In the age of Social Media Gurus and Influencers, it’s hard not to lose yourself in the romanticism of “living that van life.” If you find yourself daydreaming of shedding your 9 to 5 life and hitting the road as a pro travel blogger, then this is the post for you. Today is National Camp Day and we will be sharing some of our picks for great campsites in New York State, and amazing camping gear for wilderness warriors and car campers! So what are you waiting for? Jump in your new car from Atlantic and let’s head off into the sunset.
Great Campsite and RV Park Destinations
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Battle Row Campgrounds in Old Bethpage
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Smith Point County Park Campground in Mastic Beach
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Eastern Long Island Kampgrounds in Greenport
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Nickerson Beach Campground in Lido Beach
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Henry Kaufmann Campgrounds in Wheatley Heights
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Wildwood State Park Cottages in Calverton
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Hither Hills Campground in Montauk
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Wildwood State Park in Wading River
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Beaver Pond Campground in Stony Point
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Black Bear Campground in Florida NY
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Malouf’s Mountain Campground in Beacon
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Interlake RV Park in Rhinebeck
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Woodland Valley Campground in Phoenicia
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Roundout Valley RV Campground in Accord
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Hunter Lake Campgrounds in Parksville
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Sleepy Hollow Campground in Phoenicia
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Cranberry Lake Campground in Cranberry Lake
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Fahnestock State Park Campground in Putnam Valley
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Frosty Acres Campground in Schenectady
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Dirt Road Camp in Delancey
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Old Forge Camping Resort in Old Forge
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Saranac Lake Islands Campgrounds in Saranac Lake
Tips For Camping in the Car, SUV, or Van
Most modern day cars are roomy and spacious and make the perfect alternative to camping in tents or RVs. Check out these great tips for using your Van, SUV, or roomy sedan as cozy camping quarters!
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Make sure you’ve packed these ten camping essentials from REI experts in your car and have fully filled your car’s gas tank.
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Check which spaces are designated for parking your vehicle overnight, and if a ticket or permit is required to do so. Some places may require you to pay in advance to secure the site.
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Select a flat, shaded area to set up your “campsite” so you don’t overheat or have to worry about your car rolling.
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Place your food in a safe place inside the vehicle in a cooler or carrier to prevent spoilage or animal intruders.
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Keep any overhangs, tables, chairs, and other belongings close to your vehicle to avoid crowding out other campers. If your campsite permits fires, be sure to set up any campfires about 150 feet or so away from your car to prevent accidents.
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Make sure all the interior lights are turned off so you don't run your battery down. Hang battery operated lights from the handles or clip headlamps to the headliner of the car so you can see at night when needed, or bring a reading light for a little relaxation.
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Roll out a compact pillow and bedroll, foam mattress, or thick sleeping bag to keep comfortable.
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Keep the windows or moon roof/sun roof cracked open for ventilation and air circulation. You can apply a thin mesh or piece of screen to prevent little critters and bugs from sneaking in the gaps. Don’t place any valuables under the windows to prevent any potential moisture or rain from getting in.
Here’s a list of Campfire Friendly Recipes to try:
Suggested Camping Gear for Your Next Road Trip
This is a convenient camper accessory for your SUV or other vehicles (different models are available for your car!) Enjoy a socially distanced vacation flying solo or with a partner or your kid. Sets up in 60 seconds, sleeps up to 4 people, and fits most vehicles! The closing straps have locks for your security and safety. Also includes tension poles, a ladder with angled steps, a UV cover to protect it, too. Comes in multiple sizes (mini or regular) and works with a wide array of accessories on the iKamper site!
Don’t want to travel with tanks of butane or gasoline? We get it! Moving through the world in a waste-free, safe manner is important to us, too. Reducing your carbon footprint is great for the environment! Why not grab one of these wood-fueld Campfire Solo Stoves. Fire it up lickety split with just foraged twigs, ruffage, and sticks from your campsite. (Make sure you have a fire extinguisher handy, though, just in case!) Packs away safely and can travel in all weather!
Ultimate Cast Iron Camping Cook Set
Keep it simple with these easy to use, easy to clean, travel friendly campsite cooking utensils. This 8 piece set has everything you need for perfect campsite meals. From grilling the fresh catch of the day to stewed veggies and herbs you’ve foraged safely (grab some wilderness and foraging books and take a class to learn how to safely ID non-toxic edible plants!) you can cook it all. These are the perfect thing for every travelling roadtripper!
Thermarest’s MondoKing 3D Sleeping Pad
This sleeping mat comes in two sizes: Large and XXL. It’s four inches thick and has stable sidewalls and comfortable stretch knit fabric so you can sleep soundly. It’s easy to compress and store, but convenient to inflate for use.
Turn your mattress roll into a chair for no-fuss seating without the bulk or hassle of carrying folding chairs in your gear. Multiple sizes to fit your bed roll.
Compressible Pillows from Thermarest
This convenient portable pillow is easily stowed for travel, but expands quickly for comfortable sleep. Has multiple styles and sizes to choose from!
MEGAWHEELS Trunk Tent Waterproof Fabric
Included in this kit is a carry bag, car lock rings, and a tent with waterproof fabric. Attach this to your car/truck body to keep yourself safe and dry and warm while camping in your car. It also stops bugs and critters from invading your space late at night or in muggy weather.
