Car camping can add joy to your soul while saving money from your pocket. I usually go tent camping to relax in nature during my free time or whenever I have a weekend off or leave from work. But for almost the last two years, I have tried car camping during my long-distance journey from one state to another state of the US. It saved my pocket from staying in luxury hotels or Airbnb. Besides, I got fresh air and enjoyed the sunrise and moon almost at no cost.
As my profession, I am an engineer, and I started car camping just two years ago, so I faced many problems while buying the car camping essentials at the beginning. Then, I learned with time. I used to buy cheap car camping essentials at the beginning. However, the cheap gear could not serve me in terms of longevity or user satisfaction.
I tried to make a complete guide for beginners regarding all the issues I faced during my car camping related to camping essentials. Without further delay, let’s dive deep into the article.
I also added a list of car camping essentials that I usually use during my camping. For your convenience, I added a “Check Now” button, which you can click to check the item to buy.
Car Camping
Car camping can be referred to as two types. One is where the campers stay inside the car, and the other is where the campers remain inside the car in a tent, parking the car on a safe roadside. I tried both, but living in a tent will be the only choice if you have a vehicle like a sedan or congested space or don’t want to modify your vehicle from default to car camping. Apart from all that, I prefer sleeping in a tent rather than in a car congested. However, the equipment or essentials I listed are similarly applicable and a must for both, whether you are sleeping in a tent or your car.
Campsite
Car camping doesn’t mean you can park the car anywhere aside from the road and start setting up your tent and gear. A suitable campsite is a must. For that, you need to plan before the weeks of your camping. Nowadays, many online platforms are available to help you suggest the best place for a campsite. I tried three of them. All seemed beneficial to me in different parameters.
Hipcamp is the most comprehensive app for checking or reserving campsites in the backcountry. It is also my most favorite one. You can say it is the AirBnb for campsites. I tried to book many campsites through them. Till now, this app always satisfied me. Hitcamp will provide you with the site details and the upcoming weather update. The price of the campsites varies, but most of the time, it took me almost $25/night. Hipcam is a universal platform for campers and those who want to rent their place as hosts for extra cash. Hipcamp is currently available only in the USA, Australia, and Canada. But soon they plan to extend their services to other European countries too.
Pros
- Numerous affordable options
- easy booking process
- Can have a conversation with the host before booking
- Review from a large community
Cons
- It takes time to find a spot in a specific area.
2. FreeCampsites.net
I used FreeCampsites.net twice as a resource to organize my cross-country journey from North Carolina to New York. The “Trip Planner” tool lists campsites along the route and offers a comprehensive itinerary. You can add up to ten stops to automatically override the route it calculates.
As its name implies, this website makes it very simple to locate free campsites, including public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and parking spaces like Cracker Barrell.
Pros
- No cost source
- excellent collection of free campsites
- simplifies route customization and locates locations in a specific area
Cons
- only ten stops that can be added to a route
- no updates or outdated reviews
- some campgrounds require additional investigation to discover whether they’re free or demand payment.
Roadtrippers is another intelligent and popular trip planner I’ve used numerous times and am highly satisfied with. Roadtrippers allow you to accomplish nearly the same tasks as the mentioned FreeCampsites. However, the campgrounds included on Roadtrippers are premium options, with most requiring reservations or payment.
Roadtrippers will learn about campsites and provide details about many other things, like restaurants, attractions, and exciting places to visit. It’s a versatile tool I used to organize my entire trip, catering to all my travel needs. I quickly availed myself of the premium version, paying $29 annually. The money is worth it, as I enjoy all the features and can add more than five stops. I now use it often, even to schedule trips throughout North Carolina.
Pros
- Excellent database of premium campgrounds
- including both privately held and well-known options
- simple to plan your itinerary and locate sites in a particular area
- reviews and images of the majority of campsites
Cons
- Free Options are minimal
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Sleeping pad or car mattress
The first and foremost thing for me is a suitable and perfect sleeping mattress for car camping essentials. An incomplete sleep at night will keep you tired and make you feel weak all day. While choosing a car mattress or sleeping mattress, try to find a compact one that fits well in your car quickly and under the tent. I prefer to avoid a bulky one. On Amazon, there is a variety of options. I tried SAYGOGO Air Mattress On my last trip. As I am a single troubler, I chose the single mattress. It was straightforward to fold, unfold, and set up.
Tent
As I mentioned, if you don’t want to sleep inside the car, you choose to have a tent. For most of my car camping, I stayed in a tent at night for more space and comfort. Staying and sleeping inside a tent gives me a natural feeling of camping. I feel wilder living in a tent than in a car. I used Coleman Sundome Camping Tent Tent from Coleman. It was straightforward to set up and carry. You will have numerous options for camping tents on Amazon. Buy the one which fits you according to your weather and the number of people you have. Furthermore, if you have a pet-like dog, it’s better to go for a tent made for camping with pets. If you own a puppy and often enjoy outdoors with it, then I prefer you to read my blog on Discovering the Best Tents for Camping with Dog to buy the right tent for your camping.
Sleeping bag & pillow
The second thing is to carry a camping pillow and sleeping bag for a tight sleep at night. While choosing the sleeping bag, do check the weather in which you are going camping. I used FARLAND on my last camping trip. The FARLAND sleeping bag is lightweight, compact, well insulated, and serves me nicely in winter weather. For warmer weather, I prefer you to use a camping blanket instead of a sleeping bag, which will give you more comfort.
Camp chairs
Having a comfortable multifunctional camping chair is a must for a relaxed seating solution during camping. Holding a cup of coffee and enjoying nature sitting in a comfy camping chair is the fantastic dream of all the campers. While choosing a camping chair, one must focus on the chair’s weight capacity. If you are bulky, go for the chairs with a higher weight capacity (minimum 400lb). Again, concerning your height, pick the chair that will provide you with maximum comfort according to your height. Finally, it raises concerns about the chair’s durability, weight, and multi-functionality (cup holder, pockets). I have three camping chairs from different brands. But I get the most comfort using the ALPHA CAMP.
If you are a big guy, I will refer you to go through the article Best Camping Chairs for Big Guys: Top Sturdy and Comfortable Picks.
Note: Always store your camping chairs correctly so you don’t have to replace them with a new one and save your pocket. You can read my article for more details about How To Store Camping Chairs.
Essentials for Camping: Kitchen
Camping Stove and Fuel
A reliable and safe camping stove is essential for cooking your food during camping. This is the leading equipment for your camp kitchen. Not only can you cook if you have some premade or ready meal, but you can also warm it on the stove before eating. I prefer a propane-based camping stove. Try to find a small-sized, compact, but sturdy construction stove. I used Fire-Maple during my camping, which was easy to set up and multifunctional. I could both heat and cook my food correctly. It has a knob to control the heat by reducing the gas flow.
Cooler
Coleman 316 Serie has always been my favorite cooler. It is so compact that it easily fits in my car seat. It can hold up to 250 lbs. I keep my beverages, water, snacks, frozen precooked meals, and ready meals in this cooler. This cooler can keep my foods and drinks cold for up to five days. Overall, this cooler is very easy to clean, and the prize is also affordable.
Matches, Lighter, or Firestarter
You must have a lighter to light your stove, campfire, or for any survival. When purchasing a lighter, always go for the waterproof and windproof one. I prefer electric rechargeable lighters to gas-based lighters. I used LcFun USB C Electric Lighter. I also carry Extremus Magnesium Fire Starter
Both have served me well for almost two years. Still, they work like new. I typically bring an extra lighter for convenience and a fire starter for backup. For more tips and guidance, you can check out my blog titled”10 Best Lighter for Backpacking: Reliable Choices for Every Adventure“.
Cookwears
Depending on what you plan to cook, carry a set of Pots, Pans, lids, a whisk, Plates, Cups, a Dishwasher, etc. While buying, pick a packable and reusable cookware set so you don’t need to buy paper plates and cups every time you go camping. I used the Stanley Camp SET, a complete cookware pack to cover all my kitchen needs. The most positive part of the set is that all the parts are lightweight and moderate in size.
Pot Holders and/or Pot Lifters
This is often overlooked, but I mentioned it because I needed it while handling hot pots or pans from the stove during my camping days. I used Gorilla Grip This was very cheap, but I needed a total of the items for camping.
Cooking utensils
I always bring a large spoon, spatula, tongs, and a whisk. These basics cover most of the cooking tasks you’ll encounter while camping. I prefer you buy a complete set of cooking utensils rather than separately.
Bottle Opener/ Can Opener
A good multi-tool can replace individual openers and save space. This might sound like a silly tool, but once you use it, you will find it so helpful to make your camping trip relaxing. I never leave without one, as it’s invaluable for opening cans, bottles, and wine. I use Kitchen Mama, which I found very lightweight but durable and multifunctional.
Sharp Knife
A high-equity knife is crucial for food prep. I recommend packing a knife that’s sharp enough to handle everything from chopping tables to slicing rather than buying each separately. You can use a sharp multifunctional knife like TUO Santoku. I wrote a positive review of it, and you will also find many reviews on Amazon.
Cutting/ chopping Board
You will surely not slice meat or chop vegetables on the ground or the bonnet of your car. Just kidding. A compact and lightweight cutting board is perfect for camp cooking. It should not be too large or too small, but a moderate size is preferable. I usually use Acacia Wooden from Amazon.
Dog Dish
If you have a dog as a companion while camping, please remember to carry a dog dish for feeding it.
Trash Bag
Keep a roll of trash bags in you packing list for storing all types of kitchen wastes.
Camping Essential List: Other Items
Headlamp
It is always depressing not to find something or be unable to set any gear in the dark while camping. When I started car camping, a reliable headlamp quickly became one of my most essential tools. It frees up both hands to set up camp or rummage through gear after dark. I use the
GearLight head lamp since it’s affordable and reliable. It’s been almost one year, and I have used it without trouble. The light can run for a long life on a single charge. The batteries are perfect, though I always ensure extra batteries are on hand, just in case.
Lantern
A good lantern brings a warm glow to your campsite, making it feel cozy and inviting. I love hanging it inside my tent for some ambient light while winding down for the night. I use ENERGIZER lantern during my car camping. It’s also handy for illuminating your cooking area after sunset and during meals or chitchat at the middle of the night.
Trekking Poles
Even on car camping trips, I bring my trekking poles. They don’t take up much space, so I hide them in the side corner of my car. They support me when I explore nearby trails or need extra support on uneven terrain. My knees appreciate the added stability, especially on longer hikes.
Daypacks
I always carry a daypack with me when I go camping. It’s perfect for holding snacks, water, my camera, a map, a lighter, and other minor emergency gear. Choose a pack with comfortable straps and enough pockets to organize everything. I am using the pack from Earth Pak. I can hang my trekking poles with the stripe behind them, making it most convenient. I have been using it for almost three years.
Offline Google Maps
From my experience, there are many places, especially in the wild, where no mobile network works. Losing your route or location in an unknown place is a matter of opportunity for everyone, so I always download offline Google Maps before heading out. This has saved me more than once when navigating to my campsite or finding a trailhead. Not only this but sometimes, I used to carry a hard copy of a map and compass with me for complicated places.
Camera
Capturing the campsite’s beauty is one of my favorite parts of camping. I always bring my camera to click the landscapes, wildlife, and memorable moments. Some people use action cameras. It’s up to your taste. As I didn’t record the whole journey but rather clicked on the important and exciting moments and points during the country, I used DSLR. I use Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera for my camping clicks, and this device has never disappointed me. I can recollect the memorable moments whenever I go through my previous camping trip album.
Tripod
I go camping most of the time with my dog, so there is no one to click a portrait of me. I have to use my tripod and the timer features of my camera to get my portraits. Again, you can capture stunning sunrise or sunset shots using a tripod. It helps me capture sharp, well-composed photos. I always remember to take my tripod.
Shovel
A small, foldable shovel is one of the most essential camping gear. It is unavoidable, from digging a fire pit to managing the campfire to burying waste. I use RHINO camping shovel which is very handy and lightweight but convenient.
First Aid Kit
I always say Safety is the most crucial priority. So, I always keep an enriched first aid kit in my car during my trips. A first aid kit is the primary treatment to save from more extensive damage. I also include a few of my primary personal medications in the pack. While packing, ensure all the items are clean, well-sanitized, and have an expiry date.
Portable Powerbank
I carry a portable power bank to charge my mobile phone when its battery is low. I use a power bank from Anker, which I found very satisfactory. It is a 2000 W power bank, so I can use it several times to charge my mobile. If you have enough budget, you can also go for a solar power generator unit or small wind turbine.
Duct Tape
Duct tape may sound silly, but I found it very useful during my camping. You will need it to tie something or temporarily stop the leakage of your inflatable pillow or sleeping mattress. It also has many more versatile uses based on situations.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses are not mandatory items to carry, but I prefer one to bring if you are fashion-conscious. I have sunglasses to wear while working under the sun and while taking photos during the day. Among glasses Americal Optics is my most favourite brand.
Portable Potty
If the trip is long and I plan to stay at the campsite for days, I surely carry a portable potty for human waste. A portable potty can be a game changer, especially when the campsite lacks facilities. I have a Camco Portable toilet with me, and I appreciate its convenience and added comfort.
Water Bottle
Remaining hydrated during camping is very crucial. To ensure this, a perfect portable water bottle must meet your demands. I normally pick a BUZIO 1-gallon water Bottle for my car camping. The water capacity of this bottle is enough for me for the whole day. Again, it can keep water cold for about 48 hours and hot for 12 hours, which is perfect for me. You can also read best water bottle for backpacking of 2024 .
Car Camping List: Clothes
A comfortable outfit is the final requirement for enjoyable camping. You need to be careful when choosing an outfit and packing your dresses.
Winter
I always start with an excellent thermal base layer for cold places to keep the cold at bay. If there is snow, I usually add a weather-resistant jacket that can handle wind and snow. I also pack an extra pair of everything in case the unexpected happens. It’s always better to have a dry backup.
Summer
In summer, the focus shifts to staying calm and being protected from the sun. I usually wear lightweight, moisture-wicking clothes that keep me dry even on the hottest days. A good hat with a brim is essential for shielding my face from the sun. In addition, I always bring a long-sleeve shirt for extra protection during hikes or when the sun is at its peak. Furthermore, I pack a light jacket or a hoodie for a chilly evening. As footwear to me —a sturdy pair of hiking sandals or breathable sneakers is perfect for those warm-weather outdoor adventures.
Camping Clothing I used: Winter and Summer
| Season | Clothing Item | |
|---|---|---|
| Winter | Base Layers - Top | |
| Base Layers - Bottom | ||
| Warm Hat | ||
| Gloves | ||
| Long Sleeve Shirt | ||
| Insulating Jacket | ||
| Men's Hiking Boots or Shoes | ||
| Crampons | ||
| Summer | Shorts | |
| Pants | ||
| Sweat-Wicking Shirts | ||
| Underwear | ||
| Swimsuits | ||
| Poncho or Rain Jacket | ||
| Sandals | ||
| Men's Hiking Boots or Shoes |
Car Camping Checklist: Personal Hygiene Item
I always carry a pack of personal hygiene items to stay clean and healthy. I am mentioning a list of my items below. All the items are available on Amazon. You can add some more items to meet your needs.
You can also read:
Camping Supplies: Food
A delicious meal will ensure a healthy and happy camping. On an empty stomach, the world faded to us. There are many varieties of pre-made camping meals available on the market. It’s more fun if you cook your meal camping. From experience, I am sharing a few menus I found to be the most delicious and healthy. You can change it according to your taste.
My Camping Meal Plan
| Meal | Items |
|---|---|
| Breakfast | Oatmeal, Eggs, Breakfast Bars, Coffee (customize with dried fruits, nuts, honey), Breakfast Burritos |
| Snacks | Beef Jerky, Trail Mix, Energy Bars, Fresh fruit (apples, oranges, or bananas) |
| Lunch | Packed Tuna, Sandwiches, Dry Food, Veggie Sticks (carrots, celery), Tuna Salad Wraps, Turkey and Cheese Sandwiches |
| Dinner | Fajita Meat, Tortillas, Salsa, Bratwurst, Hamburger Meat, Condiments, Buns, S'mores, Kebabs, Baked Beans (canned and heated on the stove) |
| Drinks | Plenty of water, Tea for evenings, Gatorade for hydration, Optional: A few beers or a bottle of wine (if permitted at your campsite) |
Camping With A Car: Tips
Here are some extra tips for your next car camping trip. I am sharing all these from my own experience. Some may not match your situation, but most will help you.
- Choosing Campsite: When selecting your camping spot, pick a site with a natural water source nearby, or if the site is dry, a freshwater source nearby.
- Emergency and Survival Gear: Always ensure the emergency and survival gears are near you, and in all the gears specifically, try to keep in mind where you are keeping them
- Car Preparation: Check that your car battery has enough water or that your engine coolant is enough. Remember to check the air pressure of the wheels. Check your car’s fuel, too. If your vehicle is a hybrid, check the battery’s charge. If required, have the vehicle serviced before you start.
- Extra Battery: Don’t forget to Carry an Extra Battery for your headlamps
- Extra Propane: You must carry one or two extra propane bottles for your stove
- Scented product: Don’t wear anything scented because scent attracts bugs
- Be Prepared for No Showers: You may have to stay without a shower for days, so be mentally prepared.
- Save Environment: Don’t spoil the environment or dirt the campsite with your deeds.
Camping Gear I use during my car camping
Sleeping Gear
| S/N | Product | Brand | Check Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sleeping Pad/Car Mattress | SAYGOGO | Check Now |
| 2 | Pillow | Hikenture | Check Now |
| 3 | Tent | Coleman | Check Now |
| 4 | Sleeping Bag | FARLAND | Check Now |
Camp Furniture
| S/N | Product | Brand | Check Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Camping Chair | ALPHA CAMP | Check Now |
Cooking Gear
| S/N | Product | Brand | Check Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | Stove | Fire-Maple | Check Now |
| 7 | Cooler | Coleman | Check Now |
| 8 | Lighter | LcFun | Check Now |
| 9 | Cookware | Stanley | Check Now |
| 10 | Pot Holders | Gorilla Grip | Check Now |
| 11 | Cooking Utensils | BOMKI | Check Now |
| 12 | Bottle Opener | Kitchen Mama | Check Now |
| 13 | Knife | TUO Santoku | Check Now |
| 14 | Cutting Board | Acacia Wooden | Check Now |
Pet Gear
| S/N | Product | Brand | Check Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | Dog Dish | Outward Hound | Check Now |
Cleaning & Waste Management
| S/N | Product | Brand | Check Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | Trash Bag | Glad | Check Now |
Lighting & Power
| S/N | Product | Brand | Check Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | Headlamp | GearLight | Check Now |
| 18 | Lantern | ENERGIZER | Check Now |
| 19 | Power Bank | Anker | Check Now |
Hiking Gear
| S/N | Product | Brand | Check Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | Trekking Poles | TrailBuddy | Check Now |
| 21 | Daypack | Earth Pak | Check Now |
Photography & Navigation
| S/N | Product | Brand | Check Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22 | Camera | Canon | Check Now |
Last Verdict
If you are a beginner in car camping, you may find it difficult for the first time. But a good set of car camping essentials will make it easier. I am sure you will not be able to buy all the gear mentioned above together because it will cost a lot. The same happened to me. It took almost several years to stock all the gears, and it’s a never-ending process. Still, I am collecting new gear. However, I tried to analyze and suggest affordable and budget-friendly gear. You can check the gears and buy from Amazon shortly by clicking the “Check Now” button. Don’t hesitate to mention any more items in the comment if you think they can be added. Happy Camping!
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