There’s nothing quite like car camping. Getting to spend a few days in the great outdoors, surrounded by friends and nature, is a cherished experience for many people. But if you’ve never gone car camping before, it can be tough to know what gear to bring along.
That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive checklist of everything you need for a successful car camping trip. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced camper, our car camping checklist will help make sure you don’t forget anything important!
So pack your bags and get ready for some fun in the sun!
Car Camping Essentials
One of the greatest benefits of car camping, which is being able to bring more gear, can also be a problem by over-packing.
Use this guide to stay on the positive side and bring the right car camping gear on your adventure without overdoing it.
Shelter & Sleeping
Tent
Having appropriate room for everyone is important to make sure their trip is comfortable and safe. Ventilation should also be on your list of must-haves when deciding on a tent. Proper ventilation provides good air circulation and reduces condensation accumulation overnight. Last but not least, don’t forget about rain protection. Check to see that your tent can keep yourself and any gear inside completely safe from even the most unpredictable rainstorms! With proper tent features in mind, come this camping season, you’ll be able to camp without a care in the world.
Sleeping Bags
Invest in a sleeping bag designed for the temperatures likely on your trip for cozy, restful sleep. Be sure it’s equipped for hot summer afternoons, but constructed to insulate warmth on chilly nights. After all, warm and welcoming slumbers are integral to outdoor exploration!
Sleeping Pad
Are you car camping and wondering why you need a sleeping pad? Insulation and comfort are two great reasons for having one to ensure a sound night’s sleep as well as retention of warmth. Nothing is more miserable than being uncomfortable when you’re trying to get your well-deserved sleep.
Plus, it’s no fun being cold in the middle of the night! With added insulation from a camping pad, you can help block some of that undesired chill while being comfortable while snoozing. Keep yourself warm and give yourself the gift of extra comfort with the added benefit of getting some restful shut eye on your car camping trips!
Kitchen & Living
Portable Stove
Cooking meals and relaxing with a warm cup of coffee or tea can really make for happy campers, but in order to do that, you need the proper equipment. A portable camp stove is an essential item that will come in handy during any kind of outdoor camping adventure. Not only does it give you more cooking options over a fire, but you don’t have to linger close by as if one was using an open fire for all meals. A camp oven also affords users time away from the grill while food simmers and brews their favorite mugs of tea and coffee.
Cookware Set
You are going to need some cookware essentials to make the most out of your car camping trip. A pot, pan, cooking oil, and utensils are important for any camp chef. After all, you don’t want to go on a trip, only to find that you have all the ingredients but nothing to help you whip them into a delicious meal. With a convenient and comprehensive cookware set in tow, your next camping excursion will be complete!
Kitchen Accessories
Dining al fresco on a car camping trip can be relaxing and fun! Preparing a meal outdoors calls for the right kitchen accessories. Luckily, shopping for these important items before your trip is easy! A cutting board, can opener, food storage bags, paper towels, and a waterproof tablecloth should top your list. The tablecloth is especially beneficial as the durable material not only looks stylish but will help keep the picnic table clean and protect it from ruin in case of rain or inclement weather.
Lantern
Do you find yourself wondering why you need a lantern for your car camping trip? Imagine walking around the campsite in the dark with nothing to light the way. A lantern is just what you need to provide some necessary lighting while cooking, reading, and exploring outside when night falls. Being able to clearly see where you’re going is essential so that your outdoor experience can be as enjoyable and safe as possible.
Camp Chairs
Camp chairs are specially designed to offer support and convenience while you sit around the campfire enjoying moments of conversion with friends and family. Camp chairs fabricated from heavy-duty awnings will offer ample padding and distribute pressure continually so that you stay relaxed when sitting for long hours. Furthermore, these easily foldable and lightweight designs are comfortable to set up quickly around your campfire, allowing limitless passionate conversations as fireflies appear around you.
Camp Table
Make your camping trip more convenient and enjoyable with the help of a small, portable camp table. This setup can be your perfect companion no matter the role that you wish to give it. From cooking food to chopping vegetables, this table will make things easier. Furthermore, its compact size still offers ample surface area when all you need is somewhere to put your drink or play a few games.
Storage & Accessories
Cooler
An essential item for any outdoor trip is a high-quality cooler that retains ice, giving you the peace of mind that the contents within remain hygienic and fresh. Don’t be caught out in the blazing sun with a cheap cooler unable to protect your precious edibles! Quality coolers ensure your drinks stay icy cold and your food will be free from bacteria and stored safely in cold temperatures.
Water Containers
Having a supply of clean and healthy drinking water while on the road is essential. A car camping trip can see drivers traveling to harsh places or areas a long way off from civilization. With limited time away, it’s important to have access to clean water as soon as possible. Water containers offer enough space for plenty of water and ensure your drinking supply meets quality requirements too. Furthermore, choosing the right kind of container for you can keep your supply safe if there are bumps along the way.
Food Tote
Ensure the safety of your delicious dry food during your travels by packing them in a secure and sturdy tote. With a trusty food tote, you can be sure that none of your delectable treats will be ruined or contaminated by outside elements. Apart from keeping your prized supplies safe and preserved however long the journey is, these containers also make storing and transporting large amounts of items extremely convenient. Invest in a secure, durable option for any nature outing so you will have no worries about what food to bring along for that special outdoor adventure.
Multi-Tool
Prep like a pro with an essential multi-tool. Knives, pliers, and other versatile tools can come in handy in a variety of unexpected situations and can help you base camp like a boss. From setting up the tent to crafting and preparing special dishes, using the proper tools will make your camping stay much more comfortable and enjoyable. A multi-tool loaded with useful add-ons is small enough to store and carry without taking up too much space but still gives you that extra layer of preparedness for whatever life throws your way during your outdoor adventure.
Trash Bags
Don’t forget to pack some trash bags to help keep the campsite clean! It’ll ensure both you and any wildlife residents have a comfortable time. Trash bags can be used not just for rubbish, but to contain snacks, store kitchen items and even serve as impromptu raincoats in an emergency. Their versatility makes them essential camping supplies that you should include in your checklist ahead of time.
Trash Cans
You will want to consider purchasing a trash can with a lid. Not only will it keep pesky critters away so they don’t get into your refuse, but it will help ensure that your campsite stays clean and under control throughout your trip. Keeping the area tidy makes the situation safer, and more enjoyable and allows everyone to experience the great outdoors at its finest. Mechanisms like trash cans with lids enable you to do just that.
Maps & Compass
Maps and compasses come in handy when traversing unknown territory out of data service. Regardless of how well you plan your trip, maps and a compass may be the difference between efficiently finding your way and getting lost along the way. After all, it’s always better to stay safe rather than try your best to figure out a route without the proper navigation tools. It can help you avoid the risk of running out of supplies and coming direly close to a dangerous situation or circumstances. Moreover, with maps and compasses around it’s easy to receive valuable warnings from authorities should they issue a regional alert in case of an unforeseen event.
Portable Power Source
Straying from the beaten path is electrifying, especially when you go car camping. But to ensure that your electronics stay powered up during your outing, what you need is a portable power source. Alternatives such as solar panels and battery packs enable you to keep your gadgets connected to the world and don’t require being tethered to an outlet in order to remain charged. No matter how remote the campsite may be, this investment ensures that you never miss out on great shot opportunities or crucial work emails when you’re surrounded by nature’s splendor.
Tarps
Tarps can serve as the perfect protective layer to provide shade, shelter, or ground cover. Tarps come in different shapes and sizes to accommodate any length of the trip. They are budget-friendly alternatives to tents and other forms of temporary shelters. Using tarps on your camping trip is an ideal way to stay dry and comfortable in all seasons. With a tarp, you’ll be able to move around while shielded from external elements with ease. Furthermore, it takes only minutes to set up and acts as a reliable cover that will insulate you wherever you decide to pitch camp.
Rope or Paracord
When planning for a car camping trip, one of the best items to bring along is rope or paracord. It can help secure your gear such as luggage when traveling and can even be used for hanging items off the ground around your campsite. Moreover, in unexpected situations where you may need an emergency line, it can come in handy. Paracord also plays an important role as a survival resource. Its uses include but are not limited to tying objects together, making shelters, and even fishing lines.
Fire Starter
Fire is essential for warmth and cooking, so you’ll want to bring along a fire starter. Matches, a lighter, or a tinder bundle are ideal materials for easily starting campfires. Take precautions though. Make sure to keep your fire starter dry – not even water can stop our planet’s diminishing fire sources when it counts the most. Don’t forget to double-check the rules and regulations around the campgrounds. Restricted open flame regulations may apply in certain areas, so be informed of all potential safety limitations before striking up your next outdoor fire.
Hatchet
A hatchet is not just any tool, but one that can cut kindling for the fire or drive in tent stakes during your car camping trip. Having a hatchet is an indispensable part of any outdoor adventure. Not only can one help you during your time outdoors, but it’s also an essential item to keep with you during emergencies and unplanned circumstances. Whether it’s used to fashion splints or break the ice, having a hatchet in tow is sure to come in handy at some point. With its multiple uses for both casual and urgent circumstances, you won’t be disappointed to have a hatchet around.
Apparel & Personal Items
Warm Clothing
Make sure you come prepared with the right type of clothes to stay comfortable through it all! You’ll want lots of layers so that you’re able to adjust when variables like nighttime temperatures or sudden changes in the weather turn unanticipated. It’s always optimal to come to nature expecting that anything can happen, and layering is an intuitive way in which experienced campers are ready for whatever surprises may arise and to keep you warm.
Good Footwear
Footwear is such an important piece of gear when it comes to camp trips like these, as having the right pair of shoes can make the difference between a painful excursion and an enjoyable one. You may want to consider investing in a few different types of shoes such as hiking boots, water shoes, shower shoes, and comfies. With all of them equipped and ready to go, wherever your journey takes you, you’ll be well prepared.
Socks
Make sure you pack the right kind of socks for your needs. Good quality wool or synthetic socks are ideal for outdoor adventures like camping and hiking. Not only will they be comfortable, but these materials can also help wick moisture during physical activity.
Rain Gear
Camping is a great way to unplug from daily life and immerse yourself in the outdoors, but being unprepared for a rainstorm can put a damper on your outdoor fun. When you pack for car camping it does not eliminate the chances of encountering unexpected rain showers. A good strategy to stay dry throughout your trip is to bring rain gear such as a poncho or jacket that adds extra protection from the rain.
Outside of keeping you and your clothing dry, having the right type of wet conditions protection while out on the trails aids with safety too: being too wet to continue exploring when campgrounds become soaked may mean having to cut the journey earlier than expected. Overall, packing along rain gear during your camping excursion is well worth it by keeping you both safe and dry under almost any circumstance.
Headlamp
A headlamp is the perfect lighting source for any nighttime activity. Not only is it reliable and effective, but it’s also convenient, as it leaves your hands free, allowing you to tackle all your goals without feeling confined by bulky equipment. Packing a headlamp on any camping trip will give you a steady stream of light that allows all adventures–practical or leisurely–to continue long past sunset.
First Aid Kit
When you’re car camping, it’s important to be prepared for any situations that may happen. While enjoying the great outdoors, you may come across a potentially dangerous situation where you need to perform first aid. This is why having a basic first aid kit is an invaluable tool for ensuring your safety and well-being on your camping trip.
The right items can help with minor injuries, scrapes, or bruises—and larger topical wounds too. Include items like antiseptic, antimicrobial ointment, gauze, bandages, and other basic supplies so that you are equipped to handle all sorts of potential mishaps while on the go. Accidents and emergencies can arise anywhere when least expected–that is why carrying a basic first aid kit should play an essential role in every cruiser camper’s adventure.
Personal Hygiene Items
It is essential for good health and well-being to properly take care of ourselves during a trip. Just because we’re outdoors doesn’t mean we can be careless about our personal hygiene, especially since harsh elements are involved such as dirt, potentially dangerous animals, and intense temperature fluctuations.
Let’s face it — sometimes bathrooms and shower facilities are few and far between or nonexistent in remote places. Prevention is key when away from home so having adequate protective items on hand, like toothbrushes, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, and wet wipes (baby wipes) will help avoid coming in contact with forms of bacteria as well as viruses because wiping off hands before meals or keeping up oral cleanliness is an excellent way to ensure your protection while enjoying nature time.
Insect Repellent
Insects such as mosquitoes, gnats, flies, and ticks can be annoying and can ruin your vacation; they may even carry dangerous diseases. The good news is, there are easy steps you can take to keep the bugs away. Investing in some high-quality insect repellent before your trip is a great idea: it takes no time to use, but will effectively help keep the creepy crawlies away throughout your stay.
Sunscreen
Going car camping definitely calls for applying sunscreen to ward off harmful UV rays and prevent sunburns. But it’s not just about averting skin damage, wearing SPF is important so you can stay out playing longer. The added protection against sunburns will give you extra energy to spend your entire car camping trip outside, creating thrilling memories that last. With sunscreen, you can extend the fun and still wake refreshed without worrying about skin burn or sunburn damage.
Personal Entertainment
Boost your explorations and give yourself some much-needed downtime with entertaining items. Bring a book or two to keep you busy in the evening by the campfire, plus gather classic road trip games like cards and dominoes. To take the entertainment level up a notch, bring along a portable speaker. For bonus relaxation, try camping near a lake or stream brushing up on soothing nature sounds while lounging during the day and night.
What is Car Camping?
Car camping is a perfect way to experience the outdoors and create lasting memories, without having to lug all of your outdoor gear to your campsite like backcountry camping!
The beauty of car camping is that you can still enjoy delicious camp meals and partake in all of the outdoor activities and still have all the creature comforts of the home safely packed in your car.
Pack wisely and be sure to bring all the car camping gear you need for a fun-filled, stress-free road trip!
Whether you are headed out for a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, have fun and stay safe by being prepared.
How to Find Car Camping Sites?
Trying to plan a car camping trip can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not sure how to find the right campground.
Fortunately, there are a variety of national parks and private campgrounds that offer great car camping sites at all levels with basic amenities like bathrooms, picnic tables, etc.
As well as these national parks and privately owned campgrounds, the Bureau of Land Management often has large amounts of public land open for camping. Camping on public land is a great way to save money.
For those looking for more options, there are several camping apps available where reviews from other campers can help you get an idea of what each campsite is like.
With all these sources in mind, finding the perfect campsite for your car camping adventure should be easy!
Car Camping Checklist Wrap Up
Planning for camping adventures can be daunting but this car camping checklist can make the experience much easier and more comfortable. Make sure to include all the basics, such as a tent, sleeping bags, a camping stove, and cookware.
If you’re looking for extra camp comfort, consider bringing an air mattress or a camp chair. Don’t forget to bring plenty of food, drinks, and first-aid supplies. With these items in tow, you’ll be well on your way to having a successful and unforgettable car camping trip!
