26 Car Camping Essentials You’ll Want for a Comfortable Trip
If you’re headed out car camping, there are some essentials that will make your trip safer and more comfortable. Here are some of our top picks.

If you’re just getting started with car camping, you’ll be amazed at just how lovely it is to sleep in the back of your car rather than set up and break down a tent.
I don’t miss those days of putting away a soggy and drippy tent! Plus, sleeping in a car at a campsite feels safer. But, if you are setting up a tent outside your car, you can also benefit from these car camping essentials. We started car camping in a Toyota Prius, then a Chevy Astro, and have now graduated to van life in a Sprinter.
We hope you find this car camping list helpful for all your adventures.
Table of Contents
1)A Camping Pad
A good sleeping pad can make or break a car camping trip, and the Luno Air Mattress 2.0 is a great option if you’re looking for comfort and convenience. It’s designed to fit SUVs and crossovers perfectly, so you don’t have to deal with awkward gaps or uneven surfaces while sleeping.
One of its best features is the dual-sided adjustability, which lets each sleeper customize their side’s firmness. It’s compact, easy to inflate, and tough enough to handle regular camping adventures. Having a solid sleeping setup like this can make car camping feel almost as cozy as home—without the hassle of lugging around bulky gear.
If you don’t want a mattress particular to car camping, any backpacking or camping mattress will work! However, I’d recommend something with more foam for a little more comfort and luxury while car camping. Most backpacking pads are really hard!
2) A Warm Sleeping Bag

You’ll never regret having a super warm sleeping bag when you’re camping in your car. My sleeping bag is rated for 21 degrees, and is always cozy no matter how cold nights get. REI has a large selection of down sleeping bags for a variety of conditions.
3) Rumpl Puffy Blanket

When it comes to comfort during car camping, the Rumpl Puffy Blanket is a fantastic addition to your gear. It’s ideal for those chilly nights under the stars. The blanket combines the technical materials found in premium sleeping bags so you stay warm and cozy wherever your adventure takes you.
One of the best features is its versatility. The blanket is machine washable, which makes it easy to care for. It’s also lightweight and packable, so you won’t have trouble fitting it into your camping setup. Whether you’re heading to a campsite or just lounging in your backyard, the Rumpl Puffy Blanket is a convenient choice.
If you’re looking for something even lighter, the Rumpl Backcountry Blanket is what we have, and is a great addition for your bed or your camp chair on a chilly evening.
4) Sea to Summit Aeros Pillow

When you’re setting up for a cozy night of car camping, the Sea to Summit Aeros Pillow offers a great blend of comfort and convenience. It’s lightweight and compact, making it easy to stow in your camping gear.
The lightweight camping pillow inflates easily and can be adjusted to your preferred firmness with just a few breaths. Whether you’re traveling solo or with family, this pillow makes car camping a more pleasant experience.
5) Jetboil Flash Cooking System

We used our JetBoil Flash cooking system for years, both for backpacking and car camping. It heats up water very quickly, perfect for coffee, ramen, or dehydrated meals.
This compact system is designed for efficiency, making it a handy tool during your adventures. Ready to tackle three-season camping, the Flash Cooking System is both lightweight and portable, ensuring it won’t weigh you down on your travels.
6) Camp Stove

When you’re car camping, a camp stove is a key piece of equipment. We like the two-burner GSI Outdoors Selkirk camping stove which has excellent simmer control.
Instead of using the throwaway 1-pound green propane cannisters, we bought a hose and propane tank that we can easily fill up at gas stations with a propane fill. This is way more environmentally friendly and the propane lasts longer.
7) GSI Outdoors Folding Table

When you’re setting up camp, having a reliable folding table can make all the difference. The GCI Outdoors Folding Table is a fantastic choice for car camping trips. Its lightweight design makes it easy to transport and set up at your campsite. We used this table for years when camping out of our Chevy Astro van.
Constructed from anodized aluminum, the GCI collapsible table it is both durable and sturdy. This material ensures that it can withstand outdoor conditions while supporting up to 20 pounds.
8) Camp Chairs

We just added the Flexible Boss Chairs to our car camping setup, and they are amazing! Before, we used smaller versions of these chairs, but the large one is a major upgrade for us.
These camp chairs fold down to a very small size, making them perfect for car camping, Plus, they are comfortable and offer plenty of back support.
9) CamelBak Chute Mag Water Bottle
When you’re planning a car camping adventure, staying hydrated is crucial. The CamelBak Chute Mag Water Bottle is a stellar choice to keep you refreshed. Its design includes a magnetic cap that securely stows away, making it spill-proof and easy to use wherever you are.
This water bottle is available in different materials and sizes, such as the 25 oz insulated stainless steel version and others. The insulated design helps maintain the temperature of your drink, whether you prefer it hot or cold.
10) USB Rechargeable Black Diamond Headlamp
I already love Black Diamond headlamps, but the USB rechargeable headlamp is the best one yet. You don’t have to scramble for batteries when this headlamp runs low. Simply plug it in and charge it! You can use your car’s cigarette lighter or a portable power station. The headlamp’s charge lasts a really long time, though, so if you charge it before your camping trip, you’ll be good to go for many days.
11) GSI Outdoors Bugaboo Camper Cooking Set

The GSI Outdoors Bugaboo Camper cooking set is a must-have for any car camping trip. Designed to cater to four people, it includes everything you need to cook and enjoy meals outdoors. The set features two pots, a frying pan, and strainer lids to help make meal prep a breeze.
The portability of the Bugaboo Camper makes it ideal for family outings.
12) Lodge Cast Iron Skillet
When preparing for a car camping trip, including a Lodge Cast Iron Skillet in your gear is a wise choice. It is known for durability and versatility, making it perfect for outdoor cooking.
This skillet is pre-seasoned, which means you can use it right out of the box. You can use it on your camp stove, or even over the open flame of a campfire.
13) Camping Cooking and Eating Utensils
When planning your next car camping adventure, don’t forget to include a camping utensils and cooking tools.
The GSI Crossover Kitchen Kit is a compact and convenient solution for car camping. It includes essential tools like Pivot tongs, spoon, and spatula with foldable, durable handles, plus a cutting board, spice holder, scraper, scrubby pad, and camp towel. Two squeeze bottles for oil and soap add extra practicality, and all items fit neatly into a lightweight, organized tote with wet and dry compartments.
14) Insulated Plates

Insulated plates make a huge difference when you’re camping. Not only can you hold hot food on your lap, but your food will stay warmer longer during chilly evenings.
We use these insulated plates from HydroFlask. They’re 10.5″ and made from pro-grade stainless steel. We’ve had them for years and highly recommend them!
15) Insulated Mug

When you’re out car camping, an insulated mug like the Yeti Rambler is a must-have. It keeps your coffee hot during those cool morning starts or maintains your drinks chilled on a sunny afternoon.
Insulated mugs come in various materials like stainless steel, which is highly durable and excellent at heat retention. Look for ones with double-wall vacuum insulation to prevent condensation and protect your hands from extreme temperatures. This feature is key for keeping your drink hot or cold for extended periods.
16) Melitta Pourover

When you’re gearing up for an outdoor adventure, a dependable coffee maker is a must. The Melitta Pourover is a favorite among car campers for its simplicity and performance. You can enjoy a rich, flavorful cup of coffee without needing any electricity.
The setup is straightforward. Place a filter inside the dripper, add your coffee grounds, and pour hot water over using your JetBoil. You’ll have a fresh cup of coffee in minutes. Its compact design fits easily with your camping gear, making it ideal for outdoor trips.
17) Cooler

A cooler is a must-have for any car camping trip. It’s your best friend when it comes to keeping food fresh and drinks ice-cold. With the right cooler, you can enjoy fresh meals and refreshing beverages throughout your adventure without worry.
When choosing a cooler, consider its size and capacity. It’s important to have enough room for all your perishables while ensuring it fits snugly in your car. Also, think about the cooler’s insulation ability. Better insulation means your ice lasts longer, saving you from constant refills.
You can read our post about the best camping coolers here.
18) Sea to Summit Solar Shower

When you’re out car camping, the Sea to Summit Solar Shower is a game-changer. Lightweight and compact, this shower is easy to pack and carry. It’s designed with portability in mind and folds down to a size of a deck of cards! We’ve used this shower for years, both in our campervan and on our sailboat.
This solar shower uses a 10-liter capacity and features a twist nozzle that helps you control the water pressure. The black fabric absorbs sunlight, heating the water naturally for a pleasant shower experience even in the wilderness.
19) Biodegradable Body Wipes
When you’re out car camping, staying fresh and clean is important. Biodegradable body wipes like these Sea to Summit Wilderness Wipes are a fantastic choice because they let you refresh without harming the environment. These wipes are designed to break down naturally, making them perfect for eco-conscious adventurers.
Many biodegradable wipes are made from plant-based materials, ensuring you avoid harsh chemicals. They come in various sizes, with some offering extra-large options for full-body use. Unscented versions are ideal if you prefer a neutral feel.
20) Dry Shampoo

When you’re out car camping, maintaining fresh and clean hair can be a challenge. Dry shampoo comes to the rescue, offering a quick and easy way to keep your hair looking great without water.
Dry shampoo absorbs excess oil and leaves your hair smelling fresh. You can find it in spray or powder form, making it versatile for any camping adventure.
21) Dr. Bronner’s Biodegradable Soap
When you’re preparing for a car camping trip, Dr. Bronner’s Biodegradable Soap is a versatile and eco-friendly addition to your gear. Known for its commitment to environmentally conscious products, Dr. Bronner’s offers a soap that can handle multiple tasks during your outdoor adventures. You can use it for washing your hands, body, and even your dishes, making it a handy tool for campers.
This soap is available in different scents, but the unscented version is often recommended to avoid attracting wildlife to your campsite. Made with natural ingredients, it ensures that you can stay clean without harming the environment. It’s important to use it away from natural water sources to protect aquatic habitats, as even a small amount can disrupt the water’s pH levels.
22) Turkish Towel
We are obsessed with Turkish towels because they are lightweight and dry really quickly. They absorb water better than a microfiber towel and are large enough to wrap around your body.
Turkish towels are versatile and can serve multiple purposes during your camping trips. You can use them as beach towels, picnic blankets, or even lightweight throws for those cool evenings around the campfire. They also double as a stylish coverup or shawl when you need it.
23) Luci String Lights

Luci String Lights are a great addition to your car camping gear. These lights are compact and portable, making them easy to pack along for any trip. They provide 100 lumens of brightness with 10 nodes on an 18-foot cord, ensuring your campsite is well-lit and inviting after sunset.
You can power them using solar energy, which makes them eco-friendly and convenient. If the sun’s not out, there’s also the option to charge them via a USB connection, though it uses a micro-USB plug.
They’re perfect for hanging in your tent, around the campsite, or even on your RV.
24) Collapsible Water Jug

When you’re heading out for a car camping adventure, a collapsible water jug is a must-have. It offers the convenience of carrying ample water while saving space with its compact design.
These jugs fold down neatly when not in use, making them easy to pack away. They help maximize your storage, so you have more room for other essentials.
Look for a jug that is leak-proof and made from BPA-free materials. This ensures safe drinking water during your trip.
25) Garmin InReach Mini
When you head out for a car camping adventure, staying connected is crucial. The Garmin InReach Mini can help with that task. This compact satellite communicator is perfect for those moments when cell service is unreliable or unavailable.
You’ll appreciate its lightweight design, making it easy to pack. Even in the remotest areas, you can send and receive text messages, thanks to its two-way messaging capability. This feature is not only handy for staying in touch with loved ones but also can provide peace of mind.
If emergencies arise, the InReach Mini has you covered. It includes an interactive SOS feature that connects you to their international emergency coordination center 24/7. This can be invaluable when unexpected situations occur.
26) Cigarette Lighter Inverter
A cigarette lighter inverter is a handy tool for your car camping adventures. It converts the DC power from your car’s cigarette lighter into AC power, allowing you to charge and power devices like laptops and small appliances.
If you’re planning to power multiple devices or larger appliances, consider getting an inverter with higher wattage. Remember, inverters over 500 watts require a stronger battery, like a 12-volt deep cycle battery, for better performance during your trips.
Whether charging your phone or running a mini-fridge, a cigarette lighter inverter ensures you keep your essentials powered on the road. Just make sure to check the power capacity of your inverter and the compatibility with your car’s battery.
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