Let’s first clarify what car camping actually is: I view car camping as heading out somewhere that you will be sleeping either inside your vehicle or at a campsite right next to your vehicle (or in a van, rooftop tent, RV). The distance you sleep from your vehicle is what sets it apart from backcountry camping. Car camping trips are my second favorite thing to do outdoors after snowboarding!
If you’ve read this blog or seen my Instagram, you’ve learned I didn’t grow up traveling or camping, so I had no clue what gear to purchase or what to bring on a camping trip. A funny story: my first time camping in real life (aka not a Music Fesitval) was with two random REI employees I befriended. They took the lead, showed me the ropes and I discovered how wonderful sleeping under the stars (literally, we didn’t sleep in our tents) can be.
Since then, I have invested tons of time researching camping gear and tips. I often get asked for advice on what gear to bring and buy, so I decided to create a guide to essential car camping gear.
Car camping is also a great way for beginners to get more used to camping and sleeping outside! When car camping, you’ll often have close access to facilities such as toilets, clean drinking water, fire pits, picnic tables, etc. Unfortunately, that also means you’re more likely to be around other people. A lot of campgrounds do a great job of having enough separation between sites for this to not be too much of an issue, but you do still run into the occasional group of loud and disrespectful campers.
Before investing in car camping gear, I would ask yourself if you have any interest in backpacking in the future. The reason being is that car camping doesn’t require super light gear but backpacking definitely does. Many people like to own just one type of tent, sleeping bag etc., and therefore choose to invest in lighter gear that can be used for both car camping and backpacking.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, I may receive a small commission (for which I am very grateful for) at no extra cost to you. As always, I only recommend items I personally have used and love!
This is, of course, one of the camping basics. I also have used a Rooftop tent and have a whole blog post about choosing those as well! Choosing a tent is a personal preference, but always remember to get one 2x as big as the number of people sleeping in it. For example: a 2 person tent is good for one person and a 4-person tent is the right size for 2 people. Tent manufacturers list the number of people the tent is made for based on sleeping shoulder to shoulder. When car camping, you can up the size and not worry about weight like when you’re backpacking.
The number one thing to bring camping is a sleeping bag. Choosing a sleeping bag is one of the most crucial decisions to make. Sleeping bags have a temperature limit meaning there is a minimum degree in which one will comfortably sleep, with the women’s rating higher than the men’s because women typically run colder. Same with above, you can choose a car camping sleeping bag that may be a bit heavier weight than a backpacking bag and that will save you money. Pro Tip to save: check REI Re/Supply for good deals on hardly used bags.
A comfortable sleeping surface is an important piece of your sleep system! Sleeping pads are typically rated for temperature using the “R” scale, with an “R value” between 2-4 considered adequate for most three-season applications. For tent camping, inflatable sleeping pads designed specifically for outdoor use are recommended. Alternatively, if sleeping in a car, inflatable or air mattress options that fit well in the vehicle’s interior are available. Another option is to customize your sleeping surface by purchasing memory foam and a topper, cutting them to size, and adding a sheet for comfort. There’s tons of different sleeping pads to choose from:
Luckily, when car camping, you can save money and just bring along one from home. Alternatively, you can go with a pillow designed specifically for camping. If you’re into backpacking, you may already have a handy inflatable pillow, but I prefer to just ball up some clothes and stuff them under my head, so I always pack my pillow from home.
When planning for a car camping trip, it’s important to consider the personal hygiene items you’ll need. Some of the essential things to remember include toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, shampoo, deodorant, and towel. You might also want to pack some wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and toilet paper. It’s important to note that these are just suggestions, and you should bring whatever is necessary for your personal needs and comfort!
When it comes to packing for your camping trip, clothing is undoubtedly one of the most important things to consider. The clothes you choose to pack will depend on a variety of factors, including the climate, terrain, and activities you plan on doing. Before you start packing, take some time to research the weather forecast for the area you’ll be camping in. This will help you decide the right clothing items to pack.
If you’re camping in a cooler climate, you’ll want to pack plenty of layers to keep warm. This could include a base layer, mid-layer, and an outer layer to protect against wind and rain. On the other hand, if you’re camping in a warmer climate, you’ll want to opt for lightweight, breathable clothing that will keep you cool and comfortable.
It’s also important to consider the activities you’ll be doing on your camping trip. If you plan on hiking or doing other outdoor activities, you’ll want to pack comfortable, durable clothing that can withstand the wear and tear of the outdoors. This may include hiking boots, moisture-wicking socks, and pants with reinforced knees.
Always remember to pack clothing that is appropriate for the environment you’ll be camping in, and don’t forget to bring extra layers in case of unexpected weather changes.