19 Car Camping Essentials: What to Pack for Car Camping

Car camping is an outdoor activity in which you drive to a campsite or outdoor location and set up camp in or around your vehicle. Car campers can set up a tent near their car or purchase a roof tent that unfolds on the roof of their truck or SUV. Some minimalists customize their vehicle interior with built-in storage and bedding platforms to accommodate this adventurous hobby and lifestyle.

Whether you are a first-time camper or a digital nomad living life on the road, these are three of the best places to set up camp for the night:

1. 1. Campgrounds: The best camping area for introducing new campers to the outdoors is often an established campground. The campground plots will usually have a few basic amenities—such as fire pits, picnic benches, or even showers—to make your stay more comfortable during an overnight camping experience.
2. 2. National parks: Purchase a state park or national park pass that will allow you to car camp overnight in designated areas. Consult local park rangers to learn the local rules and regulations before setting up camp for the night. Take necessary precautions with your food and camping gear to avoid confrontations with bears or other wildlife.
3. 3. Public roads: Some backcountry roads allow overnight camping, although you should research local laws and regulations to avoid costly fines and tickets. The general rule of thumb for dispersed camping is you should remain within 150 feet of the road and be at least 100 feet away from any water source.

Consider adding these items to your car camping checklist when packing for a trip:

1. 1. Air mattress: Comfort is critical when car camping because you'll need quality sleep to recharge for a hike or other outdoor activities the next day. A quality sleeping pad, camping pillow, or air mattress can help create a comfortable and supportive sleeping surface.
   
2. 2. Camping chair: A hammock or foldout chair can provide you with a place to put your feet up and relax outside your sleeping area in your car or tent. If the weather is warm enough on a clear night, you might be able to settle for a minimal shelter with a sleeping bag and hammock setup to rest underneath the stars.
3. 3. Camping tent: Several shelter options are available for purchase that will protect you from the elements. One popular style for frequent car campers with SUVs is the rooftop tent. This tent style sits on a rack above the vehicle's roof, and the floor platform folds out to provide a sturdy base for the tent itself. Additionally, pack a tarp you can hang from trees trunks to provide you with shade during the day.
4. 4. Cell phone charger: You can use a rechargeable power bank, foldable solar panel, or a power converter from your vehicle to charge your smartphone and other devices. Cell connection can be an essential resource if you need to reference an online map or call for help in a survival scenario.
5. 5. Cold weather layers: Weather can change quickly, so it is best to bring packable, insulated layers and blankets to avoid hypothermia or frostbite. A winter beanie, leggings, gloves, and a winter jacket can keep you comfortable and healthy in a winter storm.
6. 6. Cooking utensils: If you plan on cooking during your outdoor adventure, pack tongs, spatulas, and camping silverware so you can prepare camping meals on a grill or in a pan. You can also pack dish soap and paper towels so you can clean your cookware after you finish eating.
7. 7. Day pack: Bring a compact bag or backpack to hold all the essentials you might need for day hikes. Always prepare for the worst when packing a daypack—carry a few days’ worth of water with you and a headlamp, which you will need if you wander off the trail or otherwise become lost at night.
   
8. 8. Duct tape: If you need to patch a hole in your tent, cover a blister, or make a quick bandage or splint, duct tape will be a valuable item to have on hand.
9. 9. First aid kit: Accidents can and do occur in the wilderness, where professional help is often unavailable. Invest in a good first aid kit with enough provisions for you and the rest of your party should an emergency arise. Common items in a basic kit include antiseptic wipes, bandages, medical tape, gauze pads, and pain relievers.
10. 10. Fire starter: The warmth and light of a fire can save your life, so it is always beneficial to carry a lighter, pack of waterproof matches, or fire starter. It’s possible to make your own fire starter from steel and flint, which you can use along with dry tinder to produce a flame.
11. 11. Hiking boots: Packing the right footwear is especially important for a camping trip. Athletic shoes will provide comfort and cushioned support for rigorous activity, while work boots or hiking boots will keep your toes dry and protect your feet from rough terrain. Keep a good pair of hiking shoes in your car in case your vehicle breaks down and you need to walk to the next town for assistance.
12. 12. Multi-tool: There are two main types of multi-tools—one is a pocket-sized tool with a folding knife, pliers, and several other useful tools; the other is a foldable field shovel. Both have utility in a survival situation.
13. 13. Picnic table: You might need extra surface space to accommodate all the ingredients and kitchen gear necessary to prepare your camp meals. A folding camp kitchen table can provide the space you need to chop vegetables on a cutting board or mix other ingredients.
14. 14. Propane camp stove: A hibachi or portable propane stove can be a great cooking tool when you are car camping or staying at a campsite in a fire advisory area where local agencies prohibit campfires.
15. 15. Printable road trip map: A paper terrain map or road map can be an invaluable resource for finding your way if your phone dies or you are in a location without cell service. Especially if you are backpacking alone, it’s a good idea to have on your person a local trail map and a compass so you can find the right direction if you wander off the trail.
16. 16. Toiletries: Hygiene is essential in maintaining your health while traveling or camp. Some basic toiletries might include a toothbrush, toothpaste, baby wipes, hand sanitizer, and toilet paper.
17. 17. Trash bags: Rules vary slightly from one park or campsite to the next, but the "pack it in, pack it out" camping rule is universal. It is essential to leave no trace and collect your trash before leaving a camping location. Store at least three trash bags in your car to separate your garbage, recycling, and compost.
18. 18. Warm weather camping gear: Sunscreen, sunglasses, bug spray or insect repellent, and extra water can protect you from the summer heat when you’re car camping in a warm climate. Depending on the location, you might also want to bring a bandanna to cover your neck while you’re hiking or a swimsuit in case you want to cool off in a nearby lake or stream.
19. 19. Water bottle: Regardless of the activity you engage in, you should always stay hydrated. Pack more water than you think you will actually need on your car camping trip. Use a large water jug or several water bottles. Most campsites will provide a spout so you can refill your drinking water; however, you can also pack a water filter so you can replenish your water supply from nearby streams.

Prepare for any outdoor journey by grabbing a MasterClass Annual Membership and committing Jessie Krebs’s wilderness survival course to memory. As a former United States Air Force Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape instructor, Jessie can teach you everything you need to know about packing for a trip (neon is the new black), purifying water, foraging (crickets: the other white meat), starting a fire, and signaling for help (forget SOS).