What are your truck camping essentials?

I work for a church and yesterday they surprised me with a week long solo camping trip to Colorado later this summer. I'll have access to a house on 6 acres that borders Rocky Mountain National Park, and they gave me the option of flying and then renting a car or just driving (I live in Houston). I'm most likely going to take the driving option. It's a 16 hour drive so I'm considering doing it in two 8 hour legs.

Palo Duro canyon is just about halfway between here and there and I've always wanted to camp there. I'm strongly considering doing some camping in CO as well. I have a `21 DCSB, but it's not outfitted for camping, since Houston isn't a great place for that. I'd love a Softopper but I can't justify the expense. Still, I'd love to do some truck camping as part of this trip, so I have a few questions:

1. What are some quick and dirty (and cheap) options for truck camping?
2. I've done plenty of tent camping in my time but I want to be sure I don't miss anything since I'll be going solo, and will be away from cell phone access. What, to you, are the camping essentials?
3. Same as question #2, but with the addition of this being truck camping. Is truck camping a slightly different experience, and if so what are the essentials specifically relevant for truck camping?

 

Not sure how tall you are but a short bed might be a bit small for camping. I have a long bed and i'm 6ft, almost pushing it in terms of length.

You say you've done plenty of tent camping - i'd recommend just bringing your tent and camping as usual.... Bring the mat, tent, sleeping bag and stove. Plenty of water, food and you'll be good to go.

 

Hi Chris,
Just an FYI that area suffered historic wildfires last year north of the park west of the park and even some south of the park. Estes was saved and though it spread to smaller towns north it didn't impact the larger front range cities in the same way it did those more remote mountain towns. There is a current push by the park to do timed entry meaning you need to register and reserve your visit instead of being able to just show up....


For camping basics get a good tent. Wind in the area is no joke and will shred a Walmart broad as a barn tent.. smaller single and two person handle it way better. Have a comfortable pad and a sleeping bag for the cool nights as it does get chilly at elevation. Your choice of camp kitchen depends on how gourmet you can go. I can get by with my msr whisper lite and a gsi pot and pan. Some people can handle even less and make do with a jet boil system. Get some comfortable shoes as the hiking there is amazing even with the burn damage..

Beyond that if you need anything else it would be water and provisions. The idea that you need a fully kitted truck to go camping is asinine just a tent and a sleeping bag will get you through a week for sure and be comfortable as well

 

This. ^^ + first aid gear.

And don't head out on unknown condition trails alone / no recovery gear or communications. Just do the simple stuff.

'Truck camping' sans a topper (hard or soft) isn't much better than tent camping anyway. Don't drop a bunch of coin on stuff you may only rarely use. Simple stuff like you are used to is easy to rent or borrow.

Just enjoy the experience. Although 32 hours of driving may put a damper on that..............

 

Just fyi, June is the monsoon season for Palo Duro. I know from experience it can suuuuck being stuck in the bottom of the canyon waiting for water crossings to become navigable again. Didn't help the couple that drove off into the middle of the crossing during the storm, the wife and dog were caught between crossings and the husband drowned.

 

1. Beer
2. More beer
3. Food (optional)