Picture this: you’re nestled in the heart of nature, surrounded by towering trees, crisp fresh air, and the soothing sounds of a babbling brook. You’re not far from the comfort of your car, and you’ve got all the gear you need for a fantastic camping experience.
Welcome to the world of car camping!
Car camping is a delightful blend of outdoor adventure and modern convenience. It’s your ticket to experiencing the beauty of the natural world without sacrificing the comfort and accessibility of your vehicle. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or a complete beginner, car camping offers an excellent way to connect with nature and create unforgettable memories.
But, like other forms of camping, you’ll need to have the right gear.
What is car camping?
Contrary to what it may sound like, car camping doesn’t involve camping in your car. Rather, it just means that your vehicle will be parked close to where you end up pitching your tent.
Unlike backpacking or backcountry camping, where you carry everything on your back, car camping allows you to drive to your chosen campsite, bringing along all the gear and supplies you need in your trusty vehicle. With your campsite a mere few feet away, you don’t have to worry about packing light.
Car camping gear checklist
Here’s what you’ll need to embark on a car camping trip. Keep in mind that this is a basics checklist! I encourage everyone to use this as a starting point and add on it as you get a few camping trips under your belt.
Shelter and sleeping
- Tent: Unless you plan on sleeping on the ground underneath the stars or in a hammock, you’ll need a tent!
- Tent stakes
- Sleeping pad or air mattress: Getting a good night’s sleep is key to a successful camping trip. A sleeping pad or air mattress will make your experience much more enjoyable. In a pinch, you can even layer several thick blankets to make a pallet. Pro tip: If you’re using an air mattress, do some measurements to ensure it’ll fit in your tent.
- Sleeping bags or blanket: What, exactly, you’ll need here will depend on your camping climate. If you’re camping in warmer conditions, you can probably get away with just a sheet or blanket. If you’re camping in near-freezing temperatures, you’ll want an appropriately-rated sleeping bag. Use your best judgment here!
- Pillow: Don’t forget this! (Or you’ll end up using a crumpled up jacket. Trust me, I’ve been there.)
Campsite comfort
- Camp chairs: Nothing is more relaxing than a circle of camp chairs around a fire! Those $10 foldable lawn chairs do just fine and will give you a nice place to sit when you aren’t exploring your surroundings or sleeping.
- Folding table: Check if your campsite has a picnic table. If it doesn’t, bringing a small folding table can make food prep and eating far more comfortable.
Cooking & kitchen equipment
- Camp stove: Unless you plan on eating things that don’t need to be warmed or cooked (which is totally possible, by the way) you’ll need a heat source. While some campsites may have grills or grates on campfire rings, others will be without or be prohibited under a burn ban. This is where your nifty camp stove can come in handy! Fueled by propane, camp stoves can help you cook the same tasty meals you’d whip up at home.
- Propane for your stove: If you bring a stove, don’t forget the propane!
- Charcoal: If there is a grill available at your campsite and you want to make use of it, be sure to bring your own charcoal.
- Cooler: If you plan on bringing anything that needs to be kept cool or you just like a nice icy beverage after a long day, you’ll need a cooler with ice or ice substitutes.
- Cookware: If you’re going to be cooking, be sure to bring all of the necessary cookware.
- Chef knife
- Pot
- Pan
- Spatula
- Serving spoon
- Cutting board
- Bottle opener/can opener/corkscrew combo
- Utensils for each camper
- Plates
- Bowls
- Cups or coffee mugs
- Marshmallow sticks
- Biodegradable soap and sponge: You’ll need to wash your kitchen gear after use so not to attract critters.
- Camp sink: A small plastic container can help you conserve water and make cleanup easier.
- Trash bags: You’ll undoubtedly have waste during your trip. Keep your area tidy by hanging up a trash bag. Be sure to dispose of the bag each night before bed or lock it away in your car.
- Water bottles: Cut back on waste that you have to pack out by bringing your own water reusable water bottle.
- Dish towels/rags: There will be messes. Plan accordingly.
Fire and lighting
- Lanterns : A good ol’ fashioned propane or electric lantern can light up your site after dark.
- Headlamps or flashlights: A separate headlamp or flash light is great for those late-night bathroom runs.
- Extra batteries and/or fuel: Whatever your lamps and lanterns run off, bring extra of!
- Firewood: Campfires are one of the best parts of camping! Always check with the park or recreation area that you’re visiting before bringing in outside wood. In some areas, this is strictly prohibited as it can bring in pest or diseases that are damaging to native flora.
- Lighter or matches: You’ll need this to light your campfire or propane stove.
Tools, safety, and first aid
- Multi-tool: A multi-tool— which usually contains tools like a knife, screwdriver, pliers, and can opener— can come in handy in a wide range of situations.
- Mallet: Pushing your tent stakes into hard ground can be brutal on the hands. A mallet makes easy work of this task.
- Paracord: A small roll of paracord can be used for a variety of things.
- Duct tape
- Small axe or saw: You’ll want this for your firewood!
- Maps and navigation tool: If you find yourself off the beaten path, there’s a good chance you wont have cell reception around your camp site. Grab a map at the park entrance if available or print one out before leaving home. If you plan on hiking or venturing off the main road, it is also wise to bring a compass.
- First aid kit
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm (with SPF)
- Insect repellent
Entertainment
This is more subjective, but it never hurts to bring a few sources of peaceful entertainment. For me, this includes:
- A book or two
- A deck of cards
- A journal and pen
- Star chart
- Guitar or ukelele
Miscellaneous
- Portable power bank: While we encourage you to disconnect while you’re camping, having your phone charged up and ready can be a life saver (literally) in an emergency. A rechargeable power bank is great to have to recharge your phone in a pinch.
- Backpack: You’ll want a backpack for your essentials if you leave your campsite.
Get ready for adventure
With you car camping gear essentials packed, you’re ready for you grand adventure.
Remember— this list is a starting point. The more you camp, the more you’ll hone in on what you use, need, and want with each trip. Happy travels!