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Checklist for Car Camping

Camping is a great way to go beyond simply hiking to really inundating oneself in the wilderness. Whether you’re planning to pitch a tent as a ‘base camp’ for a few nights or are opting to camp in addition to backpacking (which may involve establishing a new camp site every night), camping with the use of a tent can be an exciting experience. Those who aren’t quite ready to forego the luxuries of the modern world may find themselves dabbling in car camping instead.


Car camping simply means that you load up all of your gear for the trip in your car, pull into your campsite, and set up your tent on a designated tent pad. This experience can be called “base camping” as well, and the benefits of car camping are most felt by the amount of gear one can take, as you aren’t restricted to what you can carry. Car camping requires forethought and preparation in order to ensure a safe and comfortable trip, so be sure to review this checklist for all of your essentials.


Click here  to download a printable PDF shopping list.


Car Camping Essentials


As we’ve stated before, those who partake in car camping get the luxury of bringing more gear than a tent camper or backpacker, as they’re only restricted by what they can safely fit in their car. Depending on how much ‘roughing it’ you want to do, you may end up bringing more gear (and simply keeping the extra stored in your vehicle for times when you’re near your car).

Item

Why You Need It

Battery Jumper Cables

Jump Your Vehicle in Case of Breakdown

Hydraulic System

Lift Heaviest Tire for Your Vehicle

Tire Pressure Gauge

Test Tire Pressure

Camping Tent

Portable Shelter

Truck Tent

Shelter that Attaches to Vehicle

Tent Footprint

Added Protection for Tent Bottom

Tent Poles and Repair Sleeve

Repair Structural Integrity of Tent

Tarp or Screen House

Additional Protection from the Elements

Day Pack

Transport Gear for Quick Day Hiking Trips

Air Mattress

Comfortable Sleeping Base

Mattress Repair Kit

Repair Minor Damage to Air Mattress

Pump

Inflate Your Air Mattress

Sleeping Bag

Insulated Sleeping Equipment

Sleeping Pad

Additional Sleeping Comfort

Pillows

Head Support for Sleeping Comfort

Mallet or Hammer

Secure Stakes into the Ground

Hammock or Cots

Portable Sleeping for Warm Weather

Portable Outhouse

Private Toiletry Needs

Portable Shower

Private Showering Space

Pet Tent, Bed, and Supplies

For Those Bringing Their Pets


Cooking Gear


When camping, you’ll want to ensure that you’ve packed the appropriate items in order to sustain yourself. While trail mix and other snacks are good for day hiking trips, longer camping trips will likely require more preparation for hot, sustaining meals.

Item

Why You Need It

Freeze-Dried and Prepared Food Items

Larger Meals for Sustenance

Camping Cookware

Portable Cookware for Larger Meals

Stove with Fuel

Portable Cooking Equipment

Dishes, Utensils

Portable Food Containers

Water Filtration System

Purify Water On-the-Go

Windscreen

Keep Flames Protected from Wind

Charcoal or Firewood

Fuel Source

Grill Rack

Grill Food Items Atop Cooking Source

Dutch Oven

Cook Soups and Large Batch Items

Portable Coffee/Espresso Maker

Make Coffee/Espresso On-the-Go

Hot-Cold Vacuum Bottle

Keep Drinks at Regulated Temperature

Bottle Opener/Corkscrew

Open Bottles

Can Opener

Easily Open Cans

Trash Bags

Clean Up Your Campsite

Coolers

Store Cooled Items

Ice

Keep Cold Items Chilled

Cutting Board or Cutting Surface

Sanitary Cutting Surface for Foods

Foil

Useful for Cooking and Food Storage

Portable Standing Camp Sink

Dishwashing/Handwashing Needs


Car Camping Basic Gear


Beyond the essentials, many will also opt to stock for a variety of additional hiking activities that may happen along the route. When venturing out from the base camp of your car, you can divvy up the items so that each member of your party is carrying their fair share of items for the excursion. If you’re just using your car as a storage area and only really plan to camp in your tent (not participating in many other hiking or outdoor activities), then you can simply keep most of the heavier goods in your vehicle until you need them.

Item

Why You Need It

Trekking Poles

Adding Traction to Help with Mobility

Binoculars

Improve Your Vision

Batteries

Portable Energy Source

Portable Power/Solar Charger

Charge GPS/Cell Phones

Rope

Can Be Useful in a Variety of Situations

2-Way Radio

Communication with Traveling Partners

Hand/Foot Warmers

Keep Extremities Warm in Cool Conditions

Energy Food/Snacks

Calories

Multifunction Watch

Track Fitness, Progress, Location

Lantern (with Mantle if Needed)

Portable Illumination

Lantern Fuel or Batteries

Energy Supply for Lantern

Quick-Dry Towel

Dry Gear and Yourself

Camera

Capture Images and Memories

GPS/Maps/Compass

Navigational Tools

Lip Balm

Keeps Lips Hydrated

Sunscreen

Protect Skin from Sun’s Rays

Sunglasses

Shield Your Eyes from the Sun

Flashlight/Headlamp

Portable Illumination

Hydration Pack/Water Bottle

Portable Water Source

Knife/Multi-Tool

Essential Tool

Lighter

Light Source and Energy Source

Folding Chairs and Table

Portable Seating and Relaxing Arrangements

Spare Glasses/Contacts

In Case of Loss or Damage

Shower Water Bag

Easily Carry Items in Shower

Car Bin

Organization of Camp Items in Vehicle


Gear for Activities


Some people simply camp as an essential to sustaining long backpacking trips, but many others opt to participate in car camping as a way to establish a base camp as a springboard to other outdoor activities. This is where the benefit to having your car comes in hand, as you can store many heavier items like kayaks, canoes, skis, snowboards, and bikes on the exterior of your vehicle while storing smaller items inside. Here are some additional items to consider in your tent camping stash.

Item

Why You Need It

Car Racks

Transport Large Items on Exterior of Car

Child Carrier

Transport Small Children Securely

Rolling Jogger

Transport Children During Jogging Activities

Bikes (with Helmets)

Active Mobility on Land

Canoe or Kayak

For Water Sports

Float Tubes or Inflatable Boats

Explore Watering Holes

PDFs and/or Helmets

Safety During Water Sports

Fishing Gear

Fish if Camping Near Water

Playing Cards, Games, and Toys

For ‘Down Times’


Clothing


Car camping can occur in a variety of situations and weather conditions, so your attire truly needs to match your needs. Keep in mind that there can be drastic temperature swings, especially when one is camping at different altitudes. Seek shelter in your vehicle if the weather gets too intense.

Item

Why You Need It

Wicking T-Shirt and Pants

Warm Weather Attire

Long-Sleeve Shirt

Sun Protection

Tanktop

Light Torso Protection

Thermal Underwear

Cold Weather Base Layer Insulation

Jacket or Insulated Vest

Keep Warm in Cool Conditions

Bandana or Buff

Keep Hair Off of Face

Mosquito Net Clothing

Keeps the Insects at Bay

Stocking Cap/Beanie

Insulation for Head

Insulated Gloves

Thermal Protection for Hands

Rain Jacket

Shield Yourself from the Elements

Windbreaker/Pullover

Light Torso Protection

Technical Socks

Comfort and Insulation for Feet

Boot Gaiters

Keep Debris out of Shoes


First Aid/Emergency Gear


As with any outdoor activity, you’ll want to ensure that you always bring your first aid essentials along for the trip. Hiking, backpacking, and camping in general can expose adventurers to the elements as well as unfamiliar territory, so pack to prepare for accidents or emergencies that may occur.


A good rule of thumb is to leave your trip itinerary with a friend as well as in your vehicle (under your car seat) in case you become disoriented, lost, or injured. In this manner, not only will your friends have your information, but emergency personnel can also have quick access to documents should they come across your vehicle.

Item

Why You Need It

First Aid Kit

Has All of Your First Aid Essentials

Survival Blanket

Necessary Insulation When Stranded

Fire Starter

Light Fires in Survival Situations

Insect Repellant/Candle

Keep Bugs at Bay

Anti-Itch Cream

Combats Itchiness from Brush

Toiletry Kit

Useful When out in Wilderness

Bear Spray

Detract Bears

Biodegradable Soap

Sanitation for Persons