The Unstoppable Car Camping Craze in Our New Normal | Motourismo
Text and Photos by Monch Henares
Could you imagine yourself sleeping outdoors with your friends in a tent, and going around with flashlights, while ghost-hunting? As a child growing up in the '60s and the '70s, camping in your backyard was a normal thing to do. Those were exciting and very memorable moments in my life. Then there was the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts era, where we were trained to "survive" in the wilderness while appreciating nature and science. Batulao in Batangas was the most popular campsite at that time.
The outdoor enthusiasm did not stop there, for we also learned songs, bonfire dances while building camaraderie, and respect for each other. As I always say, traveling builds character, and it can also be fun.
The '90s to Y2k saw the popularity of mountain climbing organizations, emerging from university outdoor clubs to corporate and private companies. This is a good thing because thanks to many of these mountain climbing groups, campsites all over the Philippines were being discovered. To this day, a new generation of nature lovers continue to enjoy camping by the beach, or up in the mountains. Our country is one big paradise for adventurers, all year round.
Roadtrips in the New Normal
Fast-forward to pandemic times, arguably the safest vacation one can have is to be outdoors, breathing in the fresh air, and soaking in the sun for that much-needed Vitamin D.
Camping may not be appealing to some, but consider experiencing it at least once in your life. I noticed an increase in people becoming interested in camping during the pandemic. Where do you start? The emergence of Facebook groups such as Glamping Philippines, Car Camping Philippines, Camping Philippines, Outdoor Enthusiasts, Pilipinas Overlanders, Glamping Philippines, and Off-Road Enthusiast Philippines to name a few. Join a group because members also share their adventures, outdoor experiences, and technical knowledge on rig building.
Rigging Your Ride
We also saw the increase in 4X4 SUV and Pick-up sales especially during the pandemic months of 2021. Stores and companies that imported, sold, and manufactured camping tents, gear and equipment started popping out like mushrooms. Overland Kings, Outdoors Club, Premiere Overland Outfitters, and my favorite, HMR to name a few.
Car camping enthusiasts started rigging their 4X4 SUVs and pickups with folding Roof Tents, Awnings, and anything that resembled a tent. They would literally spend thousands making their car campers look and feel like a real home, complete with portable toilets, generators, kitchens, beds, and even shower tents. It usually takes anywhere from 1-2 hours to totally set up camp. It’s a fun skill to know and learn.
Rooftop tents are having a moment in 2021, and it’s easy to see why. Rather than having to meticulously stake out and assemble your tent and sleep system once you arrive at camp, rooftop designs pop up or fold out from the top of your vehicle and come equipped with comfortable mattresses for a good night’s sleep. Designs range from budget-friendly softshells to premium hardshell and overlanding models built to take a licking, but all of the rooftop tents that keep you off the ground are relatively easy to set up and stow, have rugged builds, and free up valuable storage space in your vehicle.
A few would venture into extreme and costly projects by converting a used mini bus or truck into a motorhome or camper. I’ve seen some creative work done on these designs. They would have elaborate space-saving cabinetry that would make Ikea look like street furniture. They would also have an array of solar panels installed on the roof so that they wouldn’t have to lag around a 2 kilometer long extension cord. It would definitely include a bathroom, a full kitchen, and a well-planned-out living space.
Motoring Tourism
Here are some reasons why car camping is a fast growing in popularity and can be considered a new normal in local tourism, pegged as motourismo.
It is not as expensive as paying for a hotel room. Guest fees at camp sites range between P300 to P500 per person. If you have your own tents and gear, the better. Some property owners rent out tents for a minimum fee.
Social distancing is easy to do. You would probably be in the mountains or at the beach. These are wide, open spaces with plenty of room to enjoy. It’s the safest place on earth.
Many campsites are accessible by car. If you plan to camp in the deep woods or a mountain top, expect the roads to be rough and unpaved or have no road at all. If that's the case, a 4x4 would be able to get you there safely.
You get to discover beautiful places like mountain ranges, unexplored waterfalls and rivers, and virgin beach coves. You are surrounded by nature, explore as much as you can, it’s free.
It’s a good way to bond with family and friends and enjoy the time together. It has been more than a year since the lockdown. Appreciate each other and have fun doing things together in a more relaxed setting.
Exercising and soaking in the sun are good ways to strengthen your immune system. Good health is your most precious possession. Hiking and swimming activities are usually available near the campsites. Take in all the Vitamin D during early morning or late afternoon walks. Take photos of these endearing moments. Stop to smell the flowers. Surrounding yourself in nature clears up the mind, and release stress. Renew your positive energy.
Help local tourism thrive. This goes without saying; we should help build our economy, even in our own little way. Camping season is all year round in the Philippines. Our country is a lush playground, with so much to offer. Refresh, and rediscover its beauty.
Repurpose your everyday ride and expand its capabilities and use. We surely will have a different way of looking at our vehicles with endless outdoor adventures in sight.
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