The Ultimate Car Camping Essentials Guide With A FREE Car Camping Checklist

Camping in the great outdoors can be a rewarding, fun experience, but, it can also be incredibly uncomfortable if you aren’t adequately prepared. If you read my “About Me” page, you will find I didn’t grow up traveling or camping so I had no idea what gear to purchase or what to bring on a camping trip. When I graduated college, I wanted to save money, so I bought the cheapest, bulkiest, most uncomfortable camping equipment known to man. Let’s just say that we had many sleepless nights in cold and hot weather alike. We continued to grow by learning from our mistakes as campers but were at the mercy of our gear. I have since put a substantial amount of time researching gear and camping tips so we can now easily slip in and out of campgrounds and be comfortable. Many people have asked for advice regarding gear to bring and buy so I wanted to provide a car camping essentials guide.

Before you scroll to the ultimate camping list below, please note I have not included any cheap, frail equipment. As mentioned earlier, I started off buying the cheapest equipment and after a few times of using the equipment it would break quickly or it was too big and bulky. Ironically, I ended up spending more because I had to buy all the equipment twice within a year or two. This list is for individuals who prefer to buy, use, and keep the equipment for years to come. Buying camping gear should be viewed as an investment that will allow you to see and experience the world in a whole new light.

I also would like to note that I did not purchase all of the equipment on the camping list within a short period of time. It has taken five years to accumulate all of these items; many of which were gifted as gifts for birthdays, Christmas’, anniversaries, etc.

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.

FREE Car Camping Checklist

Car Camping Essentials

Camping Necessities: Sleeping

1. Tent: This is, of course, one of the camping basics. Initially, we had the cheapest, bulkiest, tent available. It was spacious but, when we packed it into our car, it would take up half of our trunk space, making it difficult to pack other items and our fur babies (dogs). We finally decided to upgrade to a lighter, more packable tent. I love this tent because it packs small and it fits our whole family inside (Me, Jameson and our two dogs Gunnar and JJ). >Check Out Our Awesome Tent
2. Sleeping Bag: The number one thing to bring camping is a sleeping bag. Choosing a sleeping bag is one of the most crucial decisions to make. It will determine how well or poor your sleep. When we first started camping Jameson, and I had the cheapest sleeping bags which came with our awful tent. One November weekend we went camping in Arkansas and nearly froze to death. We threw out those sleeping bags as soon as we returned and bought new, high-quality sleeping bags. Sleeping bags have a temperature limit meaning there is a minimum degree in which one will comfortably sleep. Typically, the lower the minimum degree, the more expensive. >Click Here For One Of The Best Sleeping Bags In The Market
3. Sleeping Pad or Air Mattress: One of the most commonly unknown / least appreciated items for camping is the sleeping pad. Inflatable sleeping pads are like mini portable air mattresses that help you with comfort and temperature as the cold ground can create poor sleeping conditions. Beginner campers tend to put this at the bottom of their list which was a mistake we made when we first started. I love Jameson’s sleeping pad. It is very comfortable and compact, but please note it is not recommended for backpacking.  An alternative to the sleeping pad is a traditional air mattress, but air mattresses tend to be big, bulky, and don’t always fit in tents. >Buy My Fav Sleeping Pad >Buy My Air Mattress
4. Inflatable Pillows or a Regular Pillow: When I first started camping, I used to bring a regular pillow on our trips. But, when I realized I needed a more portable option for a backpacking trip in Canada, I decided to take the plunge on an inflatable pillow. I love how small this pillow packs and I have had it for five years, and it is still going strong. I use it on my car camping trips as it is easier to pack. >Buy The Best Camping Pillow In The Market

Essentials for Camping: Kitchen

1. Cooler: A cooler is a must have for camping. What I love about the soft Yeti Cooler is just how portable and light it is. I have even carried it on a plane as a carry-on. I absolutely love it! We also have the heavier original yeti cooler and rarely use that one because it is too heavy and bulky. >Buy The Best Camping Cooler
2. Stove: Every once in a while, parks will have burn bans in effect, so fires are not allowed. Having a package camping stove such as this one is nice to have as a backup. >Check Out This Stove
3. Fuel: A special blend of Butane and Propane is needed for the Jet Boiler. The stove fuel is traditional propane.
4. Pots, Pans, Whisk, Plates, Cups, Dishwasher: Some of the things to take camping are pots and pans and the link provided has a packable option. The Stanley Adventure set is very packable and reusable, so we don’t buy paper plates and cups every time we go camping. >Buy This Eco-Friendly Dish And Pot Set
5. Kitchen Organizer: If you want an organized camping area. We don’t use this much, because it is kinda heavy. >Check Out This Kitchen Organizer 
6. Utensils: Having reusable sporks are usually the best option for car camping. >Check Out This Spork
7. Gourmet Camp Kitchen Set: This kit includes essential car camping gear like a spatula, collapsible whisk, spicer, two condiment containers, cutting board, scrubber, scraper, and a camp towel. You can also add the kitchen knife and tongs in here while traveling. >Check Out This Gourmet Set
8. Trash Bags: We bring a small roll of trash bags with us to clean up after ourselves. We try to store the trash high up so that animals can’t get into it.
9. Egg Holder: When we want to eat some eggs in the morning instead of oatmeal, this egg holder will help your eggs from being squished in the cooler. >Prevent Squished Eggs, Click Here
10. Paper Towels: We always bring paper towels to use for napkins.
11. Kitchen Knife: If you need to cut up some meat or fruit, bring this packable knife with you. What I like most about the knife is the protector that comes with it. >Buy My Kitchen Camping Knife
12. Coffee: For all my coffee fans out there this item is a given. I love to use this this coffee when camping because it is so easy. >Check It Out Here
13. Refillable water bottle: When one goes camping, it is ideal to drink a copious amount of water. Having a water bottle that is durable and keeps the water cool is optimal. We love our water bottles so much, we even use it at home regularly. >Buy My Fav Water Bottle
14. Packable Plate: Sometimes we bring extra plates just in case.>Check Out These Packable Plates
15. Dish Soap: To clean all the kitchen equipment. >Check Out This Dish Soap
16. Dog Dish: In case you bring your furry friend. Light and packable dishes are best to carry in backpacks when hiking. >But A Light Dog Bowl
17. Tongs: The tong is sold separately from the Gourmet Kitchen Set but, very useful when handling food around a campfire. >Get Some Tongs!
18. Water Cube: This is one of my new favorite item when I go Car Camping. It makes it easy to wash dishes and drink water. It holds so much water! >Buy One Here

Here Are Some Camping Recipes: Pie Iron Recipes

Read More: The Best Camp Kitchen Gear For Your Next Outdoor Adventure

Camping Essential List: Other Items

1. Head Lamp: Headlamps are much more useful and efficient for camping than flashlights. They are small, light, and have red light vision capabilities as well. >Check Out My Headlamp I have Had For Years
2. Lantern: When sitting down and eating dinner, a lantern is always lovely to illuminate the campground. >Check Out Our Lantern
3. Folding Chair: Initially, we had big bulky regular lawn chairs but have since bought some packable REI chairs. They are small, reasonably light and can be easily transported. But I have also linked a larger chair. >Check Out This Folding Chair
4. Trekking Poles: The poles are optional as we only bring these if we know we are going to do a strenuous hike. Our poles are considered to be the best of the best and are extremely durable. >Buy My Trekking Poles
5. Daypacks: When you go hiking is is essential to bring a daypack to carry all your hiking gear. You can fill snacks, first aid kits, headlamp, sunscreen, shovel, water, etc. We have had the REI daypack for 7 years now. >Check Out Our Day Pack
6. Maps: I recommend stopping at the Visitors Center on the way to camp to grab all the available maps. The maps will allow you to plan your hikes and will help you navigate if you get lost. Always keep the maps on you.
7. Knife: You never know when you need a knife. >Check Out This Knife
8. The Campsite Reservation Confirmation: Always make sure to have the confirmation printed and in your possession before you lave. You might not have cell phone service to download the reservation(s) on your phone. When we went to Yosemite, the park was full so the Park Rangers came by to check my confirmation. I had no cell service so I could have been kicked out if I had not shown proper paperwork.
9. Camera: The Sony A6000 is the camera that I use for all my travels. I will provide a thorough post in the future of all my camera equipment. >Check Out My Camera
10. Tripod: Of course this item is optional, but, if you are into photography it dramatically helps improve your landscape photography. >Click Here For My Tripod
11. Offline Google Maps: As mentioned earlier, many areas do not have cell service so it can be overwhelming not to have those luxuries available. To combat the lack of service, I recommend downloading a Google Offline Map of the area on Google. You can learn all about it here.
12. Hammock: A hammock is a great way to relax at the campsite. There are times when we are just exhausted and love to just lay on the hammock. >Buy The Hammock
13. Compass / Whistle: >Click Here For A Compass
14. Duct Tape: Let’s be honest, duct tape is always good to have around. One time, our crazy dog destroyed my husbands sleeping pad. The duct tape came in handy to patch up to hole temporarily. >Click Here For Duct Tape
15. Shovel: The shovel is nice to have available in case one needs to go to the restroom while on a hike. >Click Here To Buy
16. Solar kit: Solar panels are perfect if you want to keep your electronics charged. I always bring durable recharger in my camera bag. The solar panel is only brought with us if we are going on long extended camping or backpacking trips. You never know if you will portable power! >Check Out This Kit
17. Firewood or coals: A campfire can be the perfect way to end the night after a fun-filled day of outdoor activities. You can usually buy firewood at the campground, but, I wouldn’t always rely on that. We usually try to buy the firewood and coals at Walmart before we get to the campground.
18. Swiss Army Knife: This is always in our backpack just in case we ever need it. We usually have a standard pocket knife as well. >Click Here For A Swiss Army Knife
19. First Aid Kit: I highly recommend having a First Aid Kit at all times. We have used this first aid kit countless times. Our first aid kit comes with many medications such as antacids, aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, allergy relief, and electrolytes. It comes in handy when you least expect it. >Click Here To Buy First Aid Kit
20. Handwarmers: Hand warmers are little bags which provide heat for hours simply after opening the packet. They are perfect for cold winter nights. I usually use them in my sleeping bag at night to keep my toes warm. >Click Here To Find Out More
21. Portable Potty: This is optional but there are portable potties out there that can fit inside a tent if need be.

Read More: Hiking 101 – Day Hiking Gear List

Car Camping Checklist: Personal Items

1. Hand Sanitizer: Typically, parks do not have soap or hand sanitizer available so make sure to bring some of your own just in case. We just keep ours on the picnic table. >Buy Here
2. Sunscreen: Don’t get burned! >Buy Some Sunscreen
3. Lip Balm: For some reason, when we go camping my lips seem to always get chapped. It is nice to have on in the backpack just in case the dry or cold weather chaps your lips. >Check Some Out Here
4. Insect Repellent: Keep the bugs away >Buy Some Bug Spray
5. Toilet Paper: Not all campsites have toilet paper so make sure to bring some!
6. Clean Wipes: If there are no showers than using clean wipes are your next best bet. Make sure these are not scented. Jameson and I decided to wipe ourselves with scented wet wipes one time, and we woke up with a million bites from fleas. We were in pain for weeks. >Buy Wipes Here
7. Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Medicine & Toiletries >Check Out This Toothbrush Here
8. Sunglasses: I usually wear the most fashionable sunglasses when I hike. 🙂 >Check Out These Sunglasses
9. Towel: For showering or enjoying the water. >Check Out This Towel Here

Read More: The 16 Best Backpacking and Camping Hygiene Tips For Outdoorsy Women

Camping Supplies: Food

Below are suggestions on meals at all times of the day. After camping for many years, we have found that these are the easiest and tastiest meals while camping.

1. Breakfast: Oatmeal, Eggs, Breakfast Bars, Coffee
2. Snacks: Beef Jerky, Trail Mix, Energy Bars
3. Lunch: Packed Tuna, Sandwiches, Dry Food
4. Dinner: Fajita Meat, Tortillas, Salsa, Bratwurst, Hamburger Meat, Condiments, Buns, Smores, kebabs
5. Drinks: Water, Tea, Gatorade, Alcohol if permitted

Car Camping List: Clothes

Winter

Many people are put off with winter camping, but I sometimes prefer it. I have learned how to layer myself efficiently, so I am comfortable. During the winter, we usually camp in desert areas where the winter isn’t too harsh such as Utah, Arizona, and some parts of California. The largest incentive for me is the lack of crowds/visitors, and we avoid the blazing heat. Camping at hot temperatures is something we do not enjoy, so we tend to avoid it.

1. Base Layers: Base layers are the bottom layer of clothing that you wear in the winter time. It is essential while camping in the winter and they have kept me warm through many days and nights in the snow. I highly recommend. >Check Out The Women’s Top Here >Check Out The Women’s Bottom Here
2. Warm Hat: I love wearing cute hats in my pictures and the bonus is that it keeps my ears nice and warm 🙂 >Buy A Cute Beanie Here
3. Gloves: Gloves can be tricky to find for winter camping. There have been times that I have had to wear two pairs of gloves just to keep my fingers warm. >Here Are Some Warm Gloves
4. Long Sleeve Shirt: I wear this over my base layers. I suggest bringing many layers to keep you warm in the winter. You can take off as needed. >Check Out These Shirts
5. Long Pants: These are probably the best hiking pants that I have found. They keep you dry in the crazy weather, and they are durable. > Shop my hiking pants here >Check Out My Winter Leggings
6. Sports Bras for Women >Buy A Sports Bra Here
7. Insulating Jacket: Purchasing the right jacket is incredibly important. With a base layer, multiple warm shirts, and the right jacket, you can keep warm while camping in colder conditions. I do have a problem with buying too many jackets so I have tried many of them (Seriously I have taken over the whole coat closet). So I have linked the best two in the market. >Here Is The Mountain Hardwear Jacket >Here Is The Arc’teryx Jacket Which Is The Best Of Best
8. Women’s Hiking Boots or Shoes: Picking out the perfect hiking shoes can be difficult, especially if you have wide feet. Depending on the type and difficulty of the planned hikes, we will bring one pair or the other. I use my hiking boots when I know the trail is difficult or when there are rivers I need to cross. These shoes are waterproof and protect my ankles. I am very impressed with the boot’s toughness and water resistance. I primarily wear the boots for backpacking trips. I love my hiking shoes because they are lighter and easier to pack. I use hiking shoes when I know I am going on an easy or moderate day hike. I would never recommend hiking with regular tennis shoes. Trust me, I have hiked in tennis shoes multiple times, and they make the hike substantially more difficult than it should be.>Buy My Hiking Boots Here >Buy My Hiking Shoes Here
9. Wool socks: I suggest having a pair of thick wool socks for winter. >Buy These SUPER Warm Socks Here
10. Underwear and sleeping clothes
11. Crampons: I always add this to my backpack just in case I run into snow in the trail. >Buy Them Here
12. Gaiters: If you are hiking in snow, this helps prevent shown getting into your shoes and melting. Creating squishy wet feet. >Buy Them Here

Read More: What To Wear Hiking In The Winter

Summer

1. Shorts: I don’t recommend shorts on strenuous hikes, but I love wearing shorts on the easier hikes.
2. Pants: These are probably the best hiking pants that I have found. They keep you dry in the crazy weather, and they are durable. I also wear leggings. > Shop my hiking pants here >Buy Leggings Here
3. Sweat-Wicking Shirts Make sure the shirt is not made out of cotton. >Buy A Sweat Wicking Shirt Here
4. Sports Bras for Women >Buy A Sports Bra Here
5. Swimsuits: You never know if you will come across a lake or beach! >Buy A Swimsuit Here
6. Poncho or Rainjacket: There is always a chance for rain so make sure to pack a poncho or a jacket. >Buy A Rain Jacket Here
7. Sandals: I hate wearing my hiking shoes when I am hanging around the campsite, so bringing some sandals for leisure is a must for me. I just bought these, and they are super comfortable. Perfect for camping. >Check Out These Sandals
8. Women’s Hiking Boots or Shoes: Picking out the perfect hiking shoes can be difficult. Depending on the type and difficulty of the planned hikes, we will bring one pair or the other. I use my hiking boots when I know the trail is difficult or when there are rivers I need to cross. These shoes are waterproof and protect my ankles. I am very impressed with the boot’s toughness and water resistance. I primarily wear the boots for backpacking trips. I love my hiking shoes because they are lighter and easier to pack. I use hiking shoes when I know I am going on an easy or moderate day hike. I would never recommend hiking with regular tennis shoes. Trust me, I have hiked in tennis shoes multiple times, and they make the hike substantially more difficult than it should be. >Buy My Hiking Boots Here >Buy My Hiking Shoes Here
9. Wool Socks: Good socks helps prevent blisters. >These Are Good
10. Underwear and sleeping clothes >Buy Underwear Here

Read More: What To Wear Hiking

Camping With A Car: Tips

1. Always make reservations earlier in advance than you think. The best spots and campgrounds fill up months prior, especially at National Parks.
2. Don’t wear anything scented. Bugs will attack.
3. Most campsites don’t have showers so be prepared to not take a shower for a few days.
4. Try not to bring too many clothes with you. Most beginners pack too many clothes.
5. Always bring the first aid kit and headlamp with you on hikes. You never know when you will need them.
6. Practice the “Leave No Trace Behind” method.

Read More: 60 Amazing Tips On Camping For Beginners

Essential Camping Gear: Conclusion

Camping for the first time can be intimidating and uncomfortable. But if you have the right gear, it could make life easier. Just remember, it took many years for me to obtain all of this equipment. In the end, you will be able to save a lot of money and be able to experience beautiful landscapes all year long. Check out some of my other great posts on camping gear:

• 15 Gift Ideas for Outdoor Enthusiasts
• Best 4 Person Tent for Camping and Backpacking
• Best Sleeping Bags For Women
• The Ultimate Checklist For Road Trip Essentials

Camping Essentials List: Pin For Later