedom and flexibility to explore at your own pace.

This freedom can lead to unexpected discoveries and spontaneous adventures with the flexibility allowing you to stay longer in locations that seem more exciting than you initially expected. Traveling in a campervan or car can offer considerable comfort when properly equipped, often including beds, cooking facilities, and storage space, making it a practical and cozy option for long or extended journeys.

Beyond the financial benefits, car camping fosters a deep connection with nature, offering the chance to wake up to stunning landscapes and fall asleep under the stars and occasionally, up close to local animals. The adventure and self-sufficiency involved in car camping add an exciting dimension to travel, making it a rewarding experience for those looking to explore the world in a unique and economical way.

Essential Gear for Campervan and Car Camping

Packing the right gear can be what makes the difference with your car camping experience. I have camped with just a basic sleeping bag and tent and slowly upgraded to a full bed set up and a portable shower that really makes a difference for longer trips. Below is our recommendations for the basic essential gear and then further we’ll go into what extras you can add to have a more luxurious feeling set up.

If you are renting a campervan, most of these below will already be included for you, however, you should always double check with your chosen company to ensure you have everything you need.

Sleeping Gear

• Sleeping Bag or Bedding: Choose a sleeping bag appropriate for the season or bring bedding (sheets, blankets) that will keep you warm and comfortable.
• Sleeping Pad or Mattress: An inflatable mattress or foam pad will make sleeping in your car much more comfortable.
• Pillows: Bring along pillows for added comfort.
• EXTRA COMFORT: An inflatable mattress specific to the shape of cars. I use a double mattress that fits in the back of my SUV and it has improved the comfort levels immensely, which has improved our sleep quality when on the road. They also come with inflatable pillows as an added comfort.

Cooking Equipment

• Portable Stove or Camping Grill: A portable stove allows you to cook hot meals wherever you stop. Some campervans come with built-in kitchens, but a camping stove works great for car camping.
• Cookware: Pack lightweight pots, pans, a spatula, and a sharp knife. Also, include a cutting board and a can opener. You won’t be cooking 5 star meals so remember to keep it minimal.
• Reusable Dishes and Cutlery: Bring reusable plates, bowls, cups, and cutlery to minimize waste. (Hint: if you can find a cutlery set that stacks together you can maximise storage space!)
• EXTRA EQUIPMENT: Cooler or Portable Fridge: Keep your food fresh with a quality cooler or a portable fridge. (Hint: you can absolutely get away without one of these, but it does add a bit of luxury having access to cold foods and drinks)
• EXTRA EQUIPMENT: Water Storage: Collapsible water containers are great for saving space and ensuring you have enough water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. (Hint: an added bonus is to pack water purifying tablets to ensure you always have a clean water source, especially when heading to particularly remote areas)

Camping Gear

• Tent: If you prefer to sleep outside your vehicle, bring a durable, weather-resistant tent.
• Camping Chairs and Table: These enhance your comfort at the campsite.
• Lighting: Pack headlamps, lanterns, and flashlights for illumination at night.
• EXTRA GEAR: Multi-tool: A Swiss Army knife or multi-tool is handy for various tasks.
• EXTRA GEAR: Car Tent: If you are not a fan of traditional tents or just want to sleep in the comfort of you car, a car tent that goes over your open boot door, makes an amazing alternative.
• EXTRA GEAR: Camping Fans: These were an absolute game changer during those hotter months where it was difficult to get to sleep from the heat. Because they are so portable, they also provide some relief while going about your day or packing them for a hike.
• EXTRA GEAR: Camping Shower: Now this changed my camping life! This is also where those purifying tablets come in handy as well. Some campervans will already come with a built in shower, but having a portable camping one is just an added luxury to being on the road! We like to add an extra pop up tent to save the hassle of finding a private spot for a shower.

Navigation and Safety

• GPS or Maps: Reliable navigation is key, especially in remote areas. You won’t always have access to reception so you must try not to rely on your as your only source of navigation.
• Phone Charger: Keep your devices charged with a car charger or portable power bank.
• Roadside Emergency Kit: Include jumper cables, a tire repair kit, basic tools and a mini first aid kit all will definitely come in handy.

Finding Free Campsites

To keep your travel costs low, utilize resources that help you find free or affordable campsites. Throughout Australia, Canada and other countries, there are so many free campsites scattered around which can lead to some amazing locations that you never would have visited if you weren’t camping. Here are some useful websites and apps that will help you find spots like these:

• iOverlander: A popular app for finding free camping spots, as well as paid campgrounds and other traveler resources.
• FreeCampsites.net: A user-generated database of free campsites across North America.
• Park4Night: An app that helps you find camping spots, rest areas, and scenic viewpoints.
• Campendium: Lists free and low-cost campgrounds, including user reviews and tips.
• Any Camp: An app designed to help travelers find free or affordable campsites throughout Australia and New Zealand

Easy Meals and Snacks for Car Camping

Cooking on the road doesn’t have to be complicated. While you may not have the space or refrigeration to prepare elaborate feasts, with careful planning, you can still enjoy delicious and satisfying meals. By focusing on non-perishable or minimally perishable ingredients, you can create nutritious dishes without the need for extensive refrigeration, making your car camping experience simpler and more enjoyable. Here are some easy meal and snack ideas to keep you well-fed during your travels with minimal refrigeration required:

1. Breakfast Ideas

• Instant Oatmeal Packs: Bring individual packets of instant oatmeal. All you need to do is add hot water, which you can heat on a portable stove or with a kettle. For extra flavor and nutrition, pack some dried fruit, nuts, seeds or honey.
• Nut Butter and Honey Sandwiches: Spread peanut butter, almond butter, or any other nut butter on whole-grain bread and drizzle with honey. This breakfast is filling, non-perishable, and easy to make.
• Fruit and Granola Cups: Combine canned or dried fruit with granola in a cup for a simple and quick breakfast. You can add powdered milk or shelf-stable plant-based milk if you prefer a bit of moisture.

2. Lunch and Dinner Ideas

• Canned Soups, Stews and Curries: Stock up on canned soups, chili, stews or curries that only need to be heated up. These are easy to prepare over a camp stove and require no refrigeration. If it seems like not enough, try adding some veggies like cauliflower, carrot or potato.
• Couscous with Veggies: Couscous cooks quickly by adding boiling water. Pair it with canned vegetables (like chickpeas, carrots, corn, and peas) and some spices or hot sauce for added flavor.
• Tuna, Chicken or Salmon Salad Wraps: Use pouches/cans of tuna, salmon or chicken (which don’t require refrigeration) and mix with mayo packets (or buy ones that already come premixed with sauce), relish or chutney. Spread the mixture on whole-wheat wraps and add greens if desired.
• Instant Noodles or Ramen: These are perfect for quick meals. Add boiling water and include some dehydrated veggies or shelf-stable tofu for extra nutrients.

3. Snack Ideas

• Trail Mix: A mix of nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and a few pieces of dark chocolate makes for a non-perishable, energy-boosting snack.
• Rice Cakes with Nut Butter: Rice cakes are lightweight and don’t require refrigeration. Spread with nut butter and top with banana chips or a drizzle of honey for a tasty snack.
• Jerky: Beef, turkey, or plant-based jerky is a great high-protein snack that doesn’t need to be kept cold.
• Canned Fruit: Canned peaches, pineapples, or pears make for a sweet, hydrating snack. Choose those packed in juice rather than syrup for a healthier option.
• Crackers and Hummus: Choose shelf-stable hummus packs and pair them with whole-grain crackers for a savory snack.
• Popcorn: Pre-popped, packaged popcorn or popcorn kernels you can pop yourself over the campfire or portable stove make for a light, tasty snack.

Traveling in a campervan or car camping offers an unmatched sense of freedom and flexibility, allowing you to explore a country at your own pace. With the right gear, some well-planned meals, and a bit of smart budgeting, you can experience the thrill of adventure in a unique and affordable way. Whether you’re dreaming of exploring the rugged coastlines of Australia, discovering the vast national parks of the United States, or navigating the charming routes of Europe, car camping is one of the most economical ways to immerse yourself in new places. So, pack your bags, hit the road, and embrace the new adventures that await!

Happy Travels, and Happy Camping!