If you enjoy outdoor activities but prefer a little more comfort, awning camping is probably the right thing for you. It provides all the openness of normal camping with added comfort, so you can get the most out of your outdoor time.
Whether you’re heading out for a weekend getaway or an extended road trip, high-quality camp awnings installed on your car can provide shade, storage and shelter without the fuss of setting up a full campsite. It’s like adding a veranda to your campsite, stylish, functional, and comfortable.
What is Awning Camping?
Awning camping uses a shelter specifically designed for fitting onto the side or rear of a car, 4WD or caravan. Awnings pop out and create a sheltered outdoor area that’s protected from rain, sun and wind. Think of it as an instant kitchen, lounge room or shaded refuge right beside your vehicle.
Awnings come in many different styles and sizes. Some are simple roll-out covers, but others consist of complete walls, mesh panels or annexes that zip on and off when needed. This means you can create a layout that works for your surroundings, equipment and comfort level. Some even come with built-in lighting or floors, creating a home-like experience.
This type of camping is especially popular in Australia, where the weather can be so volatile, going from hot sun to unexpected rain and cold nights. With an awning, you’re never caught short, whether you’re riding waves at the beach or stargazing.
Awning vs Tent
Tents are the preferred option for most campers, and with good reason. They’re compact, reasonably priced and can fit a lot of people. But if daily convenience and comfort are your top priorities, awning camping may be a better choice.
The biggest difference is speed and simplicity. Awnings are often set up in just a few minutes, especially when compared to pitching a full tent. If you’ve arrived late at your campsite or need shade in a hurry, the convenience of rolling out an awning is hard to beat. Once it’s up, it provides instant cover for meals, gear storage or a quick rest.
On the other hand, tents are fully enclosed, which makes them ideal for overnight sleeping. You can use annexes for sleeping with certain arrangements, but generally speaking, awnings are better suited for creating a living area rather than a bedroom space. That is why many campers like to use both: a tent for sleeping and an awning for leisure, eating or working.
Benefits
There are several reasons why campers everywhere are opting for awning camping. To begin with, it offers useful extra space without the need for additional equipment or a large trailer. It creates a comfortable transition space between the outside and your car, which can be great for storing muddy boots, wet kit, or other camping essentials.
Shade is another significant benefit. The Aussie sun can be unrelenting, especially on long summer road trips. An awning provides a cool, shaded place to take a break in the middle of the day. Some designs are UV-rated or covered in reflective surfaces that create an even greater cooling effect.
A rain shelter should also be noted. Awnings allow cooking, dining or resting even if the weather becomes stormy. Instead of rushing inside a cramped tent or van, you can continue enjoying the outdoors without compromising dryness.
Awnings can also offer privacy, particularly in busy caravan parks or scenic beach spots. Add-on walls or mesh screens can block wind and line of sight, giving you a comfortable place to rest.
How to Choose an Awning?
When selecting a camping awning, compatibility with your vehicle must be the initial concern. Awnings are generally designed to suit roof racks or side rails on 4WDs, vans or caravans, so make sure you verify dimensions and weight limits before purchasing.
Then, plan how you will use it. For a simple shade during lunchtime, a basic pull-out awning will do. For longer stays, models with sidewalls or annexes offer more flexibility. Some come with integrated mesh protection from bugs, which can be a lifesaver in the bush.
Ease of installation is another important factor to consider. Choose systems that can be deployed by one person and consist of good-quality poles, pegs and guy ropes. Rapid-lock frames or gas strut arms are included in some awnings, making setup and pack-down more rapid.
Material quality is also important. Weather-resistant and UV-proof materials are a must for Aussie weather. Durable aluminium or steel frames are more stable, particularly during windy weather. Although budget-friendly models might be appealing, spending on a well-crafted awning is worth the investment in terms of performance and longevity.
Awning camping is a stylish, comfortable and practical way to elevate your travels. It provides shade when the sun is blazing, cover when the rain comes through, and space for everything from preparing dinner to drying your equipment. From crossing remote areas to establishing a weekend basecamp by the sea, camp awnings can transform your vehicle into a cosy and effective shelter.
