Car camping in the Philippines

THERE's a growing trend in mobility where people are discovering that their vehicles are not just for getting from one place to another but can also be used to get closer to nature, not only for exploring hidden trails but also for camping.

Unlike hiking, where you need to carry heavy packs on your back, car camping allows you to load all your camping gear onto your vehicle, drive to designated campsites, set up camp, and enjoy nature. With a vehicle, there's no need to trek for hours, and you can bring the whole family, including pets, on a fun-filled weekend by the river, beach or even on a mountain ridge.

There are now hundreds of car camping sites in the Philippines offering secured camping grounds with clean restrooms, water and power supply, and even satellite Wi-Fi.

It is said that car camping started to become popular during the pandemic. People trapped in their homes due to the quarantines began looking for places outside the city where they could get a breath of fresh air. A car, a tent, and a campsite were the best cure for anxiety at that time, and after the pandemic, people discovered that one of the best ways to combat the stress of urban living is by going car camping.

Outdoor mobility

As a country composed of over 7,000 islands, the best way to travel is by water using boats. But only a few can afford to buy a yacht for an island-hopping trip. So, the next best option is to get one of those motorhomes and travel by land. However, there are no motorhome parks in the country.

The great thing about car camping is that it allows you to make do with what you have. I have seen people in ordinary cars, minivans and even tuk-tuks enjoying car camping by the beach or on a farm. But for those who wish to go to camping destinations that require climbing and river crossings, an SUV or a pickup is necessary. They may also need some modifications like body lifts and off-road tire replacements to manage the challenging trails to these remote camping destinations.

Camping equipment

The basic equipment for camping is a tent. While climbers usually opt for lightweight tents, car campers always go for big tents that can accommodate as many people as possible. Tunnel tents with plenty of openings are becoming the norm. Also popular are rooftop tents mounted on the roof of the vehicle that can accommodate a maximum of two people. Additionally, airbeds, inflatable pillows, and blankets complete the sleeping needs of car campers.

An awning tent or a flysheet mounted on the roof of the vehicle is also necessary to provide shade and sometimes protection from light rains to the dining area where portable tables and folding chairs are set up. A small kitchen with a portable stove and necessary cooking equipment whips up meals that have evolved from the usual hotdogs and corned beef to barbecues, gambas and even tenderloin steaks.

While the objective is to get closer to nature, car campers bring in a little bit of comfort from home. A portable generator is an absolute necessity to power lighting equipment, electric fans, mini-coolers, and even a portable movie projector at night. Satellite Wi-Fi is also becoming popular to ensure that people at home can be contacted and for posting "gone camping" photos on social media.

Campsites

There are many destinations around the country where one can go for car camping. The beach destinations in Calatagan, Batangas used to be the most popular car camping destination until they started to get overcrowded with campers whose idea of enjoying nature is drinking and singing karaoke all night.

This gave birth to "premium" camping sites that limit the number of campers they accommodate, have secured camping areas, clean restrooms, and clean water supply. These camping sites charge higher entrance fees but ensure visitors that they will be lulled to sleep by the sounds of the river and not by people singing "My Way" at the top of their voices in the middle of the night.

There are also the so-called adventure camps that take visitors to off-the-beaten locations that require long drives and some 4x4 climbing. They include Lake Mapanuepe in Zambales, Lake Tabeo in Kabayan, and many secret camping sites along the Pacific Coast.

The car campers

Many of the car campers are actually mountaineers whose passion for the outdoors temporarily took a back seat to pursue a career, build a family, or both but now have time to share this joy of getting closer to nature with their loved ones. They may no longer be able to carry all their camping gear on their backs, but there's a car where they can put everything they need.

There are also several groups of seniors who have worked hard all their lives and discovered car camping as a way to finally enjoy life without stress and obligations.

Whatever reasons these car campers have, they simply enjoy the freedom of driving a car to these remote destinations and sleeping under a million stars.