Montana Car Camping 🏕️🚙🐻
Very thankful for all that Montana has to offer.
Some car camping tips I’ve learned over the years:
1. Make sure you love your bed. We use an air mattress made for the back of my car, sleeping bags, and blankets depending on the temp.
2. Invest in a Portable Battery that can also jump start your car. There is nothing worse than waking up in the morning to find that you didn’t shut your door all the way after your 3am pee, and now your cars dead.
3. Use a tote for your camping gear when you’re able! This helps keep things organized when there is very little extra storage space, because you’ve taken up all of it with your bed. This also allows us to leave it outside of the car at night time if we absolutely have to. (DO NOT DO THIS IF THERE IS FOOD IN THE CONTAINER).
4. Bear spray & a pew pew. You just never know who or what you might come across if you are camping remotely.
5. First aid kit. (I don’t need to explain this one, if I do we have bigger problems.)
#camping #carcamping #woods #montana #usa #weekend #travelwithme2024 #Lemon8Diary #FIRE #unaesthetic
Building on my initial tips for car camping in Montana, I wanted to dive a bit deeper into making your trips even more comfortable and memorable. My adventures, from the stunning vistas near Hungry Horse to quiet spots by a turquoise river flowing through a rocky, forested canyon, have taught me so much. First, let's talk more about that 'love your bed' tip. Beyond an air mattress, consider a memory foam topper for extra comfort – it makes a huge difference after a day of hiking! For colder Montana nights, layering is key: a good sleeping bag rated for lower temperatures, plus an extra fleece blanket, can keep you toasty. Don't forget insulated window covers; they help keep warmth in and provide privacy. I even use a small fan for air circulation on warmer nights. When it comes to power, that portable battery with a jump-start feature is a lifesaver, as I mentioned. But for longer trips, I’ve found a small solar panel that charges a secondary battery works wonders for keeping phones, cameras, and even a small electric cooler running. This means fresh food for longer and fully charged devices for capturing all those breathtaking Montana sunsets. Regarding organization, those totes are fantastic. I use different colored totes for different categories: one for cooking gear, one for clothes, and one for dry food. This makes it easy to grab what you need without rummaging through everything. Hanging organizers behind seats or from ceiling handles can also maximize space in your 'sleeping area.' Trust me, a tidy car feels so much more like a home away from home. Safety in Montana's wilderness is paramount. While bear spray is non-negotiable, let's expand on bear safety. Always store food and scented items in bear-resistant containers or hung from a tree, far from your campsite. Never cook or eat where you sleep. Being aware of your surroundings, making noise on trails, and knowing how to react if you encounter wildlife are crucial. I always check forest service websites for current bear activity reports, especially in areas known for high wildlife populations. And remember, a good first aid kit is for *everything*, not just emergencies – small cuts, blisters, and bug bites happen! Finally, experiencing the true beauty of Montana often means finding those perfect, secluded campsites. Apps like iOverlander or The Dyrt are invaluable for finding dispersed camping spots, but always cross-reference with local Forest Service or BLM maps to ensure you’re camping legally. Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles: pack out everything you pack in, respect wildlife, and minimize campfire impacts. There's nothing quite like gathering around a crackling campfire on a chilly Montana evening, listening to the sounds of nature, and knowing you've left no trace behind. These shared experiences are what make car camping in Montana so incredibly special.
