Can You Camp Out of Your Car in National Parks?

Camping out of your car in a National Park can be an enjoyable and unique experience. It allows you to explore a beautiful and remote area, while also giving you the freedom to travel and explore places you otherwise couldn’t access with any other means of transportation.

With that being said, there are a few important things to consider before embarking on this type of camping adventure.

Research Your Destination: The first step is to do your research. Not all National Parks allow car camping and you’ll want to make sure the one you choose does.

It’s also important to know the regulations for each park as they vary from park to park. Some parks may require a backcountry permit or may limit the number of days you can stay in one location.

Choose A Suitable Spot: Once you arrive at your destination, it’s important to find a suitable spot for car camping. You should look for an area that is level, free from debris, and has plenty of space for parking your car.

Avoid areas near bodies of water or on high ground as these can be hazardous. Additionally, it is important not to camp within 100 yards of any established trails or roads.

Prepare For Emergencies: When camping out of your car in the National Park it is important that you are prepared for any emergency situations that may arise. Make sure that you have a first-aid kit on hand as well as plenty of food and water in case you get stranded somewhere without access to any services or supplies.

Practice Leave No Trace Ethics: When camping out of your car it’s important that you practice Leave No Trace ethics so as not to disturb the natural environment around you. Be sure to properly dispose of all trash and waste materials and leave the area better than how you found it.

Conclusion:

Overall, camping out of your car in a National Park can be an enjoyable experience if done correctly. By doing your research beforehand, choosing a suitable spot, preparing for emergencies, and practicing Leave No Trace ethics – campers can have an amazing time while also helping protect our wild places.

Photo of author

Alex Wright