Car camping has always been my favorite way to travel—it offers flexibility, freedom, and comfort while still allowing you to explore new places. There’s no single “right” way to car camp, and each trip can look different depending on your comfort level, budget, travel goals, and amenity preferences.
These methods aren’t mutually exclusive—they can (and should) be mixed and matched to fit your trip. The more I travel this way, the more I find myself blending different styles depending on where I’m going and what I need.
This guide is here to help you choose the best car camping method for your next adventure.
Campground Camping
This is the car camping we all know and love. It's state parks, National Parks, KOA's, Hipcamps, and RV Parks. The "luxury" of staying in established campgrounds and designated sites. It's comfortable and safe and a really great option if you're able to get a reservation and can pay for the dates you'd like. This option is best for beginners, families, and anyone who specifically wants a nice hot shower, flushing toilet (usually), fire pits, and picnic tables.
Pros:
● Often has bathrooms, water, and trash bins.
● Feels safer for solo travelers.
● Easy access to hiking trails, lakes, and national parks.
Cons:
● Requires reservations in busy seasons.
● Can feel crowded—less privacy.
● Fees can add up ($15-$40 per night).
● Book ahead for national park campgrounds, but keep an eye out for first-come, first-served sites.
Dispersed Camping
This is cousin of campgrounds, except it's free! This is camping on public lands like Bureau of Land Management sites and National Forests. This is a great option for those who love solitude and have a bit more experience camping. You can use apps like iOverlander, FreeRoam, or Campendium to find legal dispersed camping areas.
Pros:
● Completely free (no campsite fees!).
● Often more private and more scenic than campgrounds.
● No need for reservations—just find a spot and camp.
Cons:
● No amenities—no bathrooms, no water, no trash cans. You'll need to pack out what you pack in.
● May require high-clearance or 4WD to access.
● Can feel a little intimidating/scary if you're solo camping.
● Usually doesn't have cell service, and if you're in a popular area it might be hard to find a good site.
Stealth/Wild Camping
Stealth camping is what it sounds like, discreetly camping in cities, rest stops, parking lots, etc. You can use apps like iOverlander, FreeRoam, or Campendium to find stealth camping spots. This option is best for road trippers, budget travelers, and those needing a quick overnight stop in town. You'll need to arrive late and leave early.
Pros:
● Free
● Can be more convenient for multi-stop trips.
● Many legal options (Walmart, Cracker Barrel, rest stops, etc.).
Cons:
● Not always legal—some areas ban overnight parking.
● No amenities—you’ll need a bathroom plan.
● Less scenic, more functional.
● Can feel unsafe, especially for solo travelers
Overlanding
Overlanding is camping completely off-grid with a fully equipped vehicle, that usualy means rooftop tens, truck bed setups, and toy haulers. This is great for the adventurous travelers with $WD vehicles and long term nomads. It's not for beginners as it requires lots of investment up front and a certain level of knowledge to be able to overland safely. If you are interested in overlanding you should try dispersed camping first.
Pros:
● Ultimate freedom & self-sufficiency.
● Access to remote, off-the-grid locations.
● Often combined with dispersed camping.
Cons:
● Requires specialized gear (rooftop tent, off-road setup).
● Expensive upfront investment.
● Not all areas allow off-roading—must check regulations.