tent camping v. car camping: an experiment.

James and I have been sworn campers for about six years now. We love to take big multi-state road trips every summer (we’re up to 18 states visited together), and we save money by camping. 

Until spring 2021, we had exclusively tent-camped (with the occasional camper cabin if we’re feeling fancy – though we would love a little teardrop or pop-up someday, but I digress). When we went to Colorado in April of this year, James bought a Subaru-exclusive car air mattress so we could sleep in the car if it got too cold at night. We ended up not minding car camping at all!

James and I car-camped for the entirety of our summer 2021 road trip, which took us through Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, and back in five days. We took along our trusty tent just in case, and there were several nights I was tempted to haul it out and sleep there by myself for a little breathing room.

When it comes down to it, I still can’t decide which option is better.

CAR CAMPING PROS:

• The only setup takes place before you leave: then you’re set for the rest of the trip.

• If there is any kind of adverse weather, you are well protected.

CAR CAMPING CONS:

• You must have some type of rooftop carrier for this to work, as your sleeping materials will take up all of your storage space.

• It is SO HOT IN THERE. You can’t really open the windows lest you want to get eaten alive by regional insects.

• You’re going to be in tight quarters with your fellow car camper, and it really can only be done with two adults max and possibly one small child.

• If your air mattress gets a hole, you’re shit out of luck.

TENT CAMPING PROS:

• You have room to spread out.

• You can smush as many people as you feel like in there.

• It’s much easier to stay cool since you have vents with mosquito netting and a little dome where you can hang your camping fan.

TENT CAMPING CONS:

• Pitching a tent isn’t that bad, but it’s a real bummer when you get to your campsite late.

• Taking your tent down IS a real bummer, as is cleaning it when you get home.  

 

So it seems to be a draw. We'd better take more vacations... you know, for research.