If you’re looking for prime camping locations, then Utah is guaranteed to deliver. With major national parks, several state parks, and plenty of other natural areas, you’re sure to get a location that suits your needs.
If you’re like us at Dixie 4 Wheel Drive, then you like to add a little adventure to your off-roading trips by camping out. There’s something magical about spending a night out in the great outdoors after spending a day on the trails.
Whether you’re a leisurely traveler exploring the fascinating red rock desert or an avid off-roader looking to inject some adventure into your outing, you’ll need a comfortable place to lay down at the end of the day.
There are various campsites scattered in the different parks, each with its own rules and regulations. But just because you’re setting up outdoors, doesn’t mean you have to compromise on your comfort. Sometimes, you just don’t want to curl up on a sleeping bag on the hard ground.
That’s where your truck bed comes in handy.
It doesn’t matter whether you have a stock or custom-build truck with several upgrades and modifications, you can still turn your rig into a comfortable base to set up camp. As long as you have space in the bed of your truck, it can provide a good alternative to sleeping on the cold ground. This way you don’t have to worry about any creepy crawlies getting into your sleeping bag or getting wet from the rain or dew.
Truck Camping Setup: 5 Must Have Truck Camping Items
With the right items, you can turn your truck bed into a camping base that others will envy. Here are our top 5 suggestions of essential items to carry with you if you’re planning on truck camping:
-
An air mattress.
Now that you’ll be sleeping on the back of your truck, not just any mattress will do. You need to spring for a high-quality insulated air mattress that won’t leave your bones aching in the morning. A good night’s rest is essential if you want to wake up refreshed and ready to hit the trails before the crowds. To make this possible, ensure you get a durable air mattress that can take plenty of abuse and is easy to inflate. It also needs to be large enough to fit the flatbed but still leave some space to store other items like your duffel bags, water bottles, etc.
-
A tent or tarp.
Okay so maybe you want to sleep while gazing up at the stars, listening to the calming sounds of nature. Unfortunately, things can turn bad real quick, leaving you at the mercy of inclement weather. A truck or rooftop tent is your best bet for protection from the elements. A waterproof tent or tarp that gives maximum coverage and can be easily set up in minutes is what you should look for. That way, you can be warm and snug throughout the night, and still have the option of pulling it back to stare at the stars, should you want to.
-
A portable grill.
What’s a camping trip without some outdoor cooking? However, do your research beforehand to find out if the park or public land you want to camp out at allows open fires. Whether one is allowed or not, there’s no harm in carrying your own portable grill to prepare your meals. Just make sure you don’t use it too close to the air mattress.
It is also a good idea to have a standalone table to hold your grill as well as your cooking gear to help you set up a mini kitchen wherever you camp out. Choose one that fits in your truck and that can be easily put away after your camping trip.
-
A source of light.
You’ll also need a good source of light to illuminate your campsite once the sun goes down. Other than a light source to help you function at your campsite, you’ll also need a flashlight or some other portable source of light that you can easily grab when moving around. There’s nothing worse than trying to maneuver your way through the underbrush in the dark when you want to go out for a midnight bathroom break.
There are several lighting options to choose from – mostly battery or solar operated ones. Make sure you select those that are durable and shed enough light for your needs.
-
An awning and a comfy chair.
After a long day of battling rough terrain, you need somewhere cozy to put up your feet, kick back and relax. Climbing in and out of your truck is not only tiring but also inconveniencing. A great option is to turn your campsite into a comfortable area by putting up an awning and some chairs to relax in.
The awning will provide much-needed shade from the sun during the day and will give you some shelter at night as you unwind and enjoy your evening meal. Both the chairs and awning you choose should be easy to set up and also fold up and store away in your truck without taking up too much space.
Pay Us A Visit In Moab Or St. George Utah
If you’re at a loss on where to start when it comes to truck camping, we’d be glad to help you out. Visit any of the Dixie 4 Wheel Drive auto shops either in Moab or in St. George, Utah and our off-roading 4×4 specialists will be happy to give you pointers on how to make your camping trip outstanding.