Do you ever just want a quick getaway? Car camping is a quick and easy solution.
We recently took advantage of a local spot just to get away for the night. For this trip, we went to the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Now I know, you’re thinking but wait, there’s no camping there. As this is true, there is no designated campsite or camping there, you can (as of now), get a spot and camp overnight. I would not suggest multiple nights, but we have camped a single night, multiple times.
LOCATION
To camp, you MUST go to the south rest area of the Skyway Bridge. The spots around the north rest area are closed from sunset to sunrise and the gates are locked. At the south rest area, if you go to the west side, you will find a road that goes north toward the south fishing pier. Before you get to the fishing pier, you will see many spaces where you can park along the water and amongst the trees. And yes, there are signs that say camping prohibited, but, we have stayed multiple times and there are always RVs, 5th wheels, travel trailers, and even tents setup.
This is a great place to get to early and watch the sunset.
CAR CAMPING GEAR
All our basics for car camping are in this photo
Car camping can be accomplished in many ways. This is how we do it in our small SUV (2015 Toyota RAV4). All of the gear listed below is in the photo above.
Napier Sportz Cove SUV Tent - https://amzn.to/2Pwa2ww
Nifusu SUV Air Mattress Camping Bed - https://amzn.to/39J7cLL
Amazon Basics Car Sun Shades - https://amzn.to/39InzIl
Sunroof Magnetic Sun Shade - https://amzn.to/3fLY6Sl
Front Door Car Window Shade - https://amzn.to/2R9yOmV
Back Door Card Window Shade - https://amzn.to/3upc8wX
Popup Changing/Shower/Bathroom - https://amzn.to/3fGyPbS
Portable Toilet Bucket w/ Seat and Liners- https://amzn.to/3dwl2Ci
Foldable Camping Table - https://amzn.to/3uf8Ooa
Portable LED Camping Lantern w/ Fan - https://amzn.to/2PysSDl
Cordless Bug Zapper - https://amzn.to/3uiIaLe
Ryobi Inflator/Deflator (Requires battery) - https://amzn.to/3ul64Wy
Suction Cup Tablet Holder - https://amzn.to/3uoS0em
Portable USB Power Bank - https://amzn.to/3ukTvdB
Oversized Folding Camping Chair - https://amzn.to/2PWezIs
Added since the article was written:
Ryno Tuff Camping Lights - https://amzn.to/3wUIpAu
Camping Hammock - https://amzn.to/35oXY8s
RV Outdoor Rugs 5x8 - https://amzn.to/3qLW5Ks
