{"id":4594,"date":"2023-07-03T07:44:00","date_gmt":"2023-07-03T14:44:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vernfonk.com\/blog\/?p=4594"},"modified":"2023-06-23T07:45:04","modified_gmt":"2023-06-23T14:45:04","slug":"car-camping-tips-for-washington-state-a-survivors-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vernfonk.com\/blog\/car-insurance\/car-camping-tips-for-washington-state-a-survivors-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Car Camping Tips for Washington State: A Survivor\u2019s Guide\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Sure, you can take to the road in Washington State in a six-figure recreational vehicle or stay in five-star hotels on your next vacation. But you can have just as much fun on a shoestring budget (as long as you have affordable auto insurance<\/a>) by car camping. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Get ready for a wild ride as we dive into some car camping tips, but first, let’s lay down the foundation with a basic definition. Buckle up, folks! <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s\u2026pretty much what it sounds like. You vacation by automobile, van, or another form of personal transportation and sleep in your vehicle for the night. Oftentimes for free. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Likely sleeping spots can include Washington state parks, campgrounds, and even 24-hour big box store parking lots or farmland. Just make sure you get permission from the landowner first. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Camping by car is a way of seeking Evergreen State road adventures<\/a> on a very limited budget, especially if you cook most of your meals by campfire or stove. Here\u2019s how to do car camping right. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to comedian John Caparulo, he once fell asleep on a ladder. The point he was making in that bit is that insomnia was not a problem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Can you similarly sleep anywhere?<\/em> That\u2019s the first thing you have to figure out before deciding to go car camping in Washington. It might not be an ideal way of seeing the state if you have a family with young children<\/a> \u2014 unless you drive a bus. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But if you\u2019re camping alone or with just one travel partner, it might be worth considering as long as you have the right vehicle. Can you stretch out fairly well in your ride? Try it in your driveway or garage first. What happens after a night spent in your car? Did you sleep the whole night through? Are you in pain? Does car camping still seem like a good idea? <\/p>\n\n\n\n Know the daytime \u2014 and nighttime \u2014 temperatures in the locations you\u2019ll visit. Just because the climate is mild during the day doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t freeze when the sun goes down. Also, learn whether nighttime temperatures stay uncomfortably warm. If you\u2019re going to bail out of your car camping trip, it\u2019s better to do it in the planning stage than at 3 a.m. on your first night on the road. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Just because you\u2019re bare-bones camping doesn\u2019t mean you should go without outdoor gear. The basics include the following: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep in mind, car camping is not a game of survival. If you find you need something not on this brief list, don\u2019t hesitate to stop at the nearest big box store or supermarket.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n This can be a matter of trial and error. For instance, you might be able to get a full night\u2019s rest at a Washington rest stop every time out. At other times and places, you could experience a knuckle rap on your driver\u2019s side window and a uniformed officer telling you to move on. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Twenty-four-hour retail store parking lots can be similarly hit or miss. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Car camping is legal in Washington state parks, but you should make reservations<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Most Washington campsite regulations allow for car camping at very reasonable rates. However, you\u2019re better off calling ahead just to be sure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In general, you\u2019re likely to find a lot of Washington state destinations where you can probably<\/em> car camp. The only way you\u2019ll know is by trying. Then repeat any strategy that works. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to always having a fully charged phone, other emergency preparedness actions include staying out of sketchy locations. We\u2019ll define that as anywhere that looks to be on the slightly dangerous side to you. Trust your instincts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Even though you mean to camp virtually free, be sure to take cash and credit cards in case you can\u2019t find a safe place to rough it and need to book a room. You might also decide to seek a motel room after several days in your car just for a diversion. There\u2019s nothing wrong with that. <\/p>\n\n\n\n And finally, make sure you have the appropriate auto insurance<\/a>, including roadside assistance. Your 24\/7 dispatcher can get you access to a battery charge, flat tire change, a tow, or a couple of gallons of gasoline \u2014 whatever help you need, whenever you need it – even nights, weekends, and holidays. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Ready for your first money-saving car camping adventure? Start by consulting your independent Vern Fonk Insurance agent for affordable auto insurance with roadside assistance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Call us at (800) 455-8276<\/a> or go online<\/a> for a quick quote. You can also find a Vern Fonk Washington office<\/a> near you.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat Is Car Camping?<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Plan Ahead<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What to Bring Along<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Where to Stop<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Take Safety Precautions<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Have a Safe and Fun Washington State Car Camping Adventure<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n