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!

CAMPING ESSENTIALS: SLEEP AND SHELTER

Tents

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. 

  • Budget Option: Coleman Skydome 4-Person Tent is perfect for car camping, thanks to its compact size. Inside, enjoy ample space with nearly vertical walls offering 20% more headroom than traditional dome tents. The wide door design facilitates easy movement of gear. With the WeatherTec system, featuring a tublike floor and patented welded corners, you’ll stay dry even in downpours. Setting up takes less than 5 minutes, making it ideal for quick getaways.
  • Best Option: The North Face Wawona 4 Tent prioritizes comfort and convenience with double-wall construction and re-engineered poles for a simplified setup process. It’s flame-retardant coating-free and offers superior ventilation with a mesh front door. The spacious interior height allows for comfortable seating, and the large vestibule serves as extra storage or seating. Its poleset adds strength without weight, while color-coded poles aid in setup. Internal and ceiling pockets keep essentials organized, and external guylines enhance stability in inclement weather.
  • Luxury Option: Snow Peak Alpha Breeze Tent is designed for up to 4 people, offering ample living space. Its versatile vestibule can be extended into an awning for extra living space or shade. With a UV-protective finish on the rainfly and a durable water repellent (DWR) coating, it provides protection from the elements. Setup is made easy with color-coordinated pieces. The package includes everything you need for assembly and storage, from poles and pegs to a carry bag and seam sealer.

sleeping bags

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.

  • Budget Option: Kelty Catena 30 Sleeping Bag ensures a cozy night’s sleep with its CloudLoft synthetic insulation, providing ample warmth. Its durable yet lightweight polyester taffeta shell and smooth 300-thread-count polyester liner offer comfort inside and out. The roomy rectangular shape suits starfish sleepers, with an antisnag, anti-draft zipper for personalized comfort. It can be fully unzipped for use as a blanket or zipped together with another Catena for a double-wide sleeping experience. Conveniently, it comes with a stuff sack for easy packing up when it’s time to leave the campsite.
  • Better OptionREI Co-op Zephyr 25 Sleeping Bag offers a semifitted mummy shape for versatile sleeping positions and ample knee room. Its recycled materials and DWR finish repel moisture, while the 100% recycled synthetic insulation retains warmth even when damp. Shingle and offset quilt construction ensure uniform loft and warmth optimization. The comfortable hood integrates with a backpacking pillow, and differentiated drawcords allow for easy adjustment. With features like an insulated muffler, full-length zipper draft tube, and roomy footbox, it keeps you warm and cozy. 
  • Best Option: REI Co-op Magma 30 Sleeping Bag has inclusive sizing for a tailored fit, enhancing thermal efficiency without sacrificing comfort. Its light, performance fit is contoured to your body shape, reducing weight while maximizing warmth. Crafted from recycled materials, including downproof shell and water-resistant 850-fill-power goose down, it provides cozy warmth and a soft feel. The nonfluorinated DWR finish repels moisture effectively. The contoured hood and differentiated drawcords ensure a secure fit and easy adjustment. Variable baffle spacing stabilizes the down fill, enhancing thermal efficiency. The zipper path wraps around the front for easy access, and the trapezoidal footbox reduces excess space for increased warmth. An insulated yoke prevents heat loss, and an interior stash pocket keeps personal items close. 

sleeping pads

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:

  • HEST Foamy sleeping pad: This thing is incredible and well worth the cost. Foamy mattress is designed with two layers of enhanced memory foam: a plush, body-contouring top layer and a supportive bottom layer for pressure relief. No pump or air is needed; simply unroll Foamy when you arrive at camp. Its waterproof lower fabric keeps both you and the memory foam dry in wet conditions. Convenient connector clips on the sides allow for expanding sleeping space when needed. A handy pocket at the top of the mattress provides storage for small essentials. Its compact roll-up design facilitates easy transport and storage, and the integrated compression harness ensures a tight, small pack-up. When unrolled, the harness doubles as a welcome mat, offering a dry platform for changing. 
  • REI Co-op Trailmade Self-Inflating Sleeping PadThis sleeping pad is designed for hassle-free setup and breakdown with separate, color-coded valves for inflation and deflation. Its plush stretch top surface offers softness, while the recycled polyester bottom surface resists wear. With an R-value of 5.5, it’s ideal for cold weather adventures, providing significant insulation from ground temperature. Ranging from 1.0 to 5.5+, most of our sleeping pads suit various conditions, with higher R-values offering more insulation. It comes with a stuff sack and compression straps for convenient storage and packing. 
  • REI Co-op Campwell Folding CotThis cot features a steel frame and recycled ripstop polyester fabric, offering a blend of lightweight durability. Its 300-denier top fabric is treated with a nonfluorinated DWR for moisture resistance. Wide, swiveling feet distribute weight to safeguard tent floors. Cord loops on the sides align with our Campwell sleeping pad (sold separately) for an anti-slip sleeping experience. With a maximum weight capacity of 300 lbs. and a bed height of 18 in., it provides sturdy support. Plus, it conveniently fits into a compact, tube-shaped carry bag for easy storage and transport.

DON'T FORGET A PILLOW

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. 

CAMP COOKING ESSENTIALS: KITCHEN

  • Stove and fuel: A basic two-burner camp stove is your best bet here. Sometimes, when I am camping solo, I bring my Jetboil and easy-to-cook meals!
  • Cooler: Another essential piece of your kitchen. Not everyone needs to bring one but invest in a solid, good-sized cooler.
  • Water storage: Sometimes, you may not have access to clean drinking water at camp, so filling up a 2-gallon water tank before you leave home will keep you hydrated and provide you water to wash dishes and brush your teeth. I prefer cold water but they do make plastic cubes that work great. Another option is bringing a 5-gallon water cooler jug and purchasing a pump dispenser
  • Table: Having a surface to cook and eat one is often forgotten and then you end up making food on someone’s truck tailgate. Having a table is such an underrated upgrade to your camp kitchen I love these roll top tables for ease of set up! 
  • Pots and pans: You can bring these from home at first, but I have a separate camp set so I can keep them in my camp kitchen tote. 
  • Plates + bowls: I have a personal vendetta against doing dishes outside without running water, but when I’m with a big group who don’t mind cleaning up, I like to use these! Same as above: I enjoy keeping a set in the camp kitchen tote so I am always ready for adventure. 
  • Reusable Water bottle: Owala is the next trending water bottle. I love cold water, and this one does the trick. It’s great to bring along camping so you don’t get dirt in your cup and can bring it along on your day hikes. 
  • Cups/Mug: Even though you’re bringing a reusable water bottle, it’s absolutely essential to remember some cups as well. You need something to drink your coffee and wine out of at camp!
  • Cutting knife set: Sure, you can bring one from home, but this knife set has it all for less than $40. Multiple knives, a carrying case, a foldable cutting board, a microfiber cleaning cloth, and a soap bottle!
  • Eating utensils: Bring some plasticware, bring some from home, or use this handy dandy all-in-one utensil. 
  • Cooking utensils: This set is nice for camping and includes another cutting board (you can never have too many). Always rememeber, yes you certainly need tongs! Alternatively, just bring some from home.
  • Coffee kit: Yes, you’ll want coffee if you drink it regularly. I love bringing along bottles of cold brew for myself, but packing an Aeropress is always good for hot coffee lovers at camp. 
  • Camp Kitchen Sink: More established campgrounds may have communal sinks, but many don’t. This is a nice, portable sink to help wash your dishes at camp.
  • Egg Holder: I was hesitant to buy one of these until half my eggs cracked in the cooler. This hard-sided lifesaver protects your eggs, your breakfast, and your sanity. 
  • Dish Soap and Sponge: Bring some dish soap from home in a small travel container such as this. You should try to use earth-friendly and biodegradable soap.
  • Trash bags: Just keep some from home in your camping tote.
  • Paper towels or rags: Always something we forget and then regret. Keep a roll or some rags in the tote!
  • Cooking oil
  • Spices and condiments
  • Containers for leftovers

CAMPING NECESSITIES AND TOOL KIT

  • Headlamp: Don’t rely on phone flashlights. Lanterns are good to have, but a good headlamp will make your life so much easier when it gets dark. Don’t forget to pack one! This one has a nice amount of light, and the rechargeable battery is super nice. I prefer a headlamp to a flashlight since you can use it hands-free.
  • Lighter: A lighter has a lot of uses around camp. Lighting a stove if the igniter goes out, lighting a campfire, etc. Pro Tip: Bring a long lighter versus a simple pocket one!
  • Duct Tape: Super useful for fixing anything that breaks. I’ve used duct tape for the most random things, and if you don’t have any with you, eventually, you’ll regret not bringing some along.
  • Multi-tool or pocket knife: A high-quality multi-tool is useful in so many situations. This one has pliers, a screwdriver, a blade, a saw, a file, a wire stripper, a bottle opener, and more.
  • Scissors: Bring some from home, or use the ones on the multi-tool.
  • First Aid Kit: This is a necessity when camping. You never know what might happen, and having a first aid kit at the ready can be a lifesaver. A simple kit of bandaids/bandages, blister patches, gauze, and tape goes a long way in an emergency.
  • Patch Repair Kit: Another thing you might not think about is a patch repair kit until you wake up in the middle of the night on the ground because your inflatable mattress somehow got a hole. Bring one of these!
  • Paracord: It’s useful in a pinch to tie down tarps and gear or use it as a drying rack for wet clothes or towels. Take some time to learn the knots, though!
  • Extra Tent Stakes: Trust me, you’ll lose a tent stake at some point. Bring a spare for when that moment comes.
  • Mallet: If you think you can stomp hard enough, the ground sometimes has other ideas. Add one of these to your kit and thank yourself later.  
  • Water Filter: This is a must when camping. If you run out of water and don’t have any potable water around, you’ll need to filter some from a river, lake, etc. Never drink from a natural water source without filtering it first, or you may be exposed to bacteria and get sick. I have tried multiple types of filters and the Sawyer one is the most simple.
  • Bear Spray: Bear spray will give you peace of mind in bear country. Even if you’re not in bear country, it’s also good for other predators, such as mountain lions, and can deter a fellow human in an emergency. Pro Tip: test your bear spray and check the expiration date. You don’t want to be in a situation where you need it and you can’t use it. 

CAMP COMFORT: EXTRA ITEMS

  • Camp chairs: Some more established campgrounds will have picnic benches, but you won’t often have that luxury. You can pick up some much cheaper from places like Walmart, but they’re usually not as comfortable.
  • Lantern: A good lantern is so useful around camp after dark and when you don’t want to shine your headlamps in your fellow campers’ eyes. These Luci lanterns are so handy and come in a 6-pack with stakes and hangers and are rechargeable.  Pro Tip: In a pinch, place your headlamp on a gallon jug of water facing inward to make a DIY lantern. 
  • Blankets: I have so many uses for a blanket on camping adventures and am obsessed with the Rumpl brand and all their color options. They also include a clip so you can wear it like a cape and spots to stake it to the ground if you’d prefer to use it as a picnic blanket!
  • Firewood: A lot of established campgrounds will have fire rings for you to have a campfire. Only start a campfire if there’s a fire ring already there because creating a new fire will damage the area and is more likely to cause a wildfire than using an established fire ring. You can buy firewood at many gas stations and grocery stores away from the city. Don’t wait until you’re at the campground to purchase; they usually upcharge near campgrounds!
  • Firestarter: A fire starter will make getting your fire going a lot easier. Try to stay away from the stuff typically sold at sports stores and gas stations, as it’s terrible for the environment. These eco-friendly fire starter bundles are easy to use and very affordable. Pro Tip: You can also DIY your own firestarters by collecting dryer lint in empty toilet paper rolls!
  • Hammock: A hammock is SO nice to have around camp. It’s hard to beat lounging in one on a sunny day or at night and watching the stars. This one is super comfortable and comes in a bunch of colors. Don’t forget the straps!
  • Camp games: Bringing along a deck of cards, jenga or any other games you love to play at home!
  • Portable charger: The Goal Zero Yeti 300 is awesome! It’s powerful enough to charge your camera, phone, laptop, or tablet, and you can bring along string lights! It’s certainly an investment but really ups your comfort game if you’ll be car camping often. Goal Zero sells a wide range of sizes depending on how much power you need.

CAMP HYGIENE: TOILETRIES

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!

  • Toilet Paper
  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Baby Wipes
  • Sanitary Products
  • Mirror
  • Medications
  • Ear Plugs
  • Eye Mask
  • Cosmetics
  • Contact Lens Supplies
  • Brush/Comb
  • Camp Shower
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Towel
  • Sunscreen
  • Lipbalm
  • Bug Repellent
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Deodorant

CAR CAMPING ESSENTIALS: CLOTHING

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.