Camping has long been a beloved outdoor activity, but in recent years, it has evolved, particularly with the rise of car camping. What once required a trek to the wilderness on foot is now accessible to many thanks to the convenience of vehicles. This shift has made outdoor adventures more accessible and adaptable, especially during and after the pandemic.
Reflecting on my own camping experiences, I recall my first adventure right after high school. A group of friends and I ventured to Calatagan and Lian in Batangas, carrying a heavy canvas tent. After setting up by the beach, we were startled awake by rising tides at 2 a.m. Later that year, we camped at Mt. Makiling, famous for hosting the 1958 World Scouts Jamboree, where we enjoyed hiking and some memorable campfire stories.
My significant camping trip came in 1997, when I covered the Australian Safari for 14 days. Most of this time was spent camping in the Outback, moving between sites daily in a Holden Jackaroo. Equipped with a swag—a thick canvas bedroll—along with a warm sleeping bag, I experienced a true rugged outdoor adventure. It wasn’t until our final days in Alice Springs that I acquired my own tent.
The surge in car camping popularity began during the pandemic when travel restrictions forced many to find alternative ways to enjoy the outdoors. People sought safety and flexibility in their travels, and car camping emerged as the perfect solution. Easy-to-assemble tents, portable cookwares, and folding chairs flew off the shelves. For those with a bigger budget, roof tents and off-road equipment were added to their vehicles to create personalized camping rigs.
This trend has only grown since the pandemic’s peak, with numerous campsites sprouting up across the country. River Ranch in Tanay, Rizal, stands out as a top destination with its expansive space for vehicles and tents, clean facilities, and even Wi-Fi. The ranch also provides wood for campfires, enhancing the camping experience.
In September, a group known as the Senior Car Campers Plus, made up of over 30 couples, celebrated their second anniversary at River Ranch. Despite heavy rain and strong winds, the campers stayed undeterred, continuing their program under a covered pavilion. A tree planting initiative that day aimed to provide more shade in the area for future campers.
As my camping adventures have continued, I’ve visited various locations, including Baras in Rizal, Porac in Pampanga, and Villa Escudero in Quezon, among others. One memorable trip was when my grandkids and I camped right next to our home in Malvar, Batangas, with a roof tent mounted on my SUV.
Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) has been a significant player in promoting car camping, having organized successful camping trips to Mt. Pulag, Mt. Apo, and Mt. Pinatubo in previous years. Their most recent trip to Sagada in the Mountain Province included a partnership with Overland Kings. This collaboration provided campers with roof tents and awnings installed on Isuzu vehicles, and professional chefs prepared meals with a focus on seafood and vegetables.
The car camping trend is undeniably here to stay, with more groups and companies organizing outdoor events. Additionally, moto camping, where riders embark on camping trips with tents, hammocks, and portable stoves, is gaining popularity.
I’ve met families who have embraced camping, like one group I encountered at River Ranch last year. They’ve made camping a monthly tradition, upgrading their vehicle to an AWD (All-Wheel Drive) model to handle more challenging terrains, including river crossings. Members of Senior Car Campers are also on the move, recently camping in Botolan, Zambales, with plans to head to Lake Mapanuepe. Their next big gathering is scheduled for February 1-3 at River Ranch, coinciding with the Chinese New Year celebration.
Overland Kings will host their annual OK Camp at Crystal Beach in Zambales on February 7-9, showcasing various vehicles and rigs. MotoTesto, an organization that hosts the Philippine Loop, is also expanding, with more than 50 rigs joining their convoy last year.
Toyota Motor Philippines has added a new dimension to the trend with the introduction of the Next Generation Tamaraw RV. This vehicle, designed for outdoor enthusiasts, features a sleeper bed on the roof extension and convertible sofas for additional sleeping space. It also comes equipped with a kitchen, toilet, and bath facilities, making it an excellent option for campers seeking more comfort.
Looking to the future, electric vehicles (EVs) may also play a role in camping. While I’ve yet to experience a full EV camping trip, I’ve tested the BYD Dolphin and used its 220-volt outlet to boil water in a kettle—a convenience that proves useful for short trips.
Safety remains a priority for campers, but with secure campsites and group camping, concerns are minimal. Solo campers who adopt van life often take the necessary precautions, scouting their locations before settling down.
With more families, groups, and car companies embracing camping, this outdoor pastime is bound to continue flourishing, bringing with it new experiences, innovations, and a sense of adventure for all involved. Here’s to safe and fun-filled camping trips ahead!
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