top of page

How to camp when you don't have a car

WhistlersFather22

Updated: Nov 18, 2024

Camping and the great outdoors should be available to everyone – but it sometimes doesn't feel that way if you don't own a vehicle that will get you to your chosen trailhead or camping ground.


The fact is, having a car can make the experience a lot more convenient. But what if you don't have access to a one? Luckily, there are ways to enjoy camping without access to a vehicle.


Here are some tips on how to camp when you don't have a car.


Public transport


If you don't have a car, the most obvious option is to use public transportation. This can include buses, trains, and even bicycles. If you're planning on taking public transport, it's important to plan ahead and research your options.


Check the schedules and routes (remembering that you might need to return quickly if your plans or the weather changes), and make sure you have a clear idea of how you'll get to and from your camping destination. They tend not to be right next to bus stops.


When it comes to the gear you'll be taking, your biggest concern is often how to transport your tent. One option is to buy a lightweight, compact backpacking tent. These types of tents are designed to be carried on your back, making them easy to transport on foot or by bike.


Another option may be to rent a tent at your destination. Many outdoor retailers and camping equipment rental companies offer this service.


Hitching a lift


Another way to camp when you don't have a vehicle of your own is to find a camping buddy. If you have friends or family who are interested in camping, they may be willing to drive or carpool with you – especially if you offer to share the fuel costs.


Additionally, you can look for a camping partner on a camping website or groups on social media – but be sure to make sure the person is legitimate. It can be a good idea to meet in a public place such as a café first.


However you find him or here, when camping with a new buddy, it's important to have a solid plan in place and make sure they are trustworthy and reliable.


More feet than wheels


If you're looking for a little more independence and don't mind carrying your gear a long way, a thru-hiking trip might be a great option. This is when you take on the full length of an established trail. Your transport needs, therefore, extend no further than being able to get point A, and then home again from point B.


It can be a great way to experience the great outdoors when you don't have a car. It's also a good way to meet other people en route who enjoy the same activity. But keep in mind that this type of trip requires extra preparation, so be sure to research the trail, plan your gear and food accordingly and be sure to let someone know your plans and itinerary.


Close-to-home camping


Finally, consider camping near your home or nearby cities. Many urban areas have public parks and campgrounds that offer car-free camping options. You might be able to cycle there, get a lift or even arrive via Uber.


Enjoy this post? If so, please 'like' it (click the little heart below), check out our other blogs and come back soon for more :)




Recent Posts

See All

Contact

ABOUT THE BEST TENT BLOG AND CAMPING WEBSITE

DISCLAIMER

The authors of Best Tent Blog assume no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this site. The information contained in this site is provided on an "as is" basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness or timeliness. Every camping decision you make is your own and we accept no liability whatsoever.

Best Tent Blog was created over a beer one night when three friends were talking about what, exactly, they so loved about the great outdoors.

 

Mitch, our founder, put down his drink to explain that his own particular fascination with camping tents stemmed from a trip he'd had when he was just 10 years old on a rough strip of grass not far from his best friend's house. In the middle of town.

 

It was the least glamorous introduction to camping that anyone could imagine – five pre-pubescent guys wedged into a three-person tent with just enough floor space to accommodate them and their (limited) camping gear.

Camping tents were fairly unwieldy back then, and Mitch remembers the hellish struggle of trying to haul the fart-infested sack of canvas back to his friend's house.

Other tents of the lightweight variety were for more serious campers, he quickly realised, upon buying a camping magazine from the local news guy a few days later.

"That magazine introduced me to a world of backpacking tents, car camping tents, tent poles, four season tents and a whole lot more," Mitch says. "The ads at the back were full of exciting-looking products that made me want them for no other reason than they looked cool. I was hooked."


 

Fast forward a few years, and Mitch was camping on a small island with his girlfriend when he noticed that she'd inadvertently hitched a pair of boxer shorts out of his backpack and was swinging them around the tent on a pole like an all-conquering flag-waver.

Then there was the time at a sold-out summer rock festival where he attempted to leap over a friend's two person camping tent and fell face-first over a guy rope, hurtling headlong into the tent body.

 

The fact is, we all have stories like this (OK, not exactly like this). Whether you're a serious backpacker who has hiked the Appalachian trail or an occasional weekend camper – tents will have somehow wormed their way into your affection. And your drinking stories.

 

You'll maybe have discussed the intricacies of interior space with a guy in a camping store; exchanged your views on fair weather camping and multi-room family camping tents; you'll have wondered if you could convert the family Nissan for a weekend of car camping.

 

This is the tent-lover's life. And once you're in – you're in.

 

 

As well as wanting to give people an idea about the best tents for their needs – based on reviews from experts and the most-respected websites, such as outsideonline – we wanted to encapsulate that love of camping that affects so many of us.

 

In our blogs, you'll find information about the:

  • Best camping tents

  • Best backpacking tents

  • Budget camping tents

  • Gear storage

  • Waterproof tents

  • Camping trip ideas

  • Tent material

  • Sleeping pads

  • Outdoor gear

 

And more. Whether you're looking for the best tent blog, the best camping blog, the best outdoors blog or – more likely – a two minute distraction from your day job, we've hopefully got you covered.

We have information about what is the best camping tent in different scenarios, the best budget tent, the best overall camping tent and you'll find blogs about fishing, hiking trails, weather resistance and sleeping bags too.

Whether you have one tent and are looking to acquire more, or you already have a six person tent, a backpacking tent and a brace of dome tents for visitors, we hope you'll find something here that keeps you entertained, informed – and fuels your love of the great outdoors.

Here's to you, here's to us – here's to another night under the stars.

Best camping tents for... lofting your underwear

Why we started this campsite and camping blog

The whole kit and kaboodle

  • Twitter
bottom of page