Car camping is one of the most convenient ways to explore the great outdoors, whether you’re embarking on a quick weekend getaway or an extended adventure. The beauty of car camping is that you have the flexibility to bring along more gear than you would if you were hiking or backpacking, making it easier to enjoy some comforts while still staying close to nature.
But with that flexibility comes the challenge of remembering everything you’ll need for a successful trip. We’ve put together a detailed car camping checklist to help you stay organized and ensure you’ve got everything covered—from the essentials like shelter and food to those small, often overlooked items that can make a huge difference when you’re out in the wild. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or just getting started, this checklist will help you be prepared for your next adventure.
Car Camping Essentials Checklist
Shelter & Sleeping
1. Tent
- Car-compatible tent or freestanding tent
- Ground tarp or footprint (to protect tent base)
- Tent stakes & guylines
2. Sleeping Bag
- Temperature-rated for expected weather
- Sleeping bag liner for extra warmth
3. Sleeping Pad/Mat
- Self-inflating pad, air mattress, or foam pad
- Optional: Car air mattress (designed for SUV/backseat sleeping)
4. Pillows
- Camping pillow or regular pillow from home
5. Extra Blankets
- For chilly nights or lounging outside the tent
6. Camping Cot (Optional)
- Foldable cot if you prefer sleeping off the ground
Camp Furniture
1. Camping Chairs
- Lightweight, foldable chairs for seating
2. Camping Table
- Compact, foldable table for food prep and dining
3. Hammock (Optional)
- Portable hammock for lounging or napping
Cooking & Food Prep
1. Camp Stove/Grill
- Portable propane stove or grill
2. Fuel
- Propane canisters or other fuel sources
3. Lighters/Matches
- Waterproof matches or windproof lighter
4. Cooler
- Insulated cooler for perishable foods
- Consider a powered cooler for longer trips
5. Cookware
- Pots, pans, kettle
- Portable BBQ utensils
- Skewers for roasting marshmallows or grilling
6. Utensils
- Forks, knives, spoons (durable, reusable camping sets)
7. Plates, Bowls, & Cups
- Lightweight, durable camping dishes (silicone or metal)
8. Cutting Board & Knife
- Foldable cutting board and sharp kitchen knife
9. Coffee Maker/French Press
- Portable coffee maker or collapsible pour-over set
10. Food Storage
- Airtight containers or resealable bags
- Bear-proof containers (if needed for certain locations)
11. Trash Bags
- Heavy-duty, eco-friendly options
12. Dishwashing Supplies
- Biodegradable soap, sponge, and washbasin
Food & Drinks
1. Non-Perishable Foods
- Granola bars, canned food, trail mix, jerky
- Instant oatmeal or freeze-dried meals
2. Perishable Foods (for short trips)
- Pre-marinated meats, fresh fruits, and vegetables
- Dairy or cheeses (stored in cooler)
3. Water & Hydration
- Large water container or bottles (at least 2 gallons per person, per day)
- Water filtration system or purifying tablets (for longer trips)
4. Beverages
- Coffee, tea, hot chocolate
- Reusable mugs, bottles, or canteens
Camp Lighting & Electronics
1. Headlamps or Flashlights
- Battery-powered or rechargeable headlamps with extra batteries
2. Lanterns
- Portable, rechargeable lanterns for campsite illumination
3. String Lights (Optional)
- LED or solar string lights for ambiance
4. Portable Power Bank
- To charge devices like phones, cameras, etc.
5. Portable Solar Panels (Optional)
- Solar charger for longer trips with minimal access to power
Navigation & Safety
1. GPS or Map & Compass
- Offline GPS, map, or traditional compass for backcountry navigation
2. First Aid Kit
- Comprehensive kit with bandages, antiseptic, and any necessary medication
3. Multi-Tool/Knife
- Versatile tool with knife, scissors, and other functions
4. Fire Extinguisher
- Small, portable extinguisher for fire safety
5. Bear Spray (if camping in bear country)
- Essential for protection in certain environments
6. Emergency Blanket
- Compact, heat-reflecting emergency blanket
Clothing & Footwear
1. Layered Clothing
- Base layers (moisture-wicking shirts, thermal tops)
- Mid-layers (fleece or insulated jacket)
- Outer layers (rain jacket, windbreaker)
2. Pants & Shorts
- Quick-dry, breathable fabrics
3. Hiking Boots or Shoes
- Comfortable, sturdy footwear suitable for trails and rugged terrain
4. Socks (Wool or Synthetic)
- Warm, moisture-wicking socks for multiple days
5. Hat & Sunglasses
- Wide-brim hat and UV-protected sunglasses for sun protection
6. Rain Gear
- Rain pants and jacket for unpredictable weather
7. Swimwear (Optional)
- For swimming in lakes or rivers
Personal Hygiene & Comfort
1. Toiletries
- Biodegradable soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.
2. Camping Shower (Optional)
- Solar shower bag or portable shower system
3. Towels
- Quick-dry, lightweight towels
4. Toilet Paper & Trowel
- For bathroom needs (if no facilities are available)
5. Hand Sanitizer & Wet Wipes
- Easy cleanup when water is scarce
6. Insect Repellent & Sunscreen
- Protection from bugs and UV rays
Comfort & Leisure Items
1. Camp Games
- Deck of cards, frisbee, or travel games
2. Portable Speaker (Optional)
- For playing music or podcasts (keep noise levels respectful)
3. Books or Kindle
- For relaxation at the campsite
4. Binoculars (Optional)
- Perfect for bird watching or stargazing
5. Journal/Notebook
- To capture thoughts, ideas, or sketches during your trip
Car-Specific Gear
1. Roof Rack or Cargo Box (Optional)
- Extra storage space for gear
2. Car Organizer or Backseat Storage
- To keep camping essentials neatly stored in your vehicle
3. Portable Car Fridge (Optional)
- Powered fridge for longer trips or fresh food storage
4. Car Battery Jumper
- In case of battery issues during the trip
5. 12V Portable Car Charger
- Charge devices directly from your car
6. Portable Air Compressor & Tire Inflator
- For tire emergencies or air adjustments
Miscellaneous
1. Daypack
- Small backpack for hikes or day trips away from camp
2. Fishing Gear (Optional)
- Rod, tackle, and license (if fishing)
3. Camera
- To capture scenic moments
4. Camp Flag or Identifier (Optional)
- Helps you quickly locate your campsite
5. Ziplock Bags or Dry Bags
- Keep important items (electronics, clothes) dry
6. Bungee Cords or Straps
- For securing gear inside or outside the vehicle
7. Repair Kit & Duct Tape
- For tent, sleeping bag, or air mattress repairs
8. Car Manual & Emergency Kit
- Ensure you have essential tools and knowledge in case of a breakdown
9. Blankets or Emergency Blankets
- For warmth or emergency situations
10. Campfire Permit (if applicable)
- Required in certain areas for fire safety
11. Binoculars or Stargazing Guide (Optional)
- Perfect for bird watching or stargazing on clear nights
We’ve put together a detailed car camping checklist to help you stay organized an...
Car camping is the perfect blend of adventure and comfort,...