3 Tips For A Sustainable
Caravan Camping Trip

With so many different ways to camp, it can be difficult to decide which form of camping is best for you. From glamping to overlanding to backpacking, everyone can personalize their experience in the outdoors. Are you ready to watch the sunrise over the mountains from your car? Or pull over to sleep whenever you feel like on a long caravan trip? Keep reading for some car camping ideas that will help you to have a more sustainable caravan camping trip. 

What is caravan camping and how is it different then tent camping?

While caravan camping you sleep in your car instead of a tent. This is a sustainable and comfortable way to enjoy the outdoors without investing in expensive camping gear. However, even when caravan camping, you can still choose to pull up to a campground and stay the night there.

The environmental advantages to caravan camping

Caravan camping typically involves designated campsites. These locations have already been impacted, reducing additional harm to wildlife areas and natural sites that can remain untouched. Caravan travel also offers a bit more storage space than a tent or backpack. This allows you to bring more sustainable foods and reusable containers and gear.

Read the 7 Principles Of Leave No Trace Camping to learn more about sustainable camping practices. 

The environmental disadvantages of caravan camping

Caravan (or car) camping does demand the use of resources such as fuel. Vehicles contribute to air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and can cause damage to roads and infrastructure in remote areas. Of course, this can be mitigated by using an electric or hybrid vehicle while caravan camping. 

There is also the possibility that careless campers can use more disposable plastics such as paper plates and plastic utensils. This can generate more waste.

However, if you follow these 3 tips and car camping ideas for a sustainable caravan camping trip you are sure to have a phenomenal and environmentally friendly outdoor experience. 

Avoid Single Use Anything

Single use plastics such as paper plates, plasticware, or a case of bottled water is not a sustainable way to go caravan camping. While it might be easier to skip washing dishes or constantly refilling your reusable water bottle, it’s just not eco-friendly. To travel more sustainable, bring reusable gear and supplies such as reusable water bottles and blankets from home. This saves them from the landfill, and saves you from buying new items when you’re only using your camping gear sporadically. 

Choose A Sustainable Campsite

Your choice of a campsite can have a significant impact on your camping experience and the environment.  Caravan camping can be a wild adventure, but it’s also nice to have a few creature comforts of civilization. Established campgrounds come in handy for both sustainability and creature comforts. There are several advantages to choosing an established campgrounds for caravan travel including:

• Established campsites protect wildlife and sensitive ecosystems
• The use of designated fire pits mitigates the likelihood of forest fires
• Easy access to waste disposal amenities, such as toilets and trash facilities, makes Leaving No Trace easier
  
  

Proper Waste Disposal

While caravan camping if you do choose to stay in a backcountry campground it’s very important to practice Leave No Trace (LNT) by packing out all garbage. If you are in a place with access to waste bins, such as trailheads, visitor centers, or established campgrounds, make sure to take the opportunity to throw away your garbage in the proper receptacle. Also, make sure to use toilets whenever possible, and do not leave human waste and toilet paper in remote areas. It causes issues with both the untouched environment and the wildlife in remote areas. 

If you use these car camping ideas your caravan travel will be both environmentally friendly, and so much fun. Caravan camping can be the experience and adventure of a lifetime with the proper sustainable mindset. Get out there and explore the open road, but make sure to Leave To Trace.

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