Before I even start this, I want to say: everyone is different.
No two people will look at an item on this list the same.
Because of this, I’ve included quite a few more items than you’d probably want to bring (or that would even fit).
Since camping is situational, some will need certain items and others won’t.
But since you will be bringing your car, having a few extra items won’t hurt.
So now that that’s out of the way, check out my favorite car camping gear!
Note: we’re talking about car camping here, not truck camping!
Disclaimer: Some links may be affiliate links. We may get paid if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of these.
First, A Car
Duh. Next item!
A Solid Tent
Since you’ll have your car with you you don’t have to worry about bringing a lightweight tent.
So you can get one that’s a little bigger or that has more things you’d like.
Now, some may argue that you don’t even need a tent while car camping.
I currently drive a 2004 Toyota Corolla…so I’ll be bringing a tent.
When I go camping it’s usually just my girlfriend, our dogs, and myself.
We like to keep it simple (and we still have school loans), so we go with the $45 (at the time of writing) 4 person Coleman Sundome tent (link to Amazon).
A Pad Or Tarp
You gotta protect your investment!
Putting a protective layer underneath your tent helps protect it from getting ripped or torn.
And it’s a whole lot cheaper to replace a tarp than it is a tent.
It’s actually free if you’re okay with using two tarps.
Harbor Freight has a free (or super cheap) 5ft 6in by 7ft 6in tarp with purchase coupon.
Just get a couple of those and overlap them under your tent.
Alternatively, Amazon sells an 8ft by 10ft tarp for $14.
Whichever you choose, just make sure you get one and lay it under your tent.
A Screenhouse
I live in Florida.
Camping in Florida, for those of you who don’t know, is also known as camping in mosquitoville.
Since I’m bringing my car, I like to set up a small table and chairs to hang out outside the tent.
And I don’t fancy having all of my blood taken away while I’m sitting there, so I bring a screenhouse.
My girlfriend’s mom was kind enough to let us have their old one, but if I were to buy a new one I’d probably stick with this 10ft by 10ft Coleman to match my tent.
A Table And Chairs
If the campsite has a picnic table we don’t bother bringing a table, but if not then having one in the screenhouse is awesome for eating and playing card games.
We go super simple with the chairs and use the $5 ones from Academy Sports.
Blankets
When we go car camping we bring blankets instead of sleeping bags.
I recommend bringing an extra blanket just in case it gets chilly.
Remember you aren’t in a house!
Air Mattress
Yeah we go all out glamping when we bring the car.
You can tell by the $8 twin air mattresses we use, straight from your local Walmart.
Don’t forget a pump with a DC plug that works with your car!
Or if you’d like to spend your entire camping trip blowing up your air mattress, skip the pump and use a garbage bag like this guy (make sure it’s a one-way valve)!
A Hammock (Stand Optional)
Fun fact: I use to go to the local flea market to try and sell my personal branded hammocks and incense sticks (RIP SandJay Hammocks & Curing Aromas).
Another fun fact: this is the hammock stand I used to display my hammocks.
I still use it to this day!
If there won’t be any trees or the campsite doesn’t allow hanging on trees, a portable stand will allow you to hang with no problems.
Light Sources
I bring quite a few light sources (I’m not scared of the dark you are!) when doing any kind of camping.
Having a nice lantern (I use these from Amazon) can illuminate quite a bit, but a nice flashlight works well too.
Those lanterns are ‘As Seen On TV’.
They were a Christmas gift and I think they work great.
And you can’t forget about your trusty headlamp for when you need your hands free.
Fire Starter
I always pack a couple lighters when car camping.
But I also like to work on my firemaking skills so I pack these ferro rod fire starters (link to Amazon).
Cooking/Eating Supplies
What’s cool about camping supplies is they come bundled up and are easy to store.
I really like this pack of cooking utensils (Amazon link) because it’s got the essentials (spatula, tongs, scissors, etc.) with a few niche items all packed into a carrying case.
You can pack a couple spoons and forks and your favorite sauce packs or spices in the carrying case as well.
For plates, cups, etc. we just bring a couple from home.
We also bring our travel mugs (link to Amazon) to keep drinks cool.
Speaking of keeping things cool.
Literally The Most Expensive Cooler You Can Find
Just kidding.
We’re not super picky with keeping things crazy cool or having our ice last 3 weeks.
A lot of the places I’ve gone camping at have had a vending machine near the showers or an ice machine at least, so if I want a cold drink I can have one.
We just bring a regular cooler (with wheels of course because car camping is glamping) and some ice.
If you wanna get fancy with an awesome car camping gadget, you can check out this car-powered cooler (Amazon link) that can heat or cool things inside of it.
First Aid Kit (Including Medications)
Had to put this in here somewhere.
Everyone needs a first aid kit.
You just never know what might happen and you always want to be prepared.
You can buy a premade first aid kit (Amazon link) or assemble one yourself.
Just remember to bring any medications you take and add it to your kit, and some headache relief medicine isn’t a bad idea either!
Hygiene & Feminine Products
I always have my toiletry bag filled with toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc. that I bring everywhere.
Feminine products are always good to have just in case (did you know tampons also make great tinder?).
A pack of wipes will also help you to maintain good hygiene while you’re in the great outdoors.
A Good Knife, Hatchet, & Multi-tool
I’m no expert at whittling or any skill that involves a knife.
But I’d like to think I’m getting better.
I bring the knife for fun, but it’s always a nice thing to have.
The hatchet can be used to chop firewood and the multi-tool can be used for multiple things. 😉
When I’m car camping I don’t see the need to bring both so I bring this combined hatchet multi-tool (Amazon link).
Things To Not Forget
No matter what I decide to bring, these are the things that I try to never forget:
- Sunscreen – it’s super hot in Florida and sunburn sucks!
- Bug spray – remember mosquitoville?
- Phone charger – I try to unplug while I’m camping, but you can never be too careful so I always keep my phone charged.
- A light source – worst case my phone will work, but I like to make sure I have at least 1 other light source.
- Extra batteries – in case the light source dies.
- Way to start a fire – there’s about 93 million ways to start a fire (here’s a bunch of ways to do it without matches). I always try to bring at least one or two.
The Rest Is Your Choice!
These are the things that I bring while car camping.
If there is something you like to do while camping, be sure to pack for that.
If you’re going to a campground that has specific activities, pack for that as well.
Whatever you decide to bring, the important thing is to just have fun!